Early modern (1485–1714)
Delve into records from a period that covers the Tudor, Stuart and English Civil War eras. Discover stories of treason, conflict and seismic religious upheaval, including some of the most famous moments in history, like the Gunpowder Plot and the Reformation.
Early modern (1485–1714) highlights in pictures
Stories from the collection
The story of John Blanke
Read about John Blanke
John Blanke was a trumpeter at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He is one of the earliest people of colour in England we have records about.
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Thomas Cromwell
NewThrough intrigue and ambition Thomas Cromwell rose to become one of Henry VIII's key advisors. What can records at The National Archives tell us about his life?
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Copy of Henry VIII's diplomatic assurances to João III of Portugal
Recently rediscovered, this letter offers new archival evidence into Britain and Portugal's shared history.
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Letter patent with the Great Seal of Ireland attached
This unexpected gem is a document granting land in Ireland to a John Farrell. Attached is the Great Seal of Ireland, indicating approval from King Charles II.
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An Elizabethan widow's will
This ordinary will from 1587 gives us a glimpse of an Elizabethan woman’s concerns on her deathbed.
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A letter from the most powerful woman in Tudor England: Margaret Beaufort
How did the founder of the Tudor dynasty reach and use her position of power?
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List of animals held in the ‘Bear Garden’ in Elizabethan Southwark
This deed reveals some of the animals kept to perform on the Tudor stage or in arenas. It includes ‘an old she bear called Nan’, some bulls, a horse and an ape.
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John Blanke’s petition for a pay rise
This parchment records John Blanke, a Black Tudor in the royal court, asking King Henry VIII for a pay rise and a promotion in his role as a trumpeter.
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The Monteagle Letter
Is this the most famous anonymous letter in British history? Perhaps it should be. Without it, the Gunpowder Plot might have succeeded.
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William Shakespeare
Through documents held in The National Archives, we can gain an incredible insight into the life of one of the world's most famous playwrights.