The National Archives is home to millions of historical documents, known as records, which were created and collected by UK central government departments and major courts of law.
For example, we have records from the Home Office, the Foreign Office and the Central Criminal Court.
It takes 185km of shelving to store our records, and this increases every year.
People in the archives
Most of our records are administrative documents, but many contain information that will help you if you are looking for a person, such as military service records from before the 1920s.
We also have copies of naturalisation certificates (1949-1986).
A huge range of subjects
Our records form a unique resource for those interested in the history of England, Wales and the United Kingdom. They cover a huge range of subjects, so no matter what you’re researching, we could have the records you need.
Browse our research guidance to find out what records we have for a particular subject, place or person.
Dates and formats
The majority of our records are at least 20 years old. We continue to collect records from government departments each year – read about our latest document releases.
Our most famous early record is Domesday Book, which dates back to 1086, and our more contemporary records include those from Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s. We also have electronic records and websites.
Our collection comes in a range of formats from paper and parchment to digital files. The content can sometimes be surprising – you can never be sure what you will find until you see the record.
Some of our records are available online, but to see the others you will need to visit us in Kew.
Withheld information
Though most of our records are open to the public, some are not. In many cases this is because they contain sensitive information about individuals who may still be alive. There are other reasons for withholding information and you can find out more about them in our Freedom of Information pages.
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FAQs
Entry to the National Archives museum is free.
Reservations are not required for individuals or groups wishing to visit the National Archives Museum, but they are strongly suggested between March and Labor Day to avoid potentially long lines outside. Tickets are normally available 90 days in advance.
Is the National Archive trustworthy? ›
We develop the information that we disseminate from reliable sources and use generally accepted methods for data collection, archival description, and editorial preparation. We thoroughly review information before we disseminate it.
Are the documents in the National Archives real? ›
The National Archives preserves and provides access to the records of the Federal Government. Here is a sample of these records, from our most celebrated milestones to little-known surprises .
How long does it take to get through National Archives? ›
We recommend that you allow at least 90 minutes to visit the exhibit galleries.
What is the 30 year rule in the National Archives? ›
The Public Records Act requires central government departments, and certain other public bodies, to identify records of historical value and transfer them for permanent preservation to The National Archives, or to another appointed place of deposit, by the time they are 30 years old.
Why can't you take pictures in the National Archives? ›
The primary impetus for the new regulation was concern that the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and other original documents on display in the National Archives Experience were at risk from exposure to flash photography.
What is the most requested item from the National Archives? ›
Most Requested
- Declaration of Independence.
- The Constitution.
- The Bill of Rights.
- World War II Photos.
- Census Records.
The National Emergency Library expanded the Archive's long-running Open Library program, which lets people digitally “check out” scanned copies of physical books. Publishers dubbed both systems “willful digital piracy on an industrial scale,” and in a March ruling, a New York judge substantially agreed.
What is the difference between the National Archive and the Library of Congress? ›
The Library of Congress Manuscript Division holds personal papers and organizational records significant to American history. The National Archives and Records Administration is the official depository for United States government records.
Can you see the Constitution at the National Archives? ›
Plan your visit to the National Archives Museum, home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
U.S. Congress records from 1774 to 1875, including Bills and Resolutions, Congressional Record and Statutes at Large.
- The Constitution. ...
- Declaration of Independence. ...
- Bill of Rights. ...
- Federalist Papers.
If you love history, you'll enjoy visiting this museum. A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines.
Are photos from the National Archives free? ›
Generally, copies of photographic records held by the National Archives may be published without special permission or additional fees. The National Archives does not grant exclusive or non-exclusive publication privileges. Copies of Federal records, as part of the public domain, are equally available to all.
Does the National Archives cost money? ›
Entry to the National Archives is free.
Can anyone access the National Archive? ›
Anyone can use the National Archives.
What degree do you need to work in the National Archives? ›
You must have a bachelor's degree in archival science or bachelor's degree with a major that included 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, ...
How much does it cost to join Archives? ›
Is Archives worth the cost? Archives gets you in initially with a free trial which last for 14 days. After that time you're then charged a monthly fee of $9.99.
Is the National Archives a good place to work? ›
Ratings distribution
The National Archives has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 33 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there.
