![James Travers.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/James_Tr.2e16d0ba.fill-512x512.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

# James Travers

Roles
:   Author
:   Researcher

Cultural Property Manager

## On this page

* [About](#about)
* [Research activity](#research-activity)
* [Articles](#articles)

## About

James Travers is Cultural Property Manager at The National Archives and leads
expert advice to government, grant-awarding bodies and the archives sector on
archives as cultural property. This includes advice on tax incentives, purchase
grants, the controls of the movement and sale of archives, as well as the UK
market in manuscripts.

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## Research activity

James is leading a research project to review how the impact of digital may
affect current arrangements to secure and retain significant archives in this
country. He is also currently involved in a consultant-led project, supported by
The National Archives’ Strategic Research Fund, to assess changes in the funding
landscape for archives over the last ten years and the impact of TNA’s advice
and funding streams.

James read English Language and Literature at Brasenose College, Oxford and his
thesis explored ‘Epistemology and Styles of Thought in the Works of Sir Thomas
Browne (1605-1682).’ He specialises in literary sources in archives and is a
writer of popular history books based on archival sources.

He has published two books focusing on Early Modern sources and their language,
which have led to numerous media appearances. His latest book ‘A Blackmailer at
Frogmore: The Adventures of Queen Caroline’s Ghost’ was published by Amberley in
January 2022.

### Publications

* J Travers, James I: The Masque of Monarchy (Kew, 2003)
* J Travers, Gunpowder: The Players Behind the Plot (Kew, 2005)
* J Travers, The Gunpowder Plot: Terror in Shakespeare’s England (Stroud, 2019)
* J Travers, A Blackmailer at Frogmore: The Adventures of Queen Caroline’s Ghost (Stroud, 2022)

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## Articles

* Blog post

  ### [Allocating collections acceptance in lieu of tax 2024-5](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/allocating-collections-accepted-in-lieu-of-tax-2024-5/)

  ![A medieval document with a colour illustration of a king on their throne.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/king-charles-letter-_k4Ojj3J.8adca9ff.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg)

  Every year, The National Archives receive documents, archives or collections
  through the UK Art Council's Acceptance in Lieu scheme.

Read [archived articles by
James](https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250613141135/https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/author/jtravers/).

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