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an introduction by Bob O'Hara 
The National Archives is the repository of official records for England, Wales and the United Kingdom. It was founded by act of Parliament in 1838 to bring together and preserve the records of central government and the courts of law, and to make them available to all who wish to consult them. The records, beginning with Domesday Book (1086), span an unbroken period from the 11th century to the present. TNA is the treasure house of the nation's memory. Included on its 90 miles of shelving are a hugely diverse range of historical documents including returns for parliamentary elections in 1275, lists of Elizabeth I's jewels, Shakespeare's will, Guy Fawkes' confession, and the first American newspaper. There is Captain Bligh's account of the mutiny on The Bounty, Napoleon's post mortem, decrypts of the British Ambassador's despatches describing the start of the Russian Revolution, the abdication instrument signed by Edward VIII, minutes of Churchill's war cabinet and and 617 squadron's account of the busting of the Mohne and Eder dams. The National Archives is an invaluable resource for academic researchers, local historians, genealogists and many other groups of readers. TNA staff are friendly and will give advice about how to make best use of the research aids but they will not conduct searches for you. Guidance from TNA sources is gratefully acknowledged in compiling the above introduction. For more information visit the National Archives web site. 
Kindest regards Bob Contact us by email R W O'HARA 15 Ruskin Avenue Kew, Richmond TW9 4DR England Return to Home Page
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