Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research

The Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research is a subcommittee of the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives. It was set up in May 2010 to provide a means through which recommendations can be made to the Advisory Council about activity relating specifically to historical manuscripts (private archives). It is also a place for discussion about academic research issues.

The Forum allows the Advisory Council and The National Archives to strengthen their respective roles relating to historical manuscripts and private archives, as well as to maintain and improve their relationships with senior academics.

The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts (HMC) was set up to locate and record the contents and location of private papers of historical interest (apart from public records) and to advise on preservation, storage and access.

The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts was appointed under Royal Warrant in 1869 to make enquiry as to the places where manuscripts and private papers of historical interest were located and to report on their contents.

The Master of the Rolls is Chair of the Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research.

Find out about the terms of reference of the forum.