# The National Archives

Explore 1,000 years of history

[Help with your research](/help-with-your-research/)   [Search the catalogue](https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)   [Plan your visit](/visit/)

Exhibition

## [Revolution 250: America's Independence Story 1763–1783](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/revolution-250-americas-independence-story-1763-1783/)

![Three visitors observe historical documents in glass display cases within a modern museum gallery featuring red wall panels.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Rev250_web_hero_image_-_e.5feda847.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

FINAL WEEKS - closing Sunday 29 November. To mark the 250th anniversary of The
US Declaration of Independence, our powerful new free exhibition charts the
emergence of the United States of America.

News

## [Latest release of files from MI5](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/latest-release-of-files-from-mi5/)

![A blurred, moving figure can be seen holding an archive box in the aisle between two rows of archive shelving.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/walking-in-the-repos.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

Today, we have made available a selection of previously top secret files from
MI5. The files in this release cover a range of events and individuals dating
from 1933 to 1975.

Collection blog

## [A file release from MI5](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/the-collection-blog/a-file-release-from-mi5/)

![A photograph of a man and a woman walking down a London street. They are both wearing overcoats and a hat. They are unaware that they are being photographed.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/KV2-4767-0009-Mr-and-Mr.be68567c.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

Over 100 Security Service (MI5) files have been released at The National
Archives covering a wide range of subjects and individuals.

Talk

## [In conversation with Amy Jeffs – Arthur](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/events/in-conversation-with-amy-jeffs-arthur/)

![Book cover for Arthur by Amy Jeffs](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/97815294.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

Join historian Amy Jeffs as she breathes new life into the legend of King
Arthur.

## [Booking a visit to view original documents](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/researching-here/booking-a-visit-to-view-documents/)

![A visitor holds two boxes of records and a volume to a member of staff at the Document Reading Room returns desk.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/visitor-picking-up-d_WDdzh0Y.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

Find out how you can book in advance to view original documents in our reading
rooms.

## [Explore the collection](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/)

![Bundles of papers and parchment records tightly packed together.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/prize-papers-la-perl_BrEal2r.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

Choose a topic or time period and start exploring some of our most important and
unusual records.

## [On the Record Podcast](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/on-the-record-podcast/)

![A black and white photo of people celebrating. Text reads, 'on the record'](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/On_the_Record_VE_Day_.90141c71.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

The National Archives presents On the Record, a podcast that unearths the real
life stories found in our vast collections.

## [Our research & academic collaboration](/professional-guidance-and-services/our-research-and-academic-collaboration/)

Learn about our work as an Independent Research Organisation.

## [Archives sector](/archives-sector/)

Get help to develop your collections and archives services.

## [Education](/education/)

View award-winning resources for students and teachers.

## [Information management](/information-management/)

Access best practice in records management and transfer, and information re-use.