We look after 500 years of historic records, preserved in a Victorian skyscraper We look after the historic records of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords, dating back more than 500 years, preserved in the Victoria Tower.
Operating as usual
Happy Star Wars Day! In the height of the 60s space race, parliament were discussing galaxies far, far away, with this Treaty from our collection on Outer Space Exploration.
May the 4th be with you!
Happy Star Wars Day! In the height of the 60s space race, parliament were discussing galaxies far, far away, with this Treaty from our collection on Outer Space Exploration.
May the 4th be with you!
Ninety-five years ago this week the nation found itself on the brink of revolution. A much feared General Strike had been called by the TUC to support striking coal miners. Over the next few days we shall be recalling this most tumultuous crisis through our collections. People's History Museum
Ninety-five years ago this week the nation found itself on the brink of revolution. A much feared General Strike had been called by the TUC to support striking coal miners. Over the next few days we shall be recalling this most tumultuous crisis through our collections. People's History Museum
On 15 April 1945, the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by British forces.
Read all about the liberation, war reporting and photography and the idea of Belsen in the British imagination over on our blog:
http://ow.ly/ThXV50EBGNX
On 15 April 1945, the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by British forces.
Read all about the liberation, war reporting and photography and the idea of Belsen in the British imagination over on our blog:
http://ow.ly/ThXV50EBGNX
Last month saw Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National cementing her reputation as one of the very best! But did you know that the 1975 S*x Discrimination Act allowed women to compete in the National Hunt. ITV Racing
Last month saw Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National cementing her reputation as one of the very best! But did you know that the 1975 S*x Discrimination Act allowed women to compete in the National Hunt. ITV Racing
Our 'Inside the Act Room' blog platform is the gift that keeps on giving! So have yourself a read of ‘Nine Days in May’. Taking you back to the spring of 1926 as the General Strike pits the workers against the establishment - Who will blink first! People's History Museum http://ow.ly/MVO350EBBPz
A blog by staff working in the parliamentary archives
April saw the sad passing of Shirley Williams - a leading member of the 70s Labour government & one of the first women cabinet ministers. She entered parliament in 1964 as MP for Hitchin and left it as Lady Williams of Crosby in 2016. Read more here: http://ow.ly/xqQn50EBLCq
April saw the sad passing of Shirley Williams - a leading member of the 70s Labour government & one of the first women cabinet ministers. She entered parliament in 1964 as MP for Hitchin and left it as Lady Williams of Crosby in 2016. Read more here: http://ow.ly/xqQn50EBLCq
To finish off our themed week celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We take a look back at the wedding of the future King George VI and Queen Mother on 26 April 1923, here is a ticket for the wedding.
To finish off our themed week celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We take a look back at the wedding of the future King George VI and Queen Mother on 26 April 1923, here is a ticket for the wedding.
Ten years ago today we were enjoying a sun-filled bank holiday & of course watching the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. With an all-star cast including The Queen, The Beckhams, Elton John & introducing Pippa the Bridesmaid! Below the 1772 Royal Marriages Act.
Ten years ago today we were enjoying a sun-filled bank holiday & of course watching the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. With an all-star cast including The Queen, The Beckhams, Elton John & introducing Pippa the Bridesmaid! Below the 1772 Royal Marriages Act.
Our next themed week is in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding. To take us back to 20 November 1947, here are wedding invites to Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip's special day #TowerRegina
Our next themed week is in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding. To take us back to 20 November 1947, here are wedding invites to Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip's special day #TowerRegina
Our last Archive30 ends with 'Something Big', the largest and longest act within the Parliamentary Archives is the 1821 Land Tax Act. When completely unrolled the act is an estimated 348 metres long!
Archive30 - 'Something Big'
Learn more about Acts of Parliament on our blog http://ow.ly/X0Gn50Ewids
Our last Archive30 ends with 'Something Big', the largest and longest act within the Parliamentary Archives is the 1821 Land Tax Act. When completely unrolled the act is an estimated 348 metres long!
Archive30 - 'Something Big'
Learn more about Acts of Parliament on our blog http://ow.ly/X0Gn50Ewids
Dennis Potter was the premier screenwriter in that TV golden age of the seventies. In April 1976 he adapted Edmund Gosse’s ‘Father & Son’ book for BBC’s 'Play for Today'. Gosse was a House of Lords Librarian for ten years. Here’s an extract from his 1904 diary. BBC BFI
Dennis Potter was the premier screenwriter in that TV golden age of the seventies. In April 1976 he adapted Edmund Gosse’s ‘Father & Son’ book for BBC’s 'Play for Today'. Gosse was a House of Lords Librarian for ten years. Here’s an extract from his 1904 diary. BBC BFI
For one of the last Archive30, we look closer at an 'Archive Collection', this beautiful drawing is from the Harsman collection. John Hardman Powell was a designer of stained-glass windows and worked with Pugin. This design dates to 1835-56 and features various coats of arms.
Archive30 - 'Archive Collection'
For one of the last Archive30, we look closer at an 'Archive Collection', this beautiful drawing is from the Harsman collection. John Hardman Powell was a designer of stained-glass windows and worked with Pugin. This design dates to 1835-56 and features various coats of arms.
Archive30 - 'Archive Collection'
April 1736 saw Captain John Porteous become Public Enemy No 1 to the people of Edinburgh after ordering troops to shoot protestors at a public hanging. A fearsome riot ensued & later that year he was murdered as noted in this Royal Proclamation. National Library of Scotland
April 1736 saw Captain John Porteous become Public Enemy No 1 to the people of Edinburgh after ordering troops to shoot protestors at a public hanging. A fearsome riot ensued & later that year he was murdered as noted in this Royal Proclamation. National Library of Scotland
An Act against Conjurations, Witchcrafts, Sorcery and Inchantments (1541) is our #SomethingSpooky for today. This is the first of many witchcraft-related Acts in our archives, read more over on the blog: http://ow.ly/mGHN50EvbHp #Archive30
An Act against Conjurations, Witchcrafts, Sorcery and Inchantments (1541) is our #SomethingSpooky for today. This is the first of many witchcraft-related Acts in our archives, read more over on the blog: http://ow.ly/mGHN50EvbHp #Archive30
A #ConservationWin is the 16,000 book trousers we made over lockdown to help barcode volumes without damage (big thanks to the Art Society volunteers!) Here, Harry explains how to make (http://ow.ly/Lqcr50Evdgy) and fit (http://ow.ly/mC7f50Evdej) the great invention from Elizabeth Ralph, Collections Care Team Leader #Archive30 @CCG_ICON
A #ConservationWin is the 16,000 book trousers we made over lockdown to help barcode volumes without damage (big thanks to the Art Society volunteers!) Here, Harry explains how to make (http://ow.ly/Lqcr50Evdgy) and fit (http://ow.ly/mC7f50Evdej) the great invention from Elizabeth Ralph, Collections Care Team Leader #Archive30 @CCG_ICON
Happy St. George’s Day! Today also marks the anniversary of the 1661 coronation of Charles II following the restoration of the monarchy after Oliver Cromwell. From our collection, here is the order of coronation procession to and from Westminster Abbey.
Happy St. George’s Day! Today also marks the anniversary of the 1661 coronation of Charles II following the restoration of the monarchy after Oliver Cromwell. From our collection, here is the order of coronation procession to and from Westminster Abbey.
Today is Stephen Lawrence Day. The Macpherson report found the investigation into his killing had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”. Read the report here: http://ow.ly/6sbw50EpaaS @sldayfdn #TowerEquality
Today is Stephen Lawrence Day. The Macpherson report found the investigation into his killing had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”. Read the report here: http://ow.ly/6sbw50EpaaS @sldayfdn #TowerEquality
The theme for today’s Archive30 is 'Archive Fashion', Parliament has some fantastic, fashionable and fancy uniforms. From our collection is this selection of uniform sketches including this drawing of the deputy Serjeant-at-Arms uniform.
Archive30 - 'Archive Fashion'
The theme for today’s Archive30 is 'Archive Fashion', Parliament has some fantastic, fashionable and fancy uniforms. From our collection is this selection of uniform sketches including this drawing of the deputy Serjeant-at-Arms uniform.
Archive30 - 'Archive Fashion'
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Rising. The protests took place btw the 10th- 12th April 1981 leading to a much-needed national debate on racial discrimination. The Scarman Report published later that year addressed these issues. Black Cultural Archives People's History Museum
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Rising. The protests took place btw the 10th- 12th April 1981 leading to a much-needed national debate on racial discrimination. The Scarman Report published later that year addressed these issues. Black Cultural Archives People's History Museum
As Aretha Franklin sang – Freedom! Freedom!! Freedom!!! Well sort of...Rounding off our celebration of English Tourism Week & the easing of travel restrictions. I’m paying homage to my fav seaside resort ...good old Brighton with this 1834 local plan. VisitEngland
As Aretha Franklin sang – Freedom! Freedom!! Freedom!!! Well sort of...Rounding off our celebration of English Tourism Week & the easing of travel restrictions. I’m paying homage to my fav seaside resort ...good old Brighton with this 1834 local plan. VisitEngland
Continuing Archive30, today’s theme is 'Archive People', with this group photo from 1911 in our Benjamin Stone photograph collection. It shows the Yeoman of the Guard during the traditional Guy Fawkes search before the State Opening of Parliament.
Archive30 - 'Archive People'
Continuing Archive30, today’s theme is 'Archive People', with this group photo from 1911 in our Benjamin Stone photograph collection. It shows the Yeoman of the Guard during the traditional Guy Fawkes search before the State Opening of Parliament.
Archive30 - 'Archive People'
Modern witches have found a digital home on TikTok with #WitchTok viewed 11.9 billion times! Here are accusations of witchcraft in the 1660 Levingstone v Countess of Stirling case. Learn more about Witchcraft in the Archives here: http://ow.ly/8O3l50Ema55 #TowerQuirks
Next up for English Tourism Week is Dorset and the beautiful Jurassic Coast. Four miles inland is Loders, where Benedictine monks were reputedly first to introduce cider-making to Dorset, who knew! Here's the village's Protestation Return from 1642 #TowerRegions
Next up for English Tourism Week is Dorset and the beautiful Jurassic Coast. Four miles inland is Loders, where Benedictine monks were reputedly first to introduce cider-making to Dorset, who knew! Here's the village's Protestation Return from 1642 #TowerRegions
To celebrate English Tourism Week, we look through our collection for some staycation locations. Starting off with this 1545 Act for the maintenance of Scarborough pier. The famous Scarborough fair running throughout the Middle Ages until the 18th century.
To celebrate English Tourism Week, we look through our collection for some staycation locations. Starting off with this 1545 Act for the maintenance of Scarborough pier. The famous Scarborough fair running throughout the Middle Ages until the 18th century.
There is plenty of mystery and intrigue to be found in our archive like the Naseby letters. A series of coded letters between Charles I and a trusted few during the English Civil War.
Archive30 - 'Archive Mystery'
Learn more about this on our blog http://ow.ly/1xsZ50EiWwG
There is plenty of mystery and intrigue to be found in our archive like the Naseby letters. A series of coded letters between Charles I and a trusted few during the English Civil War.
Archive30 - 'Archive Mystery'
Learn more about this on our blog http://ow.ly/1xsZ50EiWwG
On This Day in 1945 was the death of the 32nd President of United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. From our collection, a royal message from King George VI to the House of Lords expressing his sorrow at the news.
On This Day in 1945 was the death of the 32nd President of United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. From our collection, a royal message from King George VI to the House of Lords expressing his sorrow at the news.
Now for a little interior design...This is one for those who have a penchant for 19th Century gothic stylings. Here’s an example of the 1858 furniture designs for Speaker’s House in the new Palace of Westminster. Spot the iconic Portcullis crest. Comfy but classic!
Now for a little interior design...This is one for those who have a penchant for 19th Century gothic stylings. Here’s an example of the 1858 furniture designs for Speaker’s House in the new Palace of Westminster. Spot the iconic Portcullis crest. Comfy but classic!
Not all the records within our collection are paper. We hold various objects including this ceremonial silver trowel which was used to lay the first stone of the clock tower in 1843.
Archive30 - 'Archive Object'
Learn more about this story on our blog http://ow.ly/htc550E9yJc
Not all the records within our collection are paper. We hold various objects including this ceremonial silver trowel which was used to lay the first stone of the clock tower in 1843.
Archive30 - 'Archive Object'
Learn more about this story on our blog http://ow.ly/htc550E9yJc
To round off our 'Inside a Collection' for Baroness Katharine Elliot of Harwood - the Life Peerages Act 1958. The first 14 life peers included 10 men and 4 women, including Elliot, making her one of the first women to sit in the House of Lords! #TowerActs
To round off our 'Inside a Collection' for Baroness Katharine Elliot of Harwood - the Life Peerages Act 1958. The first 14 life peers included 10 men and 4 women, including Elliot, making her one of the first women to sit in the House of Lords! #TowerActs
The theme for today’s Archive30 is 'Archive Outreach'. So, check out some of our online outreach work such as this Learn Live session for students featuring our Senior Archivist Mari Takayanagi on Votes for Women and the history of women’s suffrage.
Archive30 - 'Archive Outreach'
http://ow.ly/jY6U50EiuWw
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Next up for our Inside a Collection on Baroness Katherine Elliot, another great photograph from the archive. Elliot is pictured here in the 1950s at her desk, holding a copy of Hansard - the official record of debates in UK Parliament #TowerSocialHist
Next up for our Inside a Collection on Baroness Katherine Elliot, another great photograph from the archive. Elliot is pictured here in the 1950s at her desk, holding a copy of Hansard - the official record of debates in UK Parliament #TowerSocialHist
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This week we're going behind the scenes at the Parliamentary Archives to showcase the work our teams do. Here we have a time-lapse video of a recent exhibition install. This exhibition covers the Treaty of Versailles. The same day we also installed one about The Newport Rising.
Today we're going behind the scenes with our Imaging Team who have been working on a range of documents and books. Here’s a short time-lapse of them at work.
This time lapse shows the installation of our Parliament & the First World War exhibition. You can find out more information on visiting the exhibition here, http://ow.ly/bDQ330dAU5X
Take a look at how the Parliamentary Archives digitises its records, a process which will take hundreds of years to complete if we were to do the entire collection
Find out how UK Parliamentary Archives helps people find information in over 3 million records in its collection.
