The National Archives

About The National Archives

Repository of archival information for the United Kingdom

The National Archives is the official archive of the UK Government and of England and Wales, holding documents that span more than a thousand years; it is open to the public and free to visit. Its modern building stands in Kew, south-west London, near the Royal Botanic Gardens, and it is a non-ministerial department under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own national archives. The present institution grew from the merger of four bodies, chiefly the Public Record Office founded in 1838, together with the Historical Manuscripts Commission, the Office of Public Sector Information and His Majesty's Stationery Office. Its treasures include the Domesday Book of 1086, copies of Magna Carta, records of wars, colonies and treaties, and millions of files used by family historians. Since 2008 it has also hosted the UK's online legislation database, and since 2022 a database of superior court judgments. Casual visitors can see original documents in a small free museum gallery without registering, while anyone wishing to consult or photograph records obtains a free reader's ticket with proof of identity. Visitors from the Arab world often come to research British-era records on Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, the Gulf and Aden.

Where:

London, United Kingdom