Research guides

About our research guides

The Lloyd’s Register Heritage Centre is home to over 1 million archive records, some 60,000 books and publications and nearly 400 museum objects, created by or acquired by Lloyd’s Register since it was founded in 1760.

The archive material, such as minute books, survey reports, plans, photographs and journals, dates back to the reconstitution of Lloyd’s Register in 1834. Like many business archives, these records detail the activities of an organisation and cover operational organisation, staff records, legal records and records of the surveying activities carried out by Lloyd’s Register. They detail changes in the maritime world, through industrial revolutions and great engineering transitions. The archives also cover records relating to organisations that merged with Lloyd’s Register over the years, such as the Liverpool Underwriters Registry for Iron Vessels and the British Corporation Register, and other material that was donated or deposited with the organisation.

The library dates back to 1852, when a principal surveyor deposited a collection of books with Lloyd’s Register before he passed, and Lloyd’s Register has been collecting books relating to shipbuilding, engineering and a wide range of topics since.

Navigating mixed collections and catalogues can sometimes prove difficult and dauting, the Heritage Centre has compiled the useful guides below to help steer you in the right direction. Some of these are arranged by themes, whereas some focus on specific materials or types of records.

Search by collection

Wooden library interior with bookshelves, an ornate rug, and a doorway leading to more books.

Lloyd's Register Foundation Heritage Centre Library collections

With approximately 60,000 items in the Lloyd's Register Foundation Library, spanning maritime safety, engineering, navigation, and shipbuilding, the collection preserves knowledge from 1760 to the present day.

Vintage photograph in an album showing three men in formal attire examining something on a boat deck, labelled "An Engineering Problem."

Lloyd's Register staffing and employment records

Details on the staffing and employment records of Lloyd's Register in the UK and Ireland since 1833. These resources include officer lists, letterbooks, salary information, and social club records -particularly from the Cricket Club.

Red leather book cover of "Underwriters' Registry for Iron Vessels 1866-1867" from Liverpool with gold ship emblem.

Liverpool Underwriters’ Register for Iron Vessels

The Liverpool Underwriters’ Registry for Iron Vessels was an alternative classification register established in 1862 to survey and class iron vessels at the port of Liverpool, addressing safety and construction standards.

Historic black and white photograph of a steamship in water with onlookers gathered on the shore.

Safety at sea

The Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s Archive documents a range of historic activities related to improving and advancing the cause of safety at sea. These records revolve around marine classification and certification, as well as the formation of international conventions and standards.

A vintage book with black leather cover, showing a university seal and "SECRET" label, resting on a decorative surface.

World War records in the Lloyd’s Register archives

Lloyd’s Register archives provide detailed records into the organisation’s involvement during both World Wars. The collections include official records, special wartime books and donations.

Cover of "Yacht Register" from 1878, green with gold embossing and Lloyd's Register seal

Lloyd’s Register Yachts Register

Lloyd’s Register has documented and surveyed yachts since the mid-19th century, starting with the Yacht Registration Society in 1878. These records contain technical plans, survey reports, and ownership details for thousands of yachts.

Historical photograph of a partially sunken ship in rough waters, showing its damaged hull and masts.

Shipwreck records

The Heritage Centre offers shipwreck research resources from the 18th century onwards, including photographic collections and detailed unpublished Wreck Books.

Classification and Survey: Ship plans and survey reports

Totalling over 1.1 million documents, the ship plans and survey reports document the inspection, classification and maintenance of vessels undertaken by Lloyd’s Register surveyors.

Gold seal of the British Corporation for the Survey and Registration of Shipping from 1890, featuring a lion and ship on dark leather.

British Corporation Register of Shipping & Aircraft, 1890-1949

The British Corporation for the Survey and Registry of Shipping competed with Lloyd’s Register by providing alternative marine standards, and, later, aircraft inspections.

Historic legislative chamber with ornate ceiling, rows of wooden desks, and classical architecture in black and white.

Lloyd's Register estate records

Records on the design, construction, and alterations to offices owned or occupied by Lloyd’s Register dating from the late 19th century.

An old ship registry or manifest showing vessel names, captains, ports, and other maritime details in a ledger book.

Institutions holding historical maritime resources

This guide outlines key institutions housing historical maritime resources that complement the Heritage Centre collection.

Scuba diver working on underwater archaeological site with grid markers and artifacts on sandy seabed.

Maritime Archaeology resources

The remnants of maritime culture on land as well as underwater form an endearing story of our global maritime and industrial heritage. Explore the archaeology resources that link together maritime collections in the UK.