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Stories from the collection

Discover the human stories behind the collection. Learn about the people, places and events featured in our records.

Each collection insight takes an in-depth look into a group of the records we hold.

Record revealed Photographs of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor NEW

Read about Photographs of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Copyright photographs of composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor provide us with a unique insight into his status in early 20th-century British society.

Read about Photographs of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
  • The story of

    Robert Wedderburn

    New

    Robert Wedderburn (1762–1835) was a British-Jamaican radical preacher, abolitionist and writer.

  • Record revealed

    Photographs of the British Black Panthers headquarters

    New

    These photographs, captured through police investigations, give a unique insight into the heart of the early British Black Panther movement.

  • Record revealed

    John Blanke’s petition for a pay rise

    New

    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.

  • The story of

    Ivor Cummings

    Ivor Cummings (1913–1992) greeted the iconic arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in 1948. He became known as the 'gay father of the Windrush generation'.

  • The story of

    Sir Learie Constantine

    Sir Learie Constantine (1901–1971) was a renowned cricketer, author, politician and persistent campaigner for racial equality and justice.

  • The story of

    William Cuffey

    William Cuffey (1788–1870) was a mixed-race, disabled, working-class leader. He was a leading figure in the Chartism movement, famed for his powerful oratory.

Discover all stories

Browse and explore the human stories behind The National Archives’ collection.