This autumn, The National Archives invites history lovers to explore the past through a series of engaging onsite and online events.

With a diverse programme that includes author talks, exclusive document showcases, and interactive sessions for families, there’s something for everyone to enjoy either in person or from the comfort of home. Autumn Highlights Include:

Onsite Author Talks:

  • Bright Stars of Black British History
    Friday, 1 November | 14:00 | £7 (Pre-sale)
    Discover the lives of Sarah Forbes Bonetta and Una Marson, two trailblazers in British history, with this captivating talk.
  • Henry V – An Evening with Dan Jones
    Thursday, 28 November | 19:30 | £10 (Pre-sale)
    Renowned historian Dan Jones presents his latest work on England’s legendary king, Henry V.

Secrets of The National Archives – Online Talks:

  • Thomas Cromwell’s Notebooks
    Friday, 8 November | 14:00 GMT
    Take a closer look at the mind of Tudor England’s most influential political figure.
  • Shakespeare’s Will
    Friday, 15 November | 14:00 GMT
    Examine the intriguing document that offers a glimpse into the personal life of Britain’s greatest playwright.
  • Robert Dudley’s Last Letter to Elizabeth I
    Friday, 29 November | 14:00 GMT
    Historian Tracy Borman offers insight into the intimate relationship between Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I.

Online Book Talks:

  • Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity
    Tuesday, 1 October | 19:30 BST
    Diarmaid MacCulloch delves into Christianity’s complex relationship with sex and gender.
  • SAS Daggers Drawn with Damien Lewis
    Friday, 25 October | 14:00 BST
    Damien Lewis brings to life the daring exploits of renegade soldiers during WWII using never-before-seen materials.
  • The British High Street at Christmas
    Wednesday, 4 December | 19:30 GMT
    Historian Annie Gray takes us through the history of the British high street as a bustling centre of holiday shopping and socialising.

Onsite Document Display:

  • Disability Through the Ages
    Friday, 18 October | 14:00-16:30
    A special exhibition of original records highlighting the experiences of disabled individuals throughout history.

Behind the Scenes Tours:

Take a peek behind the curtains of The National Archives with a series of tours offering a rare look into the vast collections.

Family-Friendly Events:

For younger audiences, the Time Travel Tots series offers interactive sessions designed to inspire curiosity and learning:

  • Messy Play (ages 2-5): Fridays: 11 Oct, 15 Nov, 13 Dec
  • Sensory Storytelling (ages 0-2): Fridays: 25 Oct, 29 Nov, 20 Dec

Early Access for Subscribers:
Subscribers can enjoy priority booking starting this Monday, allowing them to secure their spots before tickets are released to the general public.

For more information and to book your place, visit The National Archives Events.

Image Source:

  • The National Archives UK: The National Archives