On the Record at The National Archives
1000 years of history, 1000 years of stories to uncover. The National Archives presents On the Record, a podcast that unearths the real life stories found in our vast collections. Join our experts and special guests as we dig deep into the people behind the paper and bring fascinating stories from more than 11 million records to life. Discover tales of forbidden love, spies, protest, and the everyday people of the past. Follow us on Twitter @UkNatArchives
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Second World War - Legacies, Language and Diaspora
10/03/2024
Second World War - Legacies, Language and Diaspora
When you think of the soldiers who fought for Britain and the Allies in the Second World War, you might picture young lads from Morecambe or officers who attended Sandhurst. But you might not consider someone from the coast of East Africa who speaks Swahili, or a Hindustani-speaking person from what is now South Asia. In this episode of On the Record, host Chloe Lee speaks with Iqbal Singh and Liz Haines, specialists at The National Archives, and writer Sharmila Chauhan. Together, they delve into a unique collection of records about soldiers recruited from Britain’s colonies, exploring everything from the speeches of British commanders in Hindustani to powerful artworks designed to portray fighting for the British Empire as the only moral choice. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: https://bit.ly/SwwLLD
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Trailer: Second World War - Legacies, Language and Diaspora
09/26/2024
Trailer: Second World War - Legacies, Language and Diaspora
In this episode of On the Record, we take focus on the lesser-told history of the colonial troops, from East Africa and India, that fought for Britain during the Second World War.
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Untold Stories of D-Day
08/15/2024
Untold Stories of D-Day
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 6, 1944, 24,000 soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy in Northern France. What followed was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Their mission: to liberate Europe and defeat Germany. Who were these soldiers? And who worked secretly to plan the operation and ensure its success? In this episode, Chloe Lee speaks to colleagues Sophie Stewart and Alice Bell about the people who contributed to this operation, whose stories we may not be familiar with: a tank driver on the frontline, one of the first black women in the Royal Air Force, and a femme fatale whose coded telegram saved many lives on D-Day. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Untold Stories of D-Day
08/12/2024
Trailer: Untold Stories of D-Day
In this episode, we uncover the untold stories of a tank driver on the frontline, one of the first black women in the Royal Air Force, and a femme fatale whose coded telegram saved lives on D-Day.
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Robin Hood
05/23/2024
Robin Hood
Since the 13th century the legend of Robin Hood has featured in folk songs, tavern stories, pageants, and royal festivals — even Henry VIII once dressed up as him. But what lies behind the legend? And what do our stories of robbing from the rich tell us about life in medieval England? In this episode Chloe Lee speaks to Kathryn Maude, a medieval specialist, and Sean Cunningham, head of medieval records, both at The National Archives. Join them on a journey through a forest of medieval historical records, and perhaps even discover the 'real' Robin Hood. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Robin Hood
05/20/2024
Trailer: Robin Hood
In this episode, we journey through a forest of historical records to discover the 'real' Robin Hood.
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Pauper Voices
04/25/2024
Pauper Voices
It's often impossible to find direct accounts of poor people in the historical record, especially the further back you look. But an extraordinary collection containing thousands of letters written by people in poverty between 1834 and 1900 provides an insight into their lives. In this episode, Chloe Lee speaks to specialist Paul Carter about letters held by The National Archives which were addressed to the Poor Law Board, the British central poor law authority. Together they use these accounts to glimpse into the factories, the workhouses and slums in which so many vulnerable people lived out their lives. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: This podcast is based on the research , a major AHRC-funded project, running from 2018 to 2021, which uses letters from paupers and other poor people, and associated manuscript material such as petitions, sworn statements and advocate letters (those written on behalf of paupers) to investigate the lives of the poor between 1834 and 1900. The Project was led by Professor Steve King (Nottingham Trent University) and Dr Paul Carter, (The National Archives).
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Trailer: Pauper Voices
04/22/2024
Trailer: Pauper Voices
In this episode, we examine a rare collection which contains thousands of letters written by people living in poverty between 1834 and 1900.
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Second World War Captives
02/19/2024
Second World War Captives
At The National Archives, we hold records that tell fascinating stories of real people who lived through the horrors of the Second World War. In this episode, historians Will Butler, Ela Kaczmarska, and Roger Kershaw explore documents – some of them previously unseen by the public – that describe the experiences of prisoners of war and civilian internees held captive during the conflict. The episode accompanies our exhibition, Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives, which is open at The National Archives in Kew until July 21, 2024. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Second World War Captives
02/15/2024
Trailer: Second World War Captives
In this episode, we explore unique documents held at The National Archives that tell the stories of prisoners of war and civilian internees held captive during the Second World War.
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Boston Tea Party
12/14/2023
Boston Tea Party
In December 1773, 340 tea chests were hurled into Boston Harbour by a protesting crowd. It was a rebellion that came to be known as the Boston Tea Party. A protest that ignited the flames of revolution and forever changed the course of American history. Now, 250 years later, we reveal some fascinating documents held by The National Archives. Join us as we explore the context of the Boston Tea Party and what documents from the British side reveal. Guests include Daniel Gosling and Ralph Thompson from The National Archives. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Boston Tea Party
12/11/2023
Trailer: Boston Tea Party
In this episode, we examine the British response to the Boston Tea Party. A protest that ignited the flames of revolution and forever changed the course of American history. We reveal some fascinating documents held by The National Archives.
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Inventions
10/05/2023
Inventions
A , a fish-shaped hot air balloon, and a self-ventilating hat. From s to an amateur tinkering in their garden shed, The National Archives is filled with the history of inventions. In this episode of On the Record at The National Archives, Olivia Gecseg and Katherine Howells look through some fascinating patents and registered designs. They discuss inventors and their methods and explore the fascinating historical contexts behind these technical creations. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Inventions
10/02/2023
Trailer: Inventions
A , a fish-shaped hot air balloon, and a self-ventilating hat. In this episode of On the Record, we explore fascinating invention patents and registered found in our collection.
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Women's Land Army
08/17/2023
Women's Land Army
Muck-spreading, rat-gassing, carrot-pulling — all in a day’s work for a land girl! You probably know the land girls as plucky young women who rolled up their sleeves and kept Britain’s farms running during the Second World War. In this episode, we're digging deeper into the history of the Women's Land Army using unique collections at The National Archives. Discover fascinating stories of everyday bravery and the no-nonsense women who were enlisted in what the Ministry of Information called the ‘Battle for Bread’. Hosting this episode is Vicky Iglikowski-Broad, a Principal Records Specialist in Diverse Histories, and she is joined by specialists Cherish Watton, Chloe Lee and Katherine Howells. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes:
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Trailer: Women's Land Army
08/14/2023
Trailer: Women's Land Army
In this episode, we're digging deeper into the history of the Women's Land Army, using The National Archives’ unique collections to reveal fascinating stories of no-nonsense women.
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Windrush at 75
06/15/2023
Windrush at 75
Reporters, cameras, speeches, and even songs publicised the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush when it docked at Tilbury on June 22, 1948. The ship carried 1,027 people on board, including many passengers from the Caribbean, invited to help rebuild Britain after World War II. In this episode, we're marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush through the lens of several unique records held at The National Archives, including the official passenger list. Hosting this episode is Chloe Lee, a Migration and Citizenship Researcher, and she is joined by specialists Iqbal Singh, Lisa Berry-Waite and Vicky Iglikowski-Broad. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: This episode is part of a season of events and activities to mark the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on its 75th anniversary. To find out more, visit
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Trailer: Windrush at 75
06/12/2023
Trailer: Windrush at 75
In this episode, we highlight the experiences of the Windrush Generation, who travelled to Britain between 1948 and 1971. We explore their challenges and successes, and their influence on British society to mark the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on its 75th anniversary.
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Coronations
04/27/2023
Coronations
From Richard III’s lavish wardrobe to Queen Victoria’s chaotic ceremony, coronations have a rich and fascinating history. For some, a coronation is a once-in-a-lifetime public event; for the new king or queen, it is a display which can set the tone for their reign. In this episode of On the Record released to mark the coronation of King Charles III, our specialists examine records from previous coronations and explore how traditions have formed and changed through the centuries. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: This podcast series is part of a season of events and commemorating the coronation of King Charles III on May 6th. Find out more at
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Propaganda
02/16/2023
Propaganda
Take a closer look at records of propaganda in our collections. In this episode, we have four stories of deliberate attempts by governments to influence the beliefs of leaders and laypeople. Hear about British and Sinn Féin propaganda in the Irish War for Independence; a Jamaican artist rediscovered thanks to his commissioned propaganda work; a Nazi radio broadcast with a dubious account of the famous St. Nazaire raid; and how the UK used novels during the Cold War. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. You can share this information with us by visiting .
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Trailer: Propaganda
02/13/2023
Trailer: Propaganda
In this episode, we’re looking at propaganda in our collections. We share four stories of deliberate attempts by governments to influence the beliefs of leaders and laypeople through newspapers, art, radio, and novels.
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Treason: Rebellion
11/24/2022
Treason: Rebellion
By 1800, there were 300,000 Africans enslaved in the British colony of Jamaica. Despite harsh punishments and low odds of success, communities among the enslaved repeatedly organised and acted throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, starting revolts to overthrow their enslavers. In this episode, we explore how and why enslaved people resisted in the British Caribbean, and then Harvard University Professor Vincent Brown shares the story of Tacky’s Revolt, one of the largest uprisings in this period. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. You can share this information with us by visiting .
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Treason: Betrayal and Deception
11/17/2022
Treason: Betrayal and Deception
What happens when treasonous plots fail? What happens when innocent people get pulled into dangerous schemes? In this episode, we explore the story of Edward Earl of Warwick, doomed by his father’s crimes, and the Cato Street Conspiracy, a failed plot to kill the entire British cabinet that was followed by a sensational trial. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. You can share this information with us by visiting .
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Treason: People, Power and Plot
11/10/2022
Treason: People, Power and Plot
The history of English monarchs is a tale brimming with assassination attempts. Queen Elizabeth I thwarted many attempts to replace her with a Catholic monarch, following her excommunication by the Pope. Two hundred years later, King George III acted with compassion after two separate assassination attempts. This is the first instalment of a three-part series exploring treason across the centuries. Episode two will examine the ripple effects of treasonous plots. And finally, in our third episode, we’ll learn how enslaved Africans in the Caribbean revolted in an attempt to overthrow their oppressors and regain their freedom. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. You can share this information with us by visiting .
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Trailer: Treason
10/28/2022
Trailer: Treason
Delve into centuries of treason in this three part mini-series. Join us as we uncover stories from across the globe, from plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I to enslaved Africans in the Caribbean fighting for their freedom – all explored through a unique selection of history-defining documents, bringing stories of people, power and plot to life.
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Trailer
10/20/2022
Trailer
1,000 years of history, 1,000 years of stories to uncover. The National Archives presents On the Record, a podcast that unearths the real life stories found in our vast collections. Join our experts and special guests as we dig deep into the people behind the paper and bring fascinating stories from more than 11 million records to life. Discover tales of forbidden love, spies, protest and the everyday people of the past. Subscribe now to stay up to date with new episodes.
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Colonial Office Records
08/25/2022
Colonial Office Records
The Colonial Office was the government department responsible for Britain’s colonies at various points throughout the 18th to 20th centuries. It issued instructions to colonial governors, authorised expenditures, and determined the broad direction of policy for the Empire. In this episode, we look at three documents that provide insight into the experiences of people living under British rule: a 1921 letter from black sailors in Wales to the Prime Minister inspired by Garveyism; a 17th-century slave-trading ship's journal; and service records of African soldiers fighting in World War I. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. You can share this information with us by visiting .
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Trailer: Colonial Office Records
08/22/2022
Trailer: Colonial Office Records
In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at Britain’s Colonial Office records. This was the government department responsible for Britain’s colonies at various points throughout the 18th to 20th centuries. We’ll be exploring three stories found in these records, which provide an insight into the experiences of people living under British Rule.
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The 1920s: Fashion and Nightlife
05/12/2022
The 1920s: Fashion and Nightlife
In this episode, fashion historian Amber Butchart discusses the fashion movements of the 1920s, from rising hemlines to ready-to-wear fashion. Then we tell the story of Kate Meyrick, the Soho Nightclub Queen. Meyrick’s popular clubs were frequently raided, and the records of those raids reveal a lot about what a night out in London was like one hundred years ago. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: To tie in with the release of the 1921 Census of England and Wales in January 2022, our programme explores and shares stories connecting the people of the 1920s with us in the 2020s. This exciting programme includes our new 1920s-themed exhibition in Kew. Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. Visit:
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The 1920s: Migration and Public Health
04/28/2022
The 1920s: Migration and Public Health
In this episode, we continue our whirlwind tour through the 1920s by introducing you to some of the fascinating people and movements of the era. We tell the story of two men trying to make a better life in England. Then, in the aftermath of World War I and a deadly influenza pandemic, we look at efforts to improve public health and morality. To tie in with the release of the 1921 Census of England and Wales in January 2022, our programme explores and shares stories connecting the people of the 1920s with us in the 2020s. This exciting programme includes our new 1920s-themed exhibition in Kew. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: Listeners, we need your help to make this podcast better! We need to know a bit more about you and what themes you’re interested in. Visit:
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