Explore the collection
Explore by time period
More than a thousand years of human history live on in the records we care for. Browse collection highlights by the time periods they come from.
Other ways to explore our collection
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Explore the collection
Explore by topic
Our collection shines a light on many aspects of life, from the stories of states to different people's experiences. Browse these topics for just a taste. -
Explore the collection
Stories from the collection
Discover the human stories behind the collection. Learn about the people, places and events featured in our records.
Discover something new
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Record revealed
Letter from a ‘destitute’ man to the Poor Law Commission
In this letter, Thomas Henshaw of Derbyshire complained of his treatment by local officials who denied him welfare despite his ‘most distressing’ situation. -
Record revealed
Letters from the curator of St Vincent Botanic Gardens
Discover how plants travelled across the British Empire in the 19th century and the effect this has on our natural environment, and eating habits, today. -
Record revealed
Plea roll for the Court of King’s Bench, with a portrait of Henry VIII
This record of disputes taken to court in 1518, written in abbreviated Latin, includes a vivid portrait of the reigning monarch at the time.