HMRC presents 400-year-old documents to National Archives

Over 300 historic documents, dating from 1612 all the way to 1950, will be transferred from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to The National Archives to be preserved for the nation.

A total of 323 documents have been moved from Custom House in London to HMRC’s new regional centre in Stratford. They will then be processed and stored by The National Archives, based in Kew.

A number of the documents have survived the English Civil War, the Great Fire of London and the London Blitz.

Up until now the documents, which relate to the people who lived in the City of London more than 400 years ago, had been securely stored within HMRC’s former City of London base at Custom House, 20 Lower Thames Street. They include vellum and parchment documents bearing the seal of King James I and a document related to an English Civil War dispute bearing the mark of the Lord Protector, Richard Cromwell. 

Custom House on the north bank of the Thames was constructed in 1814 and was used for the collection of tax and duties for more than 200 years. A customs presence has been in this area of the City of London since the 14^th Century. Before 1814, Custom House was based nearby at Sugar Quay, close to the Old Billingsgate Market.

The records are made up of mortgage and leasehold agreements, Land Tax receipts, copies of Last Will and Testaments, burial certificates, legal rulings on land ownership, marriage and settlement documents, a 17^th Century Deed of Scoffment and in the early 20^thCentury - permissions for roadways to be built to allow access to Billingsgate Market. Together the Custom House records give an insight into over 400 years of history.

Once they have been processed and stored by The National Archives, the Custom House records will be available for the public to view.

Angela MacDonald, Deputy Chief Executive, HMRC, said:

“The Custom House records offer a rare and detailed glimpse into the history of the City of London. They not only detail issues surrounding land ownership and governance, but also show snippets of the lives of residents.

“We are delighted to have been able to help preserve these wonderful documents. They will help to bring the people, commerce, and law from 17^thCentury London closer to home.”

Notes for editors

1. HMRC’s Stratford Regional Centre is based at 14 Westfield Avenue, Stratford. The 240,000 square feet office space accommodates around 4,400 HMRC employees. It opened in March 2021.
2. Richard Cromwell was the second and last Lord Protector of the Commonwealth after succeeding his father, Oliver Cromwell, in September 1658. He only held the post for nine months before stepping down, paving the way for the restoration of the monarchy.
3. Scoffment is an archaic term from the 17^th Century. A deed of Scoffment allowed an individual, or their representatives, to claim someone was not of their right mind as mitigation for civil or criminal proceedings.
4. For information on how the public can view records held by The National Archives visit: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/
5. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice