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The National Archives | New document releases
Highlights of new document releases from The National Archives
Copyright: (C) The National Archives, see for terms and conditions of reuse.
Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:01:00 GMT
New document releases
New Security Service files released
Security Service records released today include files on prominent individuals, as well as investigations into the Hilter Youth and the Communist links of Theatre Workshop.
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:05:00
Newly released records from 1979
Government records from 1979, including Cabinet minutes and memoranda and files from the Prime Minister's Office (PREM 16 and PREM 19 series), the highlights of which are now online.
Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMT
Famous names in latest Security Service release
New releases from the Security Service, available now to download, feature fascinating files on Hitler’s deputy, Martin Bormann, actor and director Sam Wanamaker and other high-profile figures from the Second World War and post-war period.
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMT
New government files released
The National Archives had released new files; subjects range from biological warfare to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Cabinet Secretary’s notebook for the period from November 1957 to December 1958 has also been released.
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 GMT
Alien seduction or a bad chat-up line - official UFO files released
From a boomerang-shaped UFO seen from Heathrow to close encounters in Norwich, the latest release of files at The National Archives sheds further light on the mystery of UFOs. This third instalment of UFO files transferred by the Ministry of Defence covers 1987 to 1993. Files are available to download for free for a month from nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos.
Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:01:00 GMT
Highlights of Security Service files released at The National Archives
The latest Security Service release covers subjects from the Second World War period and beyond, including personal files on Romanian defector Alexandru Ionescu, celebrity photographer Lee Miller, actress Mai Zetterling, right-wing extremist Ralph Dawson and Portuguese secret agent Gastao de Freitas Ferraz.
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT
1978 revealed - new files
The National Archives has released over 5,000 government records from 1978, including documents shining new light on James Callaghan's Cabinet in the run-up to the "Winter of discontent".
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 GMT
UFO sightings, 1986 - 1992
These files contain reported sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) between 1986 and 1992. Highlights include the near collision of a passenger jet and UFO in Kent and the pilots of a US Air Force jet being ordered to shoot down a UFO over East Anglia.
Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Cabinet Secretaries’ notebooks released
The notebooks of Sir Norman Brook, Cabinet Secretary from 1947, have now been released, detailing key issues such as the reform of the House of Lords (1956) and the Suez Canal crisis.
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Wartime broadcasting service file released
This file contains documents detailing discussions between the BBC and various government departments on the use of a pre-recorded announcement in the case of a nuclear attack.
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Files released in October 2008
A selection of files released in October 2008.
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:05:00 GMT
New Security Service file releases
Over 150 Security Service files dating from around the time of the Second World War have been opened.
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:05:00 GMT
Phone tapping in the Second World War
This file contains extracts of 'indiscreet conversations' by members of large firms and public utility companies during the Second World War.
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 GMT
Meeting between Kennedy and Khrushchev in 1961
This file contains correspondence between the Prime Minister's office and the British ambassador in Washington about holding any such meeting during a presidential visit to London and Paris.
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 GMT
Files released in August 2008
A selection of files released in August 2008.
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 GMT
Cabinet Secretaries' notebook (CAB 195/14)
The minutes taken at Cabinet meetings in 1955 and 1956 include the debate on Capital Punishment.
Mon, 30 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT
MoD Deception Operations
This file outlines the findings of the UK´s Defence Deception Advisory Group's trip to the United States in April 1970.
Mon, 30 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Arming of WRAF personnel
In the wake of the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act in 1975, the British Armed Forces were made to reconsider their position on arming their female staff.
Mon, 30 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Files released in May 2008
A selection of files released in May 2008.
Mon, 05 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Files released in April 2008
A selection of files released in April 2008.
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Gordon Perry: suspected of working for the Nazis
The file contains two statements in his defence, one from himself and one from his German fiancée, Gisela Olbrich. Perry contends that while on holiday in Hungary, he was trapped there by the outbreak of the war.
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Pearl Cornioley: the real life Charlotte Gray
This fascinating file records the brilliant exploits of female Special Operations Executive agent Pearl Cornioley, who was parachuted into France in 1943 with instructions to act as a courier of coded messages.
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT
New releases from the Security Service
This is the seventh release of Security Service files since the full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in January 2005.
Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Louis de Wohl
Personal file of Louis de Wohl, who was hired by Special Operations Executive to make astrological predictions. His work was based on the assumption that Hitler never took a major decision without consulting the stars and by employing their own astrologer the British hoped to influence his thinking.
Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Cabinet Secretaries' Notebook: end of the Churchill era
The minutes taken at Cabinet meetings in 1954 and 1955 include the resignation of Winston Churchill
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Highlights from recently release files in February
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Anti-communist propaganda in Africa
Contains plans to counter the Communist threat in 1950s West Africa
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT
UK and Antarctica
Includes discussions about the UK's continuing prescence in Antarctica and the evolving role of the superpowers on Earth's coldest continent
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT
Newly released files from 1977
Highlights of new Freedom of Information releases in December 2007
Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Cabinet minutes and memoranda from 1977
As part of the transfer of files from 1977 on Friday 28 December 2007, the Cabinet minutes (CAB 128/61-62) and memoranda (CAB 129/194-198) from that year have been released.
Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks
Contains minutes of the meetings
Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Highlights from recently released files in November
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act
Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Rudolph Hess in Spandau prison
Contains minutes of the meetings of the Spandau Prison governors, in addition to correspondence with legal advisers for each of the Four-Power Authorities (UK, USA, France and the Soviet Union).
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Highlights from recently released files in September
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:01:00 GMT
George Orwell, suspected communist
This slim Security Service file on journalist and author Eric Blair, alias George Orwell, shows that while his left-wing views attracted the Service's attention, no action was taken against him. It is clear, however, that he continued to arouse suspicions, particularly with the police, that he might be a Communist.
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Latest files from the Security Service
This is the sixth release of Security Service records since the full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in January 2005.
Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:01:00 GMT
1948 discussions between the US and UK about Kashmir
This file contains correspondence from 1948 between the UK and US governments and the newly formed United Nations. It includes a personal memo from the Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Latest release of Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks
Two files of notes written by the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Norman Brook, covering the period from October 1951 to February 1954. Key topics at Cabinet meetings included arms to Egypt, human rights, the Coronation and sugar for jam making.
Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:01:00 GMT
List of files released on 5 August
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act.
Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Theft of Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey
On Christmas morning 1950, the Stone of Scone was stolen from Westminster Abbey and taken over the border on Hogmanay. The file looks at the investigation around the theft, and contains transcripts of witness statements as well as a complete summary of the events surrounding the theft.
Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Lady Chatterley's lover
In 1960, Penguin Books published an unexpurgated version of D H Lawrence's book, Lady Chatterley´s Lover. This file looks at correspondence between government officials with the Attorney General, Sir Reginald Manningham-Buller, following the prosecution of Penguin Books under the Obscene Publications Act.
Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
List of recently released files on 29 June
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act.
Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
1976 hijacking at Entebbe Airport
These two files relate to the hijacking by representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine of Air France flight 139, en route from Tel Aviv to Paris.
Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
List of recently released files on 01 June
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act.
Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Warren Emslie, the bogus knight
This file relates to the case of Mr Warren Emslie whose fantasy title was the first recorded case of a bogus knighthood in recent times.
Tue, 1 May 2007 00:01:00 GMT
List of recently released files in May
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act in May 2007
Tue, 1 May 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Cold War spies Burgess and Maclean
This file looks at issues arising during Dr Fuchs' imprisonment, including the possibility of extraditing Fuchs to the USA once he has finished his sentence in the UK, and allegations that some of his documents were smuggled out of Pentonville prison
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Mistreatment of pigs by Oswald Mosley
This file relates to a case brought against Sir Oswald Mosley which was eventually dismissed. Mosley wrote to the Lord Chancellor on 10 December 1945 to ask that the magistrate who heard the case should retract what he considered to be unjustified observations made in open court after the case against him was dismissed.
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 00:01:00 GMT
List of recently released files
Highlights of new Freedom of Information releases in April 2007
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Latest release of files from the Security Service (MI5) files
Highlights of new Freedom of Information releases in March 2007
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT
Alan Nunn May and his wife Hildegarde
These 20 files (19 reconstituted and one original) record in detail the case of British atom spy Alan Nunn May, whose espionage activities for the Soviets were first drawn to the attention of the British authorities when the Russian diplomat Gouzenko identified him to the Canadian police as the Soviet agent ALEX
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT
Writers W H Auden, Christopher Isherwood
The Security Service file on poet W H Auden and his wife, Erika Mann-Auden (daughter of the German novelist Thomas Mann) starts in 1934. It initially consists principally of copies of intercepts of correspondence of third parties under Service surveillance
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT
German opponent of the Nazi regime Count von Moltke
From these reconstituted files, it emerges that the leading German, Anglophile, anti-Nazi conspirator, Count von Moltke first came to Security Service attention when he applied for permission to practise as a lawyer in the UK before the Second World War.
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT
Latest release of Cabinet Secretary Notebook
The National Archives releases CAB 195/9/1, the latest Cabinet Secretary Notebook to be made available to the public
Mon, 1 Jan 2007 00:05:00 GMT
Cabinet Secrets of 1976
Cabinet Secrets of 1976 - Newly released files on Harold Wilson's resignation, the state of the economy and other events.
Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:05:00 GMT
Files relating to the Suez Crisis
This release consists of records from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office, Her Majesty´s Treasury and the Inland Revenue relating to the 1956 Suez Crisis. The main story that emerges from these files is Whitehall´s concern to gather up, safeguard and release papers on Suez.
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives in December 2006.
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Commander 'Buster' Crabb
File relating to Buster Crabb, including a letter from a clairvoyant and discussions around evidence to be submitted at the inquest, in particular that of the person who assisted him in his dive when he went missing - the last person to see him alive.
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:00:00 GMT
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives
A selection of files recently released at The National Archives in October2006.
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:00:00 GMT
The Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks (CAB 195/7)
This Notebook covers the meetings from 12 January 1949 to 27 April 1950 of Clement Attlee's Cabinet. It covers a range of topics including the National Health Service, the Blood Sports Bill, German reparations, the use of the National Health Service by aliens and the 1950 General Election.
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:30:00 GMT
Sidney John Pilling, prominent member of British Union of Fascists
Pilling was held under Defence Regulation 18B as a supporter of a government that His Majesty's Government was at war with. Investigations revealed that he had made frequent visits to and was in correspondence with people in Germany.
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:30:00 GMT
Suffragettes picketing outside the Houses of Parliament
File looking at picketing by the suffragette movement around the entrance of the Houses of Parliament and the threats made towards Herbert Asquith the Prime Minister.
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:30:00 GMT
Francis Cammaerts, hero of the Resistance
Special Operations Executive Personnel file for Francis Cammaerts, whose numerous operations in France during the Second World War made him a hero of the Resistance.
Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Recent releases at The National Archives
Security Service (MI5) files on writers Sylvia Townsend-Warner and Valentine Ackland, society intelligence agent Lady Howard of Effingham, the Polish leader General Sikorski and the British military theoretician Basil Liddell-Hart
Mon, 04 Sep 2006 07:00:00 GMT
Claim to the throne by Anthony Hall, alleged descendant of Henry VIII
This file, from 1931, relates to Anthony Hall, who claimed to be a lineal descendent of Henry VIII. The file contains transcripts of his speeches at the Birmingham Bull Ring, copies of some of the pamphlets he produced and letters from Sir Clive Wigram, Private Secretary to the King, George V.
Thu, 27 Jul 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Christopher Vassall, tried for spying
Trial papers. Includes statements by arresting and investigating officers, and details the events which led to him becoming a Soviet spy.
Fri, 30 Jun 2006 09:12:00 GMT
Mr Albert Pierrepoint, executioner: claims misrepresentation in a Sunday Pictorial article of 15 September 1946
The Prison Commission discusses a newspaper article about Albert Pierrepoint. The file also contains a letter from Pierrepoint complaining that members of the press are hounding him and his entourage.
Wed, 31 May 2006 09:12:00 GMT
Mr Thomas Pierrepoint, executioner: adverse report
The Prison Commission expresses further concern over the capacities of Thomas Pierrepoint, who is 72 years of age.
Wed, 31 May 2006 09:10:00 GMT
Mr Thomas Pierrepoint, executioner: question of medical fitness
Following a complaint from a prison governor after an execution, the Prison Commission investigates Thomas Pierrepoint's capacity to continue his duty as executioner.
Wed, 31 May 2006 09:09:00 GMT
The Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks (CAB 195/5)
A selection of transcripts from the The Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks. The Notebooks being released are those of Sir Norman Brook who was in fact Deputy Cabinet Secretary until 1947 and thereafter became Cabinet Secretary.
Wed, 31 May 2006 09:08:00 GMT
The "feckless" British schoolgirls that solicited American GIs
A selection of recent releases from The National Archives
Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:03:00 GMT
The Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks
The Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks covering CAB 195/3 and CAB 195/4. View the transcripts from the notebooks
Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Scheduling Diaries for Winston Churchill
These two diaries give an interesting insight into the daily routine of the Prime Minister from 16 November 1950 to 5 April 1954. They hold detailed accounts of where Churchill was on each day, who he dined with, where and what time.
Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT
MI5 files reveal the unlikely spies in our midst
Unveil the truth behind the German WWII spy that evaded British authorities for over a year in London's West End and tell the story of the Japanese spies that posed as Boy Scouts.
Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:30:00 GMT
Good Time Girl and the Cuban Missile Crisis
Labour's Home Secretary, James Chunter Ede, tried to censor the film that launched Diana Dors on her screen career. 'Good Time Girl' stared Dors as Lyla Lawrence, a misfit school girl who absconds from a reform school and get tangled up in a spiral of crime that leads to murder.
Tue, 31 Jan 2006 09:30:00 GMT
Cabinet Secretaries' Notebooks from World War Two
The release of the Cabinet Secretaries´ Notebooks from World War Two gives a real flavour of the views and personalities of those people who attended Cabinet during this important time in world politics.
Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:01:00 GMT
1975 records newly released include documents on John Stonehouse, EEC Referendum and Wilson's 'Little Things that Mean a Lot'
With the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, the standard 30-year closure period has disappeared. Instead, records are open on transfer to The National Archives unless they contain information covered by an exemption set out in the Act.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005 09:30:00 GMT
Operations AWLESS, AVER and ARTELOT: submarine patrols off Northern Ireland
Reports on exercises carried out whilst on patrol off the coast of Northern Ireland.
Mon, 28 Nov 2005 09:30:00 GMT
Sinking of SS LUSITANIA
Correspondence relating to a book on the sinking of the SS Lusitania. The book claimed that the Admiralty deliberately put the Lusitania at risk in order to bring the United States into the war.
Fri, 25 Nov 2005 09:30:00 GMT
Home Office fears over West End prostitutes and American troops
Randolph Churchill, Harry St John Philby, Joe Coral and Sarah Mugabe all feature in this month's newly released files. The documents cover a range of subjects from Randolph Churchill's time with the partisans in Yugoslavia during World War Two to Sarah Mugabe's application to stay in Britain.
Tue, 01 Nov 2005 09:30:00 GMT
1974 constitutional crisis
Harold Wilson takes advice about the situation that would arise if the Government were defeated on an amendment to the Address in reply to the Queen's speech on 18 March 1974.
Wed, 26 Oct 2005 09:30:00 GMT
Zimmerman telegram
Copies of typescripts of two versions of the Zimmermann Telegram. They include comments in Admiral Hall's writing, reading respectively: 'Main line - not exposed' and 'Inland cable on American soil - this was the one handed to Dr Page and exposed by the President'.
Mon, 03 Oct 2005 09:00:00 GMT
The Secret Life of Arthur Ransome
Ransome (1884-1967), the author of Swallows and Amazons, came to MI5’s attention in 1917 when, as a journalist for the Daily News in Russia, he witnessed the October Revolution at first hand and was on friendly terms with many prominent Bolshevik figures
Fri, 16 Sep 2005 17:45:00 GMT
MI5 files reveal secrets of exploding chocolate bars
Newly released files reveal German techniques for camouflaging sabotage equipment - these include drawings and photographs of an exploding chocolate bar and a mess tin concealing bomb equipment.
Mon, 5 Sep 2005 09:45:00 GMT
Harold Pinter's objections to National Service in the 1940s
Handwritten statements by Harold Pinter reveal how the playwright's objections to a second world war were founded on moral grounds.
Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:30:00 GMT
Ukrainian SS 'Galicia' Division allowed settle in Britain
Home office papers reveal how 7,100 Ukrainian men from the 14th Waffen SS 'Galicia' Division were allowed to settle in Britain in order to protect them from persecution in Stalinist controlled Ukraine.
Fri, 05 Aug 2005 16:30:00 GMT
Jagger accuses drug raid police of corruption
Documents released this month include a Metropolitan Police file about accusations of corruption made by Mick Jagger against drug raid police and the arrest of John Winston Lennon and Yoko Ono for drug offences.
Tue, 02 Aug 2005 11:30:00 GMT
George Orwell under the watchful eye of Big Brother
This newly released Metropolitan police file (MEPO 38/69) reveals how George Orwell, the author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, was under Special Branch surveillance for more than 12 years of his life.
Tue, 19 Jul 2005 10:30:00 GMT
Letters from the Acid bath murderer in the days leading up to his execution
On 10 August 1949 John George Haigh, The Acid Bath murderer, was hanged for killing 6 women between 1944-1949. Haigh's motives for killing were originally cited as greed and as a means of funding his gambling habit.
Mon, 11 Jul 2005 09:30:00 GMT
Woman charged with using an instrument to procure a miscarriage
On 18 November 1930, Beatrice Tomkins, aged 45, was charged with using an instrument with intent to procure the miscarriage of Emma "Midge" Murell, aged 25.
Wed, 22 Jun 2005 17:30:00 GMT
The National Archives launches SeaBritain 2005 activities
The National Archives has discovered its sea legs by launching two exciting initiatives to coincide with Sea Britain 2005 – the Trafalgar Ancestors online database and a new exhibition on Nelson, Cook and Bligh at its museum in Kew
Tue, 21 Jun 2005 18:30:00 GMT
Newly released documents include details of military string vest tests
Details about biological warfare precautions for the civilian population. Documents indicate that there were only enough respirators for one in five people in the United Kingdom.
Fri, 1 Jul 2005 10:00:00 GMT
Newly released files include reports on the Watergate conspiracy
Newly released files include reports on the Watergate conspiracy and on Harold Wilson's concerns that the Russians were spying on him at his holiday home on the Isles of Scilly
Wed, 1 Jun 2005 09:00:00 GMT
Oswald and Diana Mosley's release from prison
The imprisonment of Oswald Mosley, founder of the British fascist party, and his wife Diana led to a campaign for the couple's freedom.
Fri, 27 May 2005 09:30:00 GMT
75th anniversary of Amy Johnson's flight down under
On the 75th anniversary of British aviator Amy Johnson’s historic solo flight from Britain to Australia, newly unveiled documents detail her frantic preparation and sometimes controversial journey down under.
Mon, 23 May 2005 08:00:00 GMT
Census reveals the gossip columnist from 1861
Find out about the overzealous approach of a data collector for the 1861 national census. You can now search the 1861 census site - completing a chain of historical data from five consecutive decades, providing a valuable and accessible online starting point for delving into your family history.
Thu, 19 May 2005 09:00:00 GMT
The Art of War reveals feats of valour and gallantry
Churchill, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Eric Wilson. The latter name may not be enjoy the world renown of these World War Two leaders but Britain’s oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient Eric Wilson features alongside such historical figures in a new online exhibition entitled ‘The Art of War’.
Thu, 19 May 2005 09:00:00 GMT
Released for the first time: Over 100 Foreign Office documents on Britain's secret intelligence agencies
New releases include files in the FO 1093 series from the Permanent Under-Secretary's Department of the Foreign Office and further releases on the security breach at the British Embassy in Ankara during the Second World War.
Tue, 05 Apr 2005 09:41:31 GMT
Harold Wilson, Marcia Williams and Marjorie Halls
Claim against Civil Service Department by Marjorie Halls for premature death of her husband, Michael Halls (Principal Private Secretary to Harold Wilson), allegedly caused by stressful working conditions in 10 Downing Street.
Sun, 03 Apr 2005 09:41:41 GMT
Security Service release
The latest Security Service (MI5) release includes files on Arthur Ransome, details on how to be a spy in London, and holiday camps to hold British Communists if war began with the Soviet Union.
Sat, 02 Apr 2005 09:42:02 GMT
Conventional threat to UK
In this file Foreign and Commonwealth officials accuse the Ministry of Defence of predicting an "unduly horrific" threat of Soviet attack against Britain during the height of the Cold War.
Fri, 01 Apr 2005 09:41:56 GMT
Economic prospects for Concorde
Concorde considered a "hopeless" initiative.
Fri, 01 Apr 2005 09:41:51 GMT
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The National Archives | News
Visit The National Archives for the latest news and events.
Copyright: (C) The National Archives, see for terms and conditions of reuse
Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:01:00 GMT
News
Changes to magazine publishing at The National Archives
Following a contractual review, 'Ancestors', The National Archives’ family history magazine, will be discontinued after its April issue.
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:30:00
New charges for birth, marriage and death certificates at the General Register Office
The General Register Office will be changing its fees for registration services in England and Wales, from 6 April 2010, including new charges for people ordering birth, death and marriage certificates
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:30:00
New Security Service files released
Security Service records released today include files on prominent individuals, as well as investigations into the Hilter Youth and the Communist links of Theatre Workshop.
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:05:00
Nationwide industrial action on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March
Due to nationwide industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March, The National Archives will offer a reduced service to the public on Tuesday 9 March. We advise visitors not to plan to visit us on 9 March.
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:00:00
Death and the Virgin: Elizabeth, Dudley and the Mysterious Fate of Amy Robsart
Using new evidence discovered in The National Archives, Chris Skidmore, author of Death and the Virgin, takes a fresh look at the early years of Elizabeth I’s reign.
Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:00:00
Trace your immigrant ancestry online
The Alien Arrivals Collection goes online for the first time today, at Ancestry.co.uk, documenting the arrival of more than 610,000 immigrants into the UK between the late 18th and early 20th centuries.
Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:05:00
New academic strategy launched
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new academic strategy, which sets out The National Archives' intentions to improve the services and support we provide to our scholarly users.
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:00:00
Businesses to bid for legislation contracts
The National Archives officially invites businesses to tender for its UK legislation publishing contracts via the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:00:00
Close Encounters of the Second Kind: the latest release of UFO files
The fifth instalment of UFO files, the largest to date, has been released by The National Archives. The release contains 24 files, totalling over 6,000 pages of material spanning 1994-2000.
Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:05:00
Who Do You Think You Are? Live - last chance to book tickets
The National Archives is offering two adult tickets for the price of one for Who Do You Think You Are? Live at London’s Olympia, until Friday 19 February.
Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:00
The National Archives is recognised for award-winning education
The education team at The National Archives have been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award, in recognition of providing outstanding heritage education.
Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:00:00
New Masters module for teachers launched
A new Masters module in history education has been launched, developed by The National Archives in partnership with Roehampton University.
Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00
Valentine's Day in the archives
The Archive Awareness Campaign uncovers some of the Valentine's treasures held in our local archives.
Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00
Tell us what you think
Please complete a short online survey to tell us what you think of our website.
Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00
Non-parochial and non-conformist records now online
All birth, marriage and death records from our collection of Non-Parochial, Foreign and Maritime Registers can now be found online at BMDRegisters.co.uk
Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:00:00
Surplus used microfilms offered for disposal
Following the introduction of online access to digital images in the reading rooms at Kew, batches of redundant microfilms are being offered for disposal.
Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:00:00
Begging for mercy: 19th century criminal petitions
Criminal petitions at The National Archives tell fascinating, and sometimes shocking, stories of 19th century crime and punishment.
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00
'The wind of change' - Harold Macmillan's African tour of 1960
Fifty years after PM Harold Macmillan’s famous ‘winds of change’ speech, documents from The National Archives highlight its lasting significance.
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:00:00
New edition of Ancestors magazine - London special
A special London edition of Ancestors, the family history magazine from The National Archives, is out now.
Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:00:00
Award for 1911 census online
The National Archives has won an e-Government National Award for the online 1911 census service.
Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:00:00
New approach to licensing re-use of public sector information
The government has taken a major step toward a new approach to licensing the re-use of public sector information, with a new licence available on the data.gov.uk website.
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:00:00
The National Archives on Twitter
Follow The National Archives on Twitter at www.twitter.com/uknatarchives. The free social networking site provides easy access to our latest news, podcasts and document releases.
Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:00
Surveying the country's religious heritage
The first ever comprehensive survey of religious archives has begun, with the first questionnaires going out to selected religious organisations across the country.
Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:00:00
Stories from the archives: the Welsh in Patagonia
To tie in with the Archive Awareness Campaign theme Take Flight, The National Archives is hosting a special talk, free of charge, on Thursday 14 January, 14:00-15:00, on the migration of the Welsh to Patagonia.
Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:00
History of pubs – book now
A conference on the history of pubs, organised by the Pub History Society, will be held at The National Archives on 20 February 2010.
Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:00
Chief Executive stepping down
Natalie Ceeney CBE, Chief Executive of The National Archives, announced today (Monday 11 January) that she will be leaving in mid-March, to take on a new role as Chief Executive of the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:00:00
BBC takes a tour of the archives
Watch the recent BBC report on The National Archives, as Chief Executive Natalie Ceeney highlights documents from the past and explains how we are embracing the future.
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:00:00
Royal Naval service records 1853-1923 now online
The records of seamen who joined the Royal Navy between 1853 and 1923 can now be searched and downloaded from DocumentsOnline
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:00:00
Adverse weather conditions
We are open to the public today. However, conditions remain icy and we will monitor the weather and transport situation during the day. If conditions deteriorate, we may need to close earlier than usual, as we have done on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7. Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:00
Births, marriages and deaths at sea go online
Our partner BMDRegisters.co.uk has added records of births, deaths and marriages of passengers at sea to its online service.
Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00
Newly released records from 1979
Today sees the release of government records from 1979, including Cabinet minutes and memoranda and files from the Prime Minister's Office (PREM 16 and PREM 19 series), the highlights of which are now online.
Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:01:00
Archives across UK awarded grants to catalogue priceless collections
Eleven unique archival collections, including works from the first Director of The National Portrait Gallery, a Glaswegian carpet firm, and Poet Laureate Alfred Tennyson have been awarded grants by the National Cataloguing Grants Programme for Archives, 2009.
Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:00:00
Who Do You Think You Are? Live - Two-for-one ticket offer
The National Archives is delighted to offer you the chance to buy two adult tickets for the price of one for Who Do You Think You Are? Live, which takes place at London's Olympia between Friday 26 and Sunday 28 February 2010.
Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00
January talks at The National Archives
The National Archives hosts a variety of free talks in January, exploring the stories behind the records we hold.
Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00
Christmas period closure notice
The National Archives will be closed from Thursday 24 December to Monday 28 December inclusive, and from Friday 1 January to Monday 4 January inclusive.
Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00
Improvements to our website
Today we launch further improvements to The National Archives' website with our new homepage and our new Records section: nationalarchives.gov.uk/records
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:00
'Meet the CEO' report: your views and our responses
A report of our ‘Meet the Chief Executive day’ held on 22 October is now available online.
Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00
New edition of Archive Sector Update out now
The latest edition of Archive Sector Update is now available online – the enewsletter for those in the archival and information management
Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00
Web Continuity launched at the House of Lords
The National Archives' Web Continuity project has been officially launched at the House of Lords this week.
Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00
New collections accepted in lieu of tax
The government has accepted three distinct collections in lieu of tax: the Aberdare, Penrhyn and Frank Martin archives.
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00
Closure notice for annual stocktaking
The National Archives will be closed to the public for its annual stocktaking weekend from Friday 4 December to Monday 7 December inclusive. Our online services will not be affected.
Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:00:00
Royal Naval logs of exploration voyages now online
You can now search and download 164 volumes of logbooks of the Royal Navy’s voyages of scientific discovery (ADM 55), as the collection is made available via DocumentsOnline.
Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:00:00
Action plan for Government's Information Matters strategy published
Now published, 'Information matters: delivery plan for 2009-2010' is an action plan that outlines what needs to be done to fulfill the Government's Information Matters strategy, which was published last year.
Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:00
New government policy on archives
Broken links will soon be a thing of the past for UK government websites, as The National Archives launches its unique Web Continuity project.
Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00
Cabinet Papers finalist in BETT awards
The National Archives is a BETT Award finalist for the third year in a row, for its Cabinet Papers 1915-1978 website.
Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:00
Web Continuity ensures end to broken links
Broken links will soon be a thing of the past for UK government websites, as The National Archives launches its unique Web Continuity project.
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:00
Possible rail disruptions
The National Archives is taking part in the annual BBC Radio 2 'Money Can't Buy' auction to help raise money for Children in Need.
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00
Changes to opening hours
From 4 January 2010 The National Archives will be open for five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday). We will also increase our opening hours and document ordering times on these days.
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Possible website disruption on 18 and 19 November
Due to essential maintenance work, you may experience intermittent problems in accessing our websites and online services between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesday 18 November 2009 and Thursday 19 November 2009.
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00
The National Archives takes part in charity auction
The National Archives is taking part in the annual BBC Radio 2 'Money Can't Buy' auction to help raise money for Children in Need.
Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Improvements to our website
Today we launch some further improvements to The National Archives' website. We've redesigned and rewritten the pages containing our news, advice for visitors and corporate information
Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT
Archives 'Take Flight'
Archive Awareness has just launched its ‘Take Flight’ campaign to celebrate local links with manmade flights and the movement of people.
Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT
First World War RAF service records now online
The National Archives has made 99,000 RAF officers' service records available online for the first time.
Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT
OPSI review on the Public Library Scheme
Following a consultation on the Public Library Scheme, the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) has invited responses to its proposals.
Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Knowledge and Information Conference - 13 November 2009, London
The Knowledge Council's first Knowledge and Information Management Conference 'The Information Opportunity - delivering in challenging times' is taking place on Friday 13 November at the Victoria Plaza in London.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT
World War One British Army service records available online for the first time
In partnership with The National Archives, Ancestry.co.uk has now made available online the entire collection of British Army World War One Service Records, 1914-1920, detailing the full military careers of more than two million soldiers who served during World War One.
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:05:00 GMT
More overseas birth, marriage and death records available online
Records from the RG 32 series, previously only viewable on microfilm at The National Archives, Kew, have been added to the online service at BMD Registers.
Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Tell us what you think of our website
The National Archives would like to hear your views of the website to help us improve our services. Please take five minutes to complete our survey.
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT
November talks at The National Archives
From the Gunpowder Plot to 1959, from personal bankruptcies to international treaties: November's fabulous range of free talks from The National Archives takes a refreshingly different view of history.
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:05:00 GMT
New government files released
New files released by The National Archives cover subjects ranging from the French resistance during the Second World War to aristocratic impersonators.
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:05:00 GMT
Online service disruption on Monday 26 October
Due to essential maintenance, some online services will not be available between 07:00 and 08:30 on Monday 26 October.
Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Film stars' ancestry uncovered in 1911 census
Actor Jude Law, who stars as Dr Watson in the upcoming Sherlock Holmes film, is descended from a family of Brixton-based master bakers, reveal records released by findmypast.com.
Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Treasurer needed for the Friends of The National Archives
Friends of The National Archives is looking for a volunteer treasurer. Friends is an independent charity which supports The National Archives.
Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT
November issue of Ancestors magazine out now
The latest edition of Ancestors magazine is out now, priced £3.99. Buy it online from The National Archives' bookshop.
Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Stunning collection of Irish maps now available online
A collection of early Irish maps (c.1558 – c.1610) from the ‘State Papers Ireland’ has, for the first time, been made available online by The National Archives.
Thu, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Business archives in the news
The subject of how companies can use their archives to help build business has fallen under the media spotlight since the launch of The National Archives' Corporate Memory guide earlier this year.
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT
18th century ships logs used for climate change research
A new partnership between JISC, the University of Sunderland, the Met Office Hadley Centre and the British Atmospheric Data Centre has enabled the use of historical naval logbooks in ground-breaking research on climate change.
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Website maintenance on Wednesday 7 October
Due to essential maintenance work, The National Archives website, and all related web services, will be unavailable between 06:00 and 07:00 on Wednesday 7 October.
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT
100 years of secrets and spies
From Sam Wanamaker and Ezra Pound to P G Wodehouse and Lee Miller; a look back through the files released by the Security Service over the last 12 years gives a curious insight into much more than just the political activity of these famous names.
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT
The Second World War's longest day
The latest in a series of innovative videocasts to mark the 70th anniversary of the Second World War, has been released. The Longest Day tells the dramatic story of the Normandy landings.
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT
Meet the Chief Executive on 22 October 2009
The National Archives will be holding a ‘Meet the Chief Executive’ day on Thursday 22 October 2009.
Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Changes to public services at The National Archives
Following an extensive consultation over the summer, The National Archives announced today a number of changes to its operations and public services.
Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT
DocumentsOnline not available on Saturday 26 September
Please note that due to essential upgrade work, DocumentsOnline will not be available on Saturday 26 September.
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT
New book: The UFO Files
The UFO Files, published by The National Archives, is a collection of the most impressive reports from the Ministry of Defence's secret files on real-life UFO sightings.
Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Hidden files reveal true suffering of early suffragettes
Files uncovered during a cataloguing project at The National Archives shed new light on the hardships women endured in their fight for the vote 100 years ago.
Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT
New education website launched
We have launched a new education website today at nationalarchives.gov.uk/education.
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT
New plaque commemorates Kew's wartime history
A plaque has been unveiled in the grounds of The National Archives to commemorate the wartime history of the Kew site.
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT
The National Archives and The Future of Culture, Tourism and Sport
The National Archives is participating in a national conference exploring how the culture, tourism and sport sectors will meet the challenges of London 2012.
Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT
What's happened to Learning Curve?
Our award-winning Learning Curve site has been redesigned and relaunched to reflect the huge range of educational resources we offer.
Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Online files captivate UFO enthusiasts
Aliens and UFOs have captured the public's imagination both home and abroad, as the latest batch of UFO files saw over 450,000 file downloads in the first two days of their release.
Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Event looks at records of the first Sikh settlers
The National Archives is running an event looking at records of the first Sikh settlers in Britain. The event on 11 September will discuss the original records of the migrant journeys and military service of Sikh settlers.
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:00:00 GMT
The war remembered: iconic war films explored
War on Film is a new series of six innovative videocasts to mark the 70th anniversary of the Second World War, launched online today by The National Archives.
Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Launch of 'Archive sector update'
For the latest news on Archives Sector Development read our new enewsletter, ‘Archive sector update’.
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT
New education website coming soon
The National Archives is looking forward to the launch of its exciting new education website this autumn. The site replaces our award-winning Learning Curve website and will have the same extensive resources for teaching and learning history, but with a totally new look and a new address.
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Famous names in latest Security Service release
New releases from the Security Service, available now to download, feature fascinating files on Hitler’s deputy, Martin Bormann, actor and director Sam Wanamaker and other high-profile figures from the Second World War and post-war period.
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMT
The National Archives is closed on 29 and 31 August
The National Archives is closed from Saturday 29 August 2009 to Monday 31 August 2009 inclusive for the Summer bank holiday.
Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Hampshire Archives goes 'football crazy'
As part of the Archive Awareness Campaign, Hampshire Archives is holding a football exhibition and film workshops to celebrate the game's history in the county.
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
New internship opportunity available with OPSI
A three-month internship opportunity for ESRC-funded doctoral students is now available, to work with the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI). Deadline: 30 September.
Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - Martin Freeman
The Office star Martin Freeman uncovers surprising family secrets in Who Do You Think You Are?
Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Cricket in the Archives
As the England cricket team head into the final test of the 2009 Ashes drawn 1-1 with Australia, The National Archives reveals the origin of the fiercely-fought rivalry.
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
UFO files: attempted abductions and scrambled fighter jets
Reports of mysterious lights, lemon-headed aliens and scrambled fighter jets can be found among the official UFO files released by the Ministry of Defence and The National Archives.
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMT
Overseas marriage records go online
Overseas marriage records of more than 38,000 people have been added to the online service at BMD Registers. The records cover British subjects marrying abroad and come from various sources worldwide.
Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 GMT
DocumentsOnline and Electronic Records Online unavailable this Sunday
DocumentsOnline and Electronic Records Online will be unavailable from 08:00 on Sunday 16 August 2009. Services will be back to normal by Monday 17 August. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - Kim Cattrall
Kim Cattrall, star of TV’s Sex and the City, discovers a shocking family secret on Who Do You Think You Are?
Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:00:00 GMT
New online tools point researchers in the right direction
The National Archives has launched two new innovative online tools – ‘research signposts’ and two minute animated guides – to help researchers use the archives more effectively.
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Archive strategy consultation - last chance to have your say
The consultation on the government's proposals for a new policy on archives, Archives for the 21st century, closes on 12 August – go online to have your say.
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - David Mitchell
David Mitchell, star of television’s Peep Show, uncovers his Scottish ancestry on Who Do You Think You Are?
Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:00:00 GMT
From highwaymen to poachers - trial records go online
Trial records from the late 18th to the late 19th centuries have been released online. The featured crimes range from petty theft to murder, and famous cases include that of a poisoner suspected of being the real Jack the Ripper, and the true life basis for Oliver Twist’s Fagin.
Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Sandford Award for our work with schools
The National Archives' education service has been awarded a Sandford Award for its work with school pupils.
Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - Kate Humble
Television’s wildlife presenter Kate Humble is reduced to tears as she discovers tragic family secrets on Who Do You Think You Are?
Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMT
Free access to 1911 census across England and Wales
Thousands of people are soon to get the opportunity to delve into their family history online for free, at seven institutions across England and Wales
Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Your Archives online survey
Have your say on our wiki, Your Archives, in our online survey.
Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - Chris Moyles
Chris Moyles, outspoken Radio 1 DJ, finds himself at a loss for words as he delves into his family’s past in Who Do You Think You Are?
Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT
Escape from Germany: new book out now
A fascinating new history book - Escape from Germany: True stories of POW escapes from WWII - is out now, published by The National Archives.
Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Annual Report and Resource Accounts 2008-2009 published
The sixth annual report and resource accounts on the work of The National Archives is now available, along with the sixth report of the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives.
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? - Davina McCall
In the first of the new series of Who Do You Think You Are?, Davina McCall discovered her connections to George IV and to a major player in the Dreyfus Affair.
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT
New guide reveals secret weapon for business success
The National Archives launches a new publication, Corporate memory – a guide to managing business archives, which demonstrates how businesses can use their archives to succeed in today's competitive markets.
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Private papers of Lord Owen released
A selection of the private papers of the former Foreign Secretary, Lord Owen, have been released at The National Archives. The files cover the then Dr David Owen's time as Foreign Secretary in the late 1970s.
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Civil service through the archives
This week sees Civil Service Live 2009 taking place in London where the exhibition, 'Civil service through the archives', will showcase the fascinating history of the civil service using The National Archives' in-house expertise, documents and images.
Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT
Lost page of American history found at The National Archives
A rare print of America’s Declaration of Independence, one of only 26 known copies in the world, has been found at The National Archives at Kew.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMT
July talks at The National Archives
From searching for records of transportation to Australia to chronicling the history of the Irish revolution; free talks at The National Archives in July offer a wealth of help and information to people researching their family history.
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Changes to public services at The National Archives
The National Archives has proposed a number of changes to its operations and public services, including closure of the Kew reading rooms to the public on Mondays and a daily charge for car parking on the Kew site.
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT
New government files released
The National Archives had released new files; subjects range from biological warfare to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Cabinet Secretary’s notebook for the period from November 1957 to December 1958 has also been released.
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 GMT
In the Archives: the Speaker of the House of Commons
On Monday 22 June, John Bercow MP was elected as the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons, succeeding Speaker Michael Martin. The National Archives reveals historical documents that shed light on the evolving role of the Speaker through the centuries.
Wed, 23 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Opportunity for Placement Fellowship at the Ministry of Justice
As part of its Placement Fellowship Scheme, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and The National Archives welcome applications from academic economists interested in working in a research capacity in the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI). Deadline: 30 June 2009
Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Entire 1911 census now online
The complete 1911 census records for people living in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are now online at 1911census.co.uk, including full details of British Army personnel and their families stationed overseas.
Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Invitation to public meetings
You are invited to attend one of our open information meetings where Jeff James, Director of Operations and Services, will take you through proposed changes at The National Archives. The meetings will take place at Kew at 12:15 on Thursday 2 July and 10:00 on Saturday 11 July.
Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT
We are closed to the public on Monday 29 June from 14:00
We will be closed to the public from 14:00 on Monday 29 June 2009. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Have your say in our online survey
We're seeking your feedback to help with our ongoing website development to improve the online service The National Archives provides.
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Apologies for website disruption last night
We apologise to anyone who experienced problems with The National Archives' website between 22:30 on 11 June and 08:00 on 12 June.The problem has now been corrected and all online services are back to normal.
Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT
1911 Census records for Wales now online
Census records of the 2.4 million people recorded as living in Wales on the night of Sunday 2 April 1911 are now available to search and download on 1911.co.uk.
Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Secretary needed for the Friends of The National Archives
The Friends of The National Archives is looking for a new secretary. This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for someone looking for a responsible and interesting role, working at Kew and from home.
Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT
In the archives: life in wartime Kew
A project is underway to recapture life in Kew as it was during the Second World War, when American troops and Italian prisoners of war were camped on the site of The National Archives. The Kew Society and the Richmond Local History Society are collecting memories, records or tales of this fascinating period in Kew's history.
Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Census maps from 1871 now online
TDigital versions of the original Registration District maps from the 1871 census (Catalogue reference RG 18/1-110) are now available to browse and download at cassinimaps.co.uk.
Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT
The contentious chimes of Big Ben
The National Archives turns the spotlight on Big Ben as the famous London icon is celebrated in its 150th year.
Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT
National Collections Strategy published
The National Archives has published the final version of a strategy to support the collection and preservation of the heritage of England and Wales.
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT
The National Archives at Kew closed to the public 29 June
The National Archives will be closed to the public at Kew for the afternoon of Monday 29 June, from 2pm, to enable us to hold staff briefings on proposed changes.
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT
June talks at The National Archives
Free events at The National Archives this month include talks on forgeries in archives and the settlement of America in the 16th century. Other talks offer help and information to family researchers, on topics including tracing Scottish ancestors and using the death duty records.
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT
New study - Web archives: now and in the future
The National Archives, in collaboration with the UK Web Archiving Consortium, announces a study into how archived websites are collected and made available to users, to be funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC).
Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Coughs and sneezes spread diseases
With public health campaigns still an important means of communicating messages to the nation, The National Archives highlights some of the topical public information posters and films, from the Second World War and beyond.
Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT
New PhD opportunities available at The National Archives
The National Archives has been awarded three full-time collaborative PhD studentships by Research Councils UK, all commencing later this year.
Mon, 11 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Archive strategy consultation launched
The Government is asking people for their views on its proposal for a new policy on archives, ‘Archives for the 21st century’, published yesterday (6 May). The consultation will run until 12 August.
Thu, 07 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT
A snapshot of 1911 Britain
See a snapshot of life in 1911 through photographs catalogued by volunteers from the Friends of The National Archives. Descriptions of over 2,700 photographs from the records series COPY 1 can now be found in the online Catalogue.
Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT
May edition of Ancestors magazine out now
The May edition of Ancestors, the family history magazine from The National Archives, is now available. This month's issue has an Irish feel, as well as articles on articles on Parliamentary papers, tracing dentists and Nelson's memorials. You can buy Ancestors at newsagents, or take advantage of our subscription offer.
Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT
Discover Anzac Day online
To commemorate Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April, The National Archives highlights some of the military records available online.
Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT
Talks at The National Archives in May
Our free talks during May look at the information related to public health held at The National Archives, the administration of the royal household and Oscar Wilde. Talks that will interest family historians include tracing your Roman Catholic ancestors, the Society of Genealogists' library and First World War army service records.
Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT
OPSI to guide Ordnance Survey's new business strategy
The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI), working from within The National Archives, is to review and develop Ordnance Survey’s new business strategy over the coming months, it has been announced.
Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Glamorgan's glimpse of Henry VIII in 1545
To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, Glamorgan Record Office is exhibiting a rare document online depicting the king in 1545.
Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT
New edition of RecordKeeping magazine available online
The April 2009 edition of RecordKeeping magazine is now available to download. This quarterly magazine is for everyone involved and interested in archives and records. Highlights include BT Archives’ new online catalogue, supporting religious archives and the digital preservation roadshow 2009.
Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT
The National Archives awarded Quality Badge for education
The National Archives has become one of the first organisations in the country to be awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, recognising it as a provider of safely-managed, quality educational experiences for young people.
Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT
1911 census
1911 census records for Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and Gateshead are now available to search and download on 1911census.co.uk. The service now covers the whole of England - Welsh counties will be added soon.
Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Tudor queen celebrated in new online resource
As part of the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII accession to the throne, the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre has launched an online resource looking at the king’s marriage to Wiltshire-born Jane Seymour.
Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant
To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne, historian Dr David Starkey charts the inner life of the English king in a new TV series showing Mondays on Channel 4.
Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT
Results of local authority survey out now
This year's local authority archive survey results are now available to view online. They show that, despite some improvements, huge disparities remain between archives across the country.
Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT
April talks at The National Archives
Throughout April, specialists share their knowledge and expertise in free talks at The National Archives, providing a wealth of help and ideas to family historians. Highlights include: Titanic lives: the officers and crew of the RMS Titanic, Burial clubs: the unfriendly societies and The Civil War and the Interregnum.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:30:00 GMT
Between the covers: women's magazines and their readers
'Between the Covers', a new exhibition at The Women's Library, unearths the history of women's magazines and explores how editors have reflected and defined women's lives from 17th century to today. As part of the Archive Awareness Campaign, the exhibition charts the evolution of women's magazines and celebrates the value of archives.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT
Raising awareness of local government archives
The Local Government Association and archive ambassadors including The National Archives have launched Our past, your future - a guide to local government archives. The guide highlights how archives can enrich people's lives and support local communities and is aimed at local councillors and senior officers in local authorities.
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Rugby history at The National Archives
The 2009 RBS Six Nations Championship culminated in a titanic clash at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium between title holders Wales and a resurgent Ireland. Delving into its history, The National Archives reveals some examples of the politics behind the game, and the influence of events beyond the touchline.
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT
Documenting a history of women in the army
In honour of this month's celebration of International Women's Day, The National Archives highlights the records held on women in the army during the two world wars and beyond.
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Advance document orders unavailable for 13 - 16 March
Please note that you will not be able to place any advance document orders for collection on Friday 13, Saturday 14 or Monday 16 March 2009. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Overseas non-parochial birth, marriage and death records go online
More than 100,000 records of overseas births, baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials of British subjects, including those onboard ships, have been added to the searchable online service at www.bmdregisters.co.uk. These newly added records were previously only viewable on microfilm as the RG 33 series.
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT
March edition of Ancestors magazine out now
The March edition of Ancestors, the family history magazine from The National Archives, is available now. Buy Ancestors at good newsagents, priced £3.99, or take advantage of our subscription offer.
Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Free A level workshop: to save or not to save?
As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, we are running a free workshop for A level students at The National Archives on Friday 13 March 2009, entitled 'To save or not to save?’. For more information, call the Education department on +44 (0)208 392 5365.
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT
The National Archives e-survey - win £250
Take part in our survey on your interest in family and social history and you could win £250! Survey closes at 10.00 on 5 March 2009.
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT
The National Archives' iGoogle gadget
Users of the personalised Google start page, iGoogle, can now search The National Archives' website directly from their page using our new gadget.
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Lee Miller and Mai Zetterling: latest release from the Security Service
A new releases of 60 files from the Security Service includes records on photographer Lee Miller, Swedish actress Mai Zetterling, German intelligence agent Gastao de Freitas-Ferraz and Romanian defector Alexandru Ionescu.
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Talks at The National Archives in March
Throughout March, specialists share their knowledge and expertise in free talks at The National Archives, providing a wealth of help and ideas to family historians
Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? Live: Ticket offer extended
Your last chance to buy two for one tickets to Who Do You Think You Are? Live at London’s Olympia between 27 February and 1 March 2009
Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Charles Darwin in the archives (1809 - 1882)
With the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth celebrated this month, The National Archives looks at some of the documents and resources held on the pioneering naturalist.
Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Oscar Wilde
To celebrate Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) History Month, we highlight some historical documents about Oscar Wilde, poet and author. Documents include court and prison records, Wilde’s death certificate and the famous calling card left by the Marquis of Queensbury.
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Millions find their 1911 ancestors online
Over 1.5 million people visited the new website 1911census.co.uk in its first four weeks, downloading over a million transcripts and more than 380,000 original census images. Searching the census is now even easier, thanks to some new features.
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Last chance to buy two for one tickets!
Who Do You Think You Are? Live is back at London's Olympia between 27 February and 1 March 2009. Until 20 February you can still buy two tickets for the price of one and save £20!
Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Valentine's verses rediscovered
Love poems written by the Cornish poet Reginald John 'Jack' Clemo (1917-1994) have been made available to the public for the first time. Clemo - blind and deaf for most of his adult life - composed the touching Valentine's cards for his wife, Ruth.
Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Forthcoming changes to document services
Please be aware that from spring 2009 we will be making changes to our Record copying estimating service, and introducing an online induction module - full details will be provided nearer the time.
Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Romance in the archives
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, The National Archives highlights some of its collection associated with romance and affairs of the heart, from First World War love letters to Shakespeare’s will.
Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Gascon Rolls to go online
Important unpublished records of the Hundred Years War, the Gascon Rolls, are to be made available online in an innovative new project led by the University of Oxford and assisted by The National Archives.
Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Archives accepted in lieu of tax
The government has recently accepted two separate collections in lieu of tax, applications for the allocation of which must be received by 20 March 2009.
Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT
A historic first in Norfolk
As America celebrates its first African American President, recent research has uncovered the making of history here in the UK with the election of the first black Mayor in Britain.
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
30 year rule review report now available
The 30 year rule review, commissioned by the Prime Minister in October 2007, has now published its report.
Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Book of the Week
A compelling new history – Prison: Five hundred years of life behind bars by Edward Marston – is out now, published by The National Archives.
Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT
Records on Second World War merchant shipping now online
The movements of merchant ships during the Second world War can now be discovered at DocumentsOnline. The merchant shipping movement cards record the journeys of both British registered and Allied vessels engaged in the war effort from 1939.
Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Talks at The National Archives in February
Free talks at The National Archives during February offer help and ideas to family historians, from DNA testing to tracing elusive ancestors. Other talks cover medieval and early modern sources for local history, company records and the diary of homosexual law reformer George Ives.
Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Britain on America: documenting the elections
With Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, The National Archives looks at some of the fascinating records we hold that reflect a long history of British interest in political affairs in the US.
Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT
1911 census launched online
Over 27 million people's records from the 1911 census are now available online at 1911census.co.uk, after an ambitious project undertaken by findmypast.com, owned by brightsolid, in association with The National Archives.
Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT
Royal Marines records available online
The service registers of some 110,000 seamen who joined the Royal Marines between 1842 and 1936 are now available to search and download online.
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
RecordKeeping magazine
The latest edition of The National Archives’ quarterly RecordKeeping magazine is now available to read online.
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
January talks at The National Archives
In January, The National Archives hosts a number of free events and talks where specialists will share their knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from Irish land records to a practical guide on starting your search for your ancestors.
Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT
Crime and Punishment at The National Archives
Details from the judges' reports on nearly 4,000 criminals between 1784 and 1829 are now available in the Catalogue in HO 47. They can be searched by name, place and date, as well as crime, court and punishment.
Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT
'Meet the CEO' report - your views and our responses
On 18 November The National Archives held a 'meet the Chief Executive' day. A report of the day, showing the issues raised and our responses, is now available.
Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:00 GMT
The National Archives will be closed for Christmas from Wednesday 24 December to Saturday 27 December
The National Archives will be closed for Christmas from Wednesday 24 December to Saturday 27 December. We will reopen at 09:00 on Monday 29 December. We will be closed for New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January 2009. Online services will not be affected.
Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT
Celebrating Women’s Suffrage
The 90th anniversary of the election of the first woman to Parliament - Sinn Fein MP Constance Markievicz - and the first general election in which women could vote, is marked on 14 December 2008. After the remarkable and exhaustive action of the Suffragette movement, the Equal Franchise Act was passed ten years later giving all women the vote on the same terms as men.
Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT
CEO named IWR Information Professional of the Year 2008
Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives, has been announced as the winner of this year’s Information World Review (IWR) Professional of the Year award. The prestigious award was presented at the recent Online Information Conference 2008, at which Natalie was speaking on the need to redefine the information and knowledge management profession.
Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT
More non-conformist birth, marriage and death records go online
More than 600,000 records of births, baptisms, marriages and burials have been added to the searchable online service at http://www.bmdregisters.co.uk/. These records were previously only viewable on microfilm as the RG 8 series.
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT
Cabinet Papers, 1915-1977
The National Archives offers unprecedented access to more than 60 years worth of Cabinet papers with the launch of a ground-breaking website. More than half a million pages of key government papers, taking readers from the First World War to the welfare state, are available to search and download for free at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers.
Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT
Home page redesign
The National Archives is launching a newly designed home page for the website on Monday 8 December. The new page will have many of the same links and features, but the layout will be clearer, with more exciting images.
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT
The National Archives will be closed Friday 5 to Monday 8 December
The National Archives will be closed to the public on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Monday 8 December 2008 for annual stocktaking.
Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
Opening up life on the Great Western Railway
The details of clerks who worked for the Great Western Railway between the mid-1850s and the 1870s are now available online, offering intriguing glimpses into their lives.
Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
December talks at The National Archives
In December, The National Archives hosts a number of free events and talks where specialists will share their knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from child emigration to Canada to using the Manorial Documents Register, and offer useful advice on research.
Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT
First World War brought to life for students
With the recent commemoration of Armistice Day 90 years on, secondary school students throughout the UK have been given an insight into life in the trenches via The National Archives´ videoconference workshops.
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
New government strategy launched for managing knowledge and information
Information Matters is a new strategy published by the Civil Service to help government seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of managing knowledge and information in a digital era.
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
MUSE exhibition at The National Archives
A new multiscreen video installation - MUSE - by artist Anne Bean, can now be viewed at The National Archives’ museum at Kew.
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
Victory, peace and port - the untold story of the Armistice
The Voices of the Armistice podcast series continues with a fascinating, unofficial account of the negotiations that ended the Great War.
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives
The National Archives is holding a 'meet the Chief Executive' day on Tuesday 18 November. This is your chance to put your views or questions about the management and future direction of The National Archives directly to Natalie Ceeney.
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT
Volunteers bring to life the world of the Victorian poor
A new project led by The National Archives, ‘Living the Poor Life’, will involve more than 200 volunteers in cataloguing the records of 22 Poor Law Unions. The volunteers will catalogue more than 100,000 pages of documents, dating from the mid-1830s to around 1850.
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Voices of the Armistice: Sir Douglas Haig's war diary
Voices of the Armistice, The National Archives´ season of podcasts to mark the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, continues with extracts from Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig´s War Diary.
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT
The loss of the MV Derbyshire - digital records released
The National Archives releases unique audio-visual records from the 1997 investigation into the tragic sinking of the Motor Vessel Derbyshire, following its most significant digital preservation project to date.
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT
National Archives website short-listed for Children's BAFTA
A groundbreaking education website from The National Archives, Focus on Film, has been short-listed for a Children’s BAFTA in the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards.
Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT
November talks at The National Archives
In November, The National Archives hosts a number of free events and talks where specialists will share their knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from the administration of parish records to merchant seamen of the First and Second World Wars, and offer useful advice on research.
Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT
UK incoming passenger lists go online
Ancestry.co.uk, in partnership with The National Archives, have today launched the most comprehensive online UK immigration collection in existence - The UK incoming passenger lists, 1878-1960.
Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Research opportunities for ESRC-funded postgraduates
The National Archives and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have teamed up to offer four separate three-month internships at Kew during 2009 for second or third year ESRC-funded postgraduates.
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT
Voices of the Armistice podcast series
To mark the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, The National Archives has launched a season of podcasts of personal stories from those who served in the First World War.
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT
Chelsea Pensioners’ records and Military Attestation Papers to go online
The National Archives is working with findmypast.com to scan and place online two important series of records: WO 97 (Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers Service Documents 1760-1913) and WO 96 (War Office: Militia Attestation Papers 1806-1915). Readers should note that it may not be possible to access records while they are being scanned.
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT
October talks at The National Archives
In October The National Archives hosts a number of fascinating free events and talks where specialists will share their knowledge on a wide range of subjects and offer useful advice on research.
Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:00:00 GMT
National Collections Strategy: have your say
The new National Collections Strategy will support the collection and preservation of records of major events, individuals and communities, and public, private or charitable organisations. We want to hear your views on the strategy.
Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:00:00 GMT
The National Archives launches innovative new website on World War Two
Learning Curve, The National Archives' award-winning education website, has launched 'World War II', an innovative, interactive site for history students and anyone with an interest in the Second World War.
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT
September talks at The National Archives
Our talks in September offer practical advice, juicy stories from the archives and new research ideas.
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:00:00 GMT
More army and naval records available online
For the first time you can now search and download the medal index cards of more than 20,000 soldiers who served in the Indian Army during World War One.
Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:00:00 GMT
The Office of Public Sector Information publishes UK annual report on public sector information
Minister of State for Justice Michael Wills today announced the publication of the United Kingdom Report on the Re-Use of Public Sector Information 2008.
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 GMT
Have your say: MOD's transfer of historic armed forces personnel records to The National Archives
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has launched a public consultation on the early transfer of some historic armed forces service personnel records to The National Archives.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:30:00 GMT
The National Archives publishes a new online strategy
Provide and Enable: The National Archives' Online Strategy sets out how we will respond to changes affecting the organisation's online services over the next three years. Changes will be driven by our Vision, as well as wider social and technical developments.
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:30:00 GMT
Transformation at The National Archives complete
The National Archives officially launches its new reading rooms following a £4 million transformation to accommodate its family records service, setting a new standard for archives in a digital age.
Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:30:00 GMT
UK spearheads Europe's emerging knowledge economy
The European Commission has praised the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) at a pan-European ePSIplus conference in Brussels. The focus of the conference was on the European Commission's formal review of the implementation of a European Directive on the re-use of Public Sector Information (PSI).
Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 GMT
The National Archives consults on revised code of practice
The National Archives has been leading a review and revision of the records management code of practice, issued in November 2002 under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:30:00 GMT
New identification requirements for visiting the reading rooms
If you wish to look at original documents when visiting The National Archives, you will need a Reader's Ticket. If this is your first visit (or if you need to renew your Reader's Ticket), please make sure you bring two forms of identification with you - one proof of identity with a signature (such as a passport or bank card) and the other a proof of address (such as a driving licence or recent utility bill).
Mon, 20 May 2008 15:45:00 GMT
New programme of talks and lectures
The National Archives is proud to present a new programme of talks and lectures in association with Ancestors Magazine. The events are free of charge and will take place in the new talks room on the first floor at Kew. Each event starts at 14:00 and lasts for approximately one hour. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis on the day and cannot be booked in advance.
Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 GMT
Forged documents - investigation findings released
We have released the findings of our investigation into forged documents. The forged documents were discovered in July 2005, in files held at The National Archives. The papers from our investigation, as well as the forged documents, are now available on our website.
Sat, 03 May 2008 00:05:00 GMT
Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2008
The biggest event in the family history calendar is back at London's Olympia between 2 and 4 May 2008. The event will be brimming with the country's leading family historians offering one-to-one advice sessions and range of fascinating workshops. Visit our main website for further details.
Fri, 01 May 2008 07:45:00 GMT
Changes to car parking at The National Archives
The National Archives is installing barriers in the public car park. We are beginning the installation on Monday 17 March, and the barriers should be fully functional by mid-April. The car park will remain in use while we are installing the barriers, and we will keep you informed of any short-term or localised disruption.
Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Closure of The National Archives' services at the Family Records Centre
The staff and services provided by The National Archives at the Family Records Centre (FRC) move to Kew when the doors close on 15 March 2008. The transfer of these services and expertise into one building will make research easier.
Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 GMT
30-year rule review - consultation period extended
Last year the Prime Minister commissioned an independent review of the '30-year rule', under which most government records are transferred to The National Archives and made available to the public by the time they are 30 years old. The review team has extended the consultation period for members of the public.
Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:30:00 GMT
New opening hours at Kew from 31 March 2008
The opening hours of the reading rooms at Kew will be changing from 31 March 2008. The opening hours will change on Tuesdays to 09:00 - 19:00 and on Wednesdays to 10:00 - 17:00. Document ordering times will be 09:30 - 16:45 and 10:00 - 16:15 respectively. The opening hours and document ordering times for all other days will stay the same. For more information on opening hours.
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:45:00 GMT
Have your say at our user forum on 25 March 2008
The National Archives user forum is open to all users of our online, remote and on site services, and is held monthly in Kew. The forum is free, and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:30:00 GMT
First Local Authority archive survey reveals wide variations
The first comprehensive survey of local authority archive services reveals a 'postcode lottery' of service quality across England and Wales. The variations in service mean that some irreplaceable historical records run the risk of not surviving for future generations.
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:00:00 GMT
Online National Register of Archives expands
What do a Stockport hat manufacturer, an East London borough council and the famous poet, Alexander Pope, have in common? Answer: you can find out about all of them by searching in the National Register of Archives.
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:30:00 GMT
Reduced seating capacity continues to cause disruption at Kew
Changes to services including critical building work, as part of the Kew improvement programme will continue until late spring 2008. Unfortunately, there will be significantly reduced seating capacity as well as noise and disruption whilst this continues. You may wish to avoid coming to Kew on Tuesdays or Thursdays, as these are our busiest days. Or, even to delay planning your visit until the work has been completed.
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:30:00 GMT
New image format a great step forward for digital preservation
The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) has examined JPEG 2000 in a report published today. The report concludes that JPEG 2000 represents a great stride forward for the archival community.
Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT
Have your say at our user forum on 21 February 2008
The National Archives user forum is open to all users of our online, remote and on site services, and is held monthly in Kew. The forum is free, and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:30:00 GMT
Operational Selection Policies for public consultation
The National Archives has issued two draft Operational Selection Policies (OSPs) for public consultation. One is for government case files relating to competition (OSP 43) and the other for OFWAT, the Water Services Regulation Authority, (OSP 47).
Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:00:00 GMT
Surplus used microfilms and microfiche offered for disposal
Due to the relocation of our Family Records Centre services to Kew, The National Archives is offering batches of redundant microfilms and microfiche, free, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:30:00 GMT
Births, marriages and deaths indexes free online at The National Archives
In response to growing demand, The National Archives has agreed free onsite internet access to the birth, deaths and marriages indexes, through findmypast.com, the UK family history website.
Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:30:00 GMT
30-year rule review - independent consultation launched
The Prime Minister announced on 25 October that the Government has commissioned a review of the date by which departments must transfer records to The National Archives and the date at which records become "historical".
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT
The National Archives will be closed from 21 to 27 January 2008
We regret that The National Archives at Kew will be closed to the public from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 January 2008 inclusive. We will reopen at 09:00 on Monday 28 January 2008. This is to enable us to carry out building works as part of the improvement programme we are implementing at Kew.
Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:00:00 GMT
New book explores Cabinet debates over nuclear weapons
Peter Hennessy's new book, Cabinets and the Bomb, reveals top-level private debates about Britain's use of nuclear weapons. Launched at The National Archives last night, the book contains declassified Cabinet papers that reveal the private debates between prime ministers, civil servants, scientists and intelligence officers as they made decisions about Britain´s nuclear weapons.
Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:00:00 GMT
The National Archives wins award for digital preservation
The National Archives is celebrating its victory at the Conservation Awards 2007, winning the award for digital preservation. The award recognises leadership and practical advancement in the new and challenging field of digital preservation
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:00:00 GMT
Nonconformist birth, marriage and death records online
The National Archives' collection of nonconformist birth, marriage and death records from 1567 goes online today for the first time
Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT
Archives accepted in lieu of tax
Archives accepted in lieu of tax: family and estate papers of the Harcourt family, Viscounts Harcourt, and papers of Sir Richard Francis Burton, explorer
Thu, 13 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT
Archives join forces to celebrate human rights
The Archive Awareness Campaign launches today, with archives across the UK planning special events to commemorate the history of human rights.
Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT
Personalise your searches on The National Archives website
Register with us today to customise your search results, save your searches, add bookmarks to your favourite web pages and receive recommendations from our bookshop based on your search history.
Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:01 GMT
Mobile website for The National Archives
You can now keep in touch with The National Archives on your mobile phone or PDA.
Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:01 GMT
Ex-library books clearance
On Tuesday 21 August 2007 The National Archives is holding a free one-day clearance of library books and finding aids.
Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT
First World War soldiers' pension records online
The pension records of almost one million soldiers who fought in the First World War are now available to search and download from Ancestry.co.uk
Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Human Rights through the eyes of history: a new online exhibition
Although the concept of human rights as we understand it today was unknown until modern times, people in Britain have fought since the medieval period to gain the rights, freedoms and liberties we all enjoy today. To illustrate this essential part of history, The National Archives has launched a new online exhibition tracing the evolution of our human, social and civil rights from Magna Carta to the establishment of the Welfare State.
Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 GMT
The National Archives and Microsoft join forces to preserve the UK's digital heritage
Microsoft and The National Archives today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) ensuring preservation of the nation´s digital records from the past, present and into the future. Microsoft will make available to The National Archives a system, which combines previous versions of Windows and Office, to help solve problems of managing historical records based on legacy Microsoft Office formats
Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Surplus used microfilms offered for disposal
Following the introduction of online access in the reading rooms at Kew, The National Archives is offering the following batch of redundant microfilms, free, on a first-come, first-served basis
Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT
The National Archives wins Jodi award for excellence in website accessibility
An innovative project from The National Archives has won a prestigious Jodi Award for excellence in accessible museum, library and archive technology.
Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:15:00 GMT
Government commits to finding a solution to preserving its digital information
Vital government information is becoming increasingly fragile and could be lost forever unless something is done to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.
Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Southwell Workhouse and Poor Law Union papers now available online
The National Archives and The National Trust are launching a new online resource for general, family, and local historians, which brings to life the conditions of a Victorian workhouse. For the first time you can view these previously long forgotten records online and piece together history from a time when Britain was the workshop of the world!
Wed, 16 May 2007 00:01:00 GMT
'Your Archives' now open for contributions
Your Archives is a ground-breaking new resource, which has recently been launched as part of The National Archives' online services. It is a virtual community of record users where people can share their knowledge of archival sources held by The National Archives and by other archives throughout the UK.
Mon, 14 May 2007 10:00:00 GMT
400th anniversary of Jamestown settlement
Sunday, 13 May 2007 is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
Fri, 11 May 2007 00:01:00 GMT
The National Archives announces its partner in digitising the 1911 Census
The National Archives is delighted to announce that ScotlandOnline will partner the UK government´s official archive in the forthcoming project to put the 1911 census for England and Wales online.
Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:01:00 GMT
Tickets sell out for the Religious Archives Group conference supported by The National Archives
In association with The National Archives, the Religious Archives Group is looking at The State of Religious Archives in the UK Today at its 2007 conference on 26 March. Morning papers, given at the event by experts in their fields, will provide overviews of Anglican, Catholic and Nonconformist archives.
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:00:00 GMT
New portal offers insight into slavery 200 years ago
The exhibition draws together a range of historical documents and information describing Britain's involvement in slavery and the slave trade, and finally its eventual abolition. The Act was passed on 25 March 1807, 26 years before the Emancipation Act (1833) which led to the gradual abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:15:00 GMT
Prisoner 4099: From the Victorian age to the Internet age
The National Archives has collaborated with a group of visually impaired children to create an innovative web-based resource looking at crime and punishment in the Victorian era. It focuses on the case of William Towers, a boy from Richmond in Surrey. In 1872, at the age of only 12, William was imprisoned and sentenced to one month´s hard labour. His heinous crime was stealing two pet rabbits.
Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:00:00 GMT
New online exhibition opens up 300 years of Caribbean history
Caribbean Histories Revealed, a new online exhibition from The National Archives, launches on Tuesday 6 March. The exhibition traces the history of the British Caribbean through Colonial Office records from the 17th century to 1926. From maps and photographs, to letters and petitions, it brings to life over 300 years of life in the Caribbean.
Wed, 07 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Non-parochial, foreign and maritime Births, Marriages and Deaths digitisation project
Under the Licensed Internet Associateship scheme The National Archives has signed a license with Genealogy Supplies Limited to scan the existing microform and place online the following series records:
Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT
British army World War One service and pension records go online
Ancestry.co.uk launches British Army World War One service and pension records – second most viewed collections at The National Archives
Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT
The National Archives project wins £800,000 grant to digitise UK Cabinet papers 1917 - 1975
The National Archives has won a major grant from the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), the UK funding council devoted to supporting pioneering information technology programmes in education.
Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:30:00 GMT
Contribute to the Government's consultation on disability
The Government is committed to achieving equality for all disabled people by 2025. As part of this commitment, The National Archives is giving readers the opportunity to contribute to the Office for Disability Issues.
Wed, 14 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT
The National Archives wins grant to digitise Cabinet papers
The National Archives has won a major grant from the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), the UK funding council devoted to supporting pioneering information technology programmes in education.
Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:00:00 GMT
The National Archives supports Religious Archives Conference
The National Archives and the Religious Archives Group affiliated to the Society of Archivists are joining forces to stage a conference to consider 'The state of religious archives in the UK today' at the British Library on 26 March.
Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:00:00 GMT
Update on closures in January and February
We regret that, due to national industrial action, The National Archives at Kew will be closed to the public on Wednesday 31 January.
Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:00:00 GMT
The National Archives wins e-Government National Award
The National Archives digitisation programme was a winner at the e-Government National Awards 2006 in the category for Central government Central e-Government excellence in Take-up and usage growth: For delivering high and growing take-up of an e-enabled service through effective service delivery and marketing.
Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:00:00 GMT
Union between Britain and France
A file (DO 35/5264) held at The National Archives, and featured in BBC Radio 4's Document programme on 15 January, reveals that during the Suez Crisis in 1956 the French Prime Minister Guy Mollet proposed a union between Britain and France.
Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:00:00 GMT
Emigration: passenger lists go online
Migration records [Passenger Lists] are invaluable in helping you find your ancestors. Board of Trade Passenger Lists, Outwards (BT 27), 1890-1960, contain the names of people leaving ports in the United Kingdom and Ireland for final destinations outside Europe and the Mediterranean.
Wed, 10 Jan 2007 10:00:00 GMT
1911 census - decision notice
The 1911 census must remain closed as a whole document until 2012, to protect personally sensitive information. However the Information Commissioner’s decision means that The National Archives must supply some information from the 1911 census in response to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Manuscripts accepted in lieu of tax
The Government has accepted the following manuscripts in lieu of tax and they now await allocation to suitable repositories.
Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:15:00 GMT
Report on 'Meet the Chief Executive Officer day' at Kew
Report on 'Meet the Chief Executive Officer day' at Kew, 16 November 2006
Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT
New look for The National Archives website homepage
The redesign comes after an extensive consultation period with a representative selection of online users. Some web visitors were concerned that the old homepage did not adequately introduce the scope and nature of the content available on The National Archives website as a whole.
Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT
'TNA Global Search' wins Best User Experience Award
The award recognises any project or service that has shown outstanding innovation in improving the user experience. The Information Industry Awards are hosted by Online Information 2006 and Information World Review to recognise the achievements of information teams, information and content management projects, vendors and individual information professionals.
Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:30:00 GMT
Colin Jackson launches Caribbean Family History Day 2006
Colin Jackson has been helping black children to overcome the hurdles of finding out about your family history. At the Caribbean Family History Day at The National Archives in Kew on Saturday 25 November, he took part in a discussion about his experiences on the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? and the need for people to embrace and understand their heritage.
Tue, 21 Nov 2006 08:30:00 GMT
The National Archives reaches finals in e-Government National Awards 2006
The National Archives has been short-listed for the e-Government National Awards 2006. The Awards highlight the UK's best services which improve citizen and business transaction with councils, central government departments and other public sector organisations.
Tue, 21 Nov 2006 08:30:00 GMT
Immigrants' registration cards go online
The registration cards, held by The National Archives in Kew, of more than 1,000 foreign nationals who came to the London area between 1914 and 1991 have now gone online.
Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:30:00 GMT
The National Archives and The Office of Public Sector Information have merged
The new organisation, under the banner of The National Archives, is raising the stakes in information management across government. Strong information management is essential for the effective working of government, providing excellent services, joined-up policy making, and strengthening public confidence and trust. The National Archives, through its merger with OPSI, has expertise across the information management spectrum and is well placed to lead this agenda. In supporting better information management, The National Archives will continue its work in preserving history for future generations.
Tue, 31 Oct 2006 07:30:00 GMT
Baroness Ashton visits The National Archives
The Rt Hon The Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, enjoyed a very informative day on 13 September at The National Archives in Kew with representatives from family history and local history societies.
Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Online release of 1911 census - updated
The National Archives is committed to making census data available online. We know from our own experience the huge excitement generated by the release of any new census and recognise the great historical and research value of census information. So we are already making plans to make the 1911 census available online in just under six years' time, on the first working day of 2012.
Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Archivists from around the world come to visit The National Archives
Following on from Natalie Ceeney's successful meeting in Washington in June, The National Archives will be hosting a meeting on 16 and 17 October 2006 attended by a number of Senior Archivists from France, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, USA and Scotland.
Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Manuscripts Accepted in Lieu of Tax
The Government has accepted the following manuscripts in lieu of tax and they now await allocation to suitable repositories
Mon, 02 Oct 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Germinating History: 200 year old seeds spring to life
Against all expectations, seed scientists from the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew´s garden in West Sussex, have germinated 200–year–old seeds discovered in The National Archives – now growing into vigorous young plants.
Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT
Meet the Chief Executive on 16 November 2006
For the first time ever, The National Archives will be holding a 'Meet the Chief Executive' day. On Thursday 16 November, Natalie Ceeney will be holding surgeries in each of the main reading rooms at Kew.
Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The National Archives: the next five years. Report of the first open meetings, and dates of the next meetings
James Strachan, Director of Public Services and Marketing at The National Archives (TNA), presented A New Vision for The National Archives 2006 – 2011. This included our plans to merge with Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) in 2006 and to transfer TNA´s services from the Family Records Centre in Myddelton Street, EC1, to its site at Kew in west London, by 2008.
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The National Archives' plans to merge with Office of Public Sector Information in 2006, and relocate services from the Family Records Centre to Kew by the end of 2008
James Strachan, Director of Public Services and Marketing at The National Archives (TNA), presented A New Vision for The National Archives, 2006 – 2011, at public meetings at the Family Records Centre (FRC) on 29 June and at Kew on 30 June.
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
1085 to 2006: A Domesday Book for a digital age
As of today, Domesday Book, the oldest public record held at The National Archives, is brought into the 21st century through Domesday Online, the organisation´s latest digitisation project.
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Surplus used microfilms offered for disposal
Following the introduction of online access in the reading rooms at Kew, The National Archives is offering batches of redundant microfilms, free, on a first-come,first-served basis.
Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Update on document authenticity
The police investigation into the six files found to contain forged documents is still ongoing. At this stage The National Archives is unable to make any announcements on the progress of the police investigation.
Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Sahib, the British Soldier in India 1750-1914
Our podcast lecture, given by the well known military historian Professor Richard Holmes, examines Indian soldiering in peace and war. He addresses the experience of ordinary soldiers, why they joined up, how they got to India and what they made of it when they arrived.
Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT
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