The story of
Richard III
Through documents held at The National Archives, we can piece together a great deal about the life and reign one of Britain's most infamous medieval monarchs.
Royalty
The National Archives’ collections are scattered with traces from the lives of kings and queens, from historic pronouncements to details from their wardrobes. Our government records offer unique insights into the personal journeys and choices of monarchs and their families.
Stories from the collection
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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.
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Record revealed
Charter issued by the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar
The oldest complete document at The National Archives, this charter recording a grant of land dates back over 1,000 years.
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The story of
Sophia Duleep Singh
Sophia Duleep Singh (1876–1948) was an Indian princess and a formidable figure in the women's suffrage movement.
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Record revealed
Princess Anne's betrayal of her father, James II
This letter, sent by Princess Anne during the height of the Glorious Revolution, confirmed the betrayal of her father, King James II.
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Record revealed
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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Record revealed
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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Record revealed
An unusual royal gift to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer
How do you reward a medieval poet? This document granted the author of the Canterbury Tales an unusual royal gift: a daily allowance of wine.
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Record revealed
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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Record revealed
The Treason Act
The Treason Act defined the crime of ‘high treason’ in law for the first time. It is one of the oldest pieces of legislation still on the statute book today.
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Record revealed
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.