London Ambulance Service Historic Collection

Background

As one of the world’s oldest and largest ambulance services we have a unique, long and interesting history. This history is supported by a large collection of historical vehicles, equipment and items which have been amassed over the years and which now form our Historic Collection. Our collection includes 30 vehicles, medical equipment, uniforms, blue prints, documents, books, badges, medals and other ambulance related items.

The vehicles in the collection range from hand or horse-drawn carriages of the late 1800s up to more modern vehicles from the 1980s and 2000s. We have examples of ambulances from every decade over the last 120 years.

Our collection is run and maintained largely by volunteers from within the London Ambulance Service, some of whom used the vehicles and equipment when they were in service. The collection can provide not only a classic ambulance, but also an experienced member of staff in period dress, which creates a memorable attraction for any event.

Vehicles, medical equipment and uniforms are available for hire to the film and television industries as well as weddings, proms, funerals and other public engagements.

How to work with us

We can work on long-term projects or one-off arrangements. Contact the Head of Historical Collections in the contact section to make your enquiry.

Alongside the Historical Collection team, our Commercial team can also support, particularly with the arrangement of long term services and contracts. Our Commercial team can be contacted via the contact us section also.

Help us fund the Charitable Collection

Charitable funding helps us undertake larger projects and improve the Collection as a whole. Support is needed to help with:

• Digitisation – To provide greater access and prolonged availability for the future
• Renovation – To restore and repair classic vehicles
• Presentation – To provide projected displays that can be shared more broadly

London Ambulance Historical Collection – JustGiving