The Friends of The National Archives perform a valuable role by helping to raise funds to support The National Archives. In joining the Friends, you will play a part in protecting the nation’s records.
Donations from Friends help The National Archives carry out its vital work.
Member benefits
As a thank you for being a valued member of the Friends, you’ll receive:
- Behind-the-scenes tours at The National Archives twice a year
- 20% discount on purchases at The National Archives bookshop (at Kew and online)
- Special members’ only events
- Members’ magazine Magna
- Access to our Members’ lounge at The National Archives, Kew
- Online Members’ area: magazine and newsletter archive, blog, forum and other publications
Behind the scenes tours of The National Archives
Friends members enjoy the chance to attend free behind-the-scenes guided tours of The National Archives’ repositories and Collection Care department twice a year.
Tours run on the first Wednesday in May and the last Friday in September. To book a tour, join the Friends online and then email friendsco-ordinator@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Magna, the Friends members’ magazine
Magna the magazine of the Friends of The National Archives, is available exclusively to Friends members. Back issues of the magazine are also available online to Friends members.
The magazine contains articles of interest to all branches of the historical community, as well as news from The National Archives.
Recent articles have included:
- A brief consideration of the once unmanly sport of football
- Plan of the proposed English fort at Bombay, India 1665
- Lady Lisle: reluctant rebel?
- Empire of Information: Ireland and the Home Office 1793-1803
- MI5 women spies during WW2
How to join
Join the Friends online from £30 a year (discounts are available for concessions and those in full-time education). All proceeds go towards supporting the work of The National Archives.