![Mark Dunton.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/mark-d.2e16d0ba.fill-512x512.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg) # Mark Dunton Roles : Author : Researcher Principal Records Specialist (Contemporary records) ## On this page * [About](#about) * [Research activity](#research-activity) * [Articles](#articles) * [Shop items](#shop-items) ## About Mark has written and broadcast extensively on the modern period. He joined The National Archives in 1983 and has an in-depth knowledge and experience of researching public records, specialising in 20th-century Britain (political, social and economic history): Prime Minister’s Office records, Cabinet Papers, and the records of the Security Service (MI5). Mark curated the Protect and Survive: Britain’s Cold War Revealed exhibition at The National Archives in 2019 and is the lead curator of our 2025 exhibition [MI5: Official Secrets](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/mi5-official-secrets/). --- ## Research activity Mark has a BA in History from Exeter University, an MA in Archives and Records Management from University College London and an MA in War Studies from King’s College London. His research interests include post-1945 British political, social and economic history, British Prime Ministers of the 20th Century and the Cold War. His areas of expertise include The Heath Government (1970–1974) and The Thatcher Governments (1979–1990). He is particularly fascinated by ‘marginalia’ (handwritten comments) in the Prime Minister’s Office records. He has an interest in economic history and knowledge of 20th Century Treasury records. Mark was lead contact for The National Archives on ‘A Publishing and Communications History of the Ministry of Information, 1939–1946’, a collaborative project with the Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London. He is co-supervisor on the CDA PhD Project: State Secrets and the Public Archive: Cold War Spycraft and the Literary Heritage of British Espionage, working with the University of Roehampton (School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences). ### Publications * Prime Ministers of the 20th Century (Pen & Sword, 2021) * M. Dunton, Public Relations and the Price Commission, 1973–74, Archives, Volume LII, Number 134 (April 2017) * M. Dunton, Probing the 1970s: A Case Study: Inflation, Public Relations, and the Heath Administration, 1972, Archives, Volume XXXVIII, Number 126 (April 2013) #### Contact If you are interested in collaborating on an academic research project, please get in touch. Email : [mark.dunton@nationalarchives.gov.uk](mailto:mark.dunton@nationalarchives.gov.uk) Copy email address --- ## Articles * Blog post ### [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 MI5 files are released at The National Archives today. In this blog, Mark Dunton explores some of the notable names and stories found within. * Blog post ### [On the Record: MI5: Official Secrets](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/on-the-record-podcast/mi5-official-secrets/) ![A black and white photo of two men standing near each other, looking in opposite directions. Text reads, 'On the record'.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/On_the_Record_MI5_.8d450864.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg) In celebration of our new exhibition featuring these secret files and spy gadgets, this episode of our podcast delves into the real world of espionage. * Focus on ### [Olga Gray and the Woolwich Arsenal Spy Ring](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/olga-gray-and-the-woolwich-arsenal-spy-ring/) ![A typed telegram marked as 'Secret' detailing the actions of known communists Percy Glading and Harry Pollitt.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/KV-2-1023_01-tel_m1BmsL1.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg) In 1938, thanks to years of work by a remarkable female agent, MI5 ensured a package of British defence plans stayed secret. * Blog post ### [Confessions from the Cambridge Five: a file release from MI5](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/the-collection-blog/confessions-from-the-cambridge-five/) ![Portrait photograph of a man in military uniform with a slightly melancholy expression.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/blunt-photo-t_mQ3fPHo.2e16d0ba.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg) Over 100 Security Service (MI5) files are being released today covering a wide range of subjects and individuals. Most notably, the Cambridge Five spy ring. Read [archived articles by Mark](https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250613141552/https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/author/mdunton/). --- ## Shop items * ### [Images of The National Archives: Prime Ministers of the 20th Century](https://shop.nationalarchives.gov.uk/products/images-of-the-national-archives-prime-ministers-of-the-20th-century) ![A book cover for 'Prime Ministers of the 20th Century' by Mark Dunton. Images of past prime minsters, including Anthony Eden.](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/media/images/Prime_Ministers_of_t_StEZKCx.8b2b3070.fill-600x400.format-jpeg.jpegquality-60.bgcolor-fff.jpg) Price : £12.99 ## Help us improve this website [Complete our short survey (opens in new tab)](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DN07V0/?area=footer&source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalarchives.gov.uk%2Fmd%2Fpeople%2Fmark-dunton%2F) --- [Back to top](#top)