Stories from the collection

Until 2021, the census did not ask for information about sexuality. One letter in our collection gives a personal perspective on why this data was needed.

This unexpected gem is a document granting land in Ireland to a John Farrell. Attached is the Great Seal of Ireland, indicating approval from King Charles II.

Sophia Jex-Blake (1840–1912) was a physician and campaigner who fought for women’s access to university education.

A life of charm, high-stakes, and duplicity saw Elvira Chaudoir play a cunning role in the Allied victory at D-Day.

Did you know that the word ‘camp’ was used by members of the LGBTQ+ community as early as 1868?

Singer and broadcaster Evelyn Dove (1902–1987) achieved a number of firsts including, in 1925, becoming the first woman of African heritage on BBC Radio.

The first Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was prompted by the sinking of RMS Titanic. Signed in 1914, it established international shipping standards.

This letter details the circumstances of the strange disappearance of famous author Agatha Christie in 1926.

14-year-old cabin boy John Giles Hipkin became Britain's youngest Second World War prisoner of war in 1941 after he was captured at sea.

Through intrigue and ambition Thomas Cromwell rose to become one of Henry VIII's key advisors. What can records at The National Archives tell us about his life?

This ordinary will from 1587 gives us a glimpse of an Elizabethan woman’s concerns on her deathbed.

How do you reward a medieval poet? This document granted the author of the Canterbury Tales an unusual royal gift: a daily allowance of wine.