The story of
Shapurji Saklatvala
One of the first MPs of Indian heritage, Shapurji Saklatvala (1874–1936) was an agitator for change, which led to his surveillance by the Security Service.
Stories from the collection
Discover the stories behind the collection. Learn about the people, places and events featured in our records.
South Asian Heritage Month
Explore the strength and diversity of South Asian communities found in our collections, from determined factory workers to celebrated writers and campaigning royalty.
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The story of
Jayaben Desai and the Grunwick dispute
In August 1976, a group of migrant workers led by Jayaben Desai took a historic stand against racism, low pay and limited workers’ rights.
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Record revealed
A Sivanandan's British nationality certificate
This is the nationality certificate of Ambalavaner Sivanandan (1923–2018), the novelist, activist and former director of the Institute of Race Relations.
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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.
Discover all stories
Browse and explore the human stories behind The National Archives’ collection.
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Focus on
The American privateer and the secret copy of the Declaration of Independence
NewUncover the story of the American privateer Dalton, and her rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence.
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The story of
April Ashley: 'being myself’
April Ashley (1935–2021) was a pioneering model, campaigner and key figure in trans history.
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Focus on
'The first humble beginnings of an agitation': The 1866 mass women’s suffrage petition
This petition marked an unprecedented moment in British history: 1,500 women directly demanding the vote.
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Record revealed
A map of New York during the Stamp Act riots
This drawing of the New York shows a small settlement on the verge of violent protests and dramatic change.
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Record revealed
Adrienne de Lafayette’s letter to her husband, Marquis de Lafayette
This previously unknown letter from Adrienne de Lafayette reveals her unfailing love for her husband.
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Focus on
Salvage on the South Bank: After the Festival of Britain
The 1951 Festival of Britain transformed London’s South Bank with an array of new buildings and gardens. What happened after it closed?
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Focus on
Britain's role in The Front Palace Crisis
Discover how a ship's surgeon unknowingly recorded a critical event that reshaped Siam’s government forever.
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The story of
The General Strike
In May 1926 over 1.5 million UK workers went on strike, bringing Britain to a standstill. Our records provide an insight into its origins and impact.
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Record revealed
Love letter from John Laurens to his wife, Martha Manning
Explore this love letter from John Laurens, one of George Washington’s most trusted soldiers, expresses his love for his wife during the American Revolutionary.
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Record revealed
A plea for protection from Captain Jones’s raid
This letter tells the story of a daring attack on a British town during the American Revolutionary War.
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Record revealed
Operations record book featuring the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
This record explores how airwomen spent their work and leisure time at a Royal Air Force base during the Second World War.
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The story of
Mary II’s love letters to William III
Buried among a collection of official documents curated by William III are an unusual find: expressions of love.