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Talk

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Join us for an exploration of the secret world of the British Security Service, MI5 from its origins to the modern day.

Date
27 November 2026
Location
Online

For most of its history, MI5 has worked almost entirely in secret but since the 1990s, it has been releasing files to The National Archives. Co-authored by archivists Mark Dunton and Stephen Twigge, their new book The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets showcases the incredibly rich collection of MI5 files held by The National Archives.

Join Mark Dunton, contemporary specialist at The National Archives and co-author of the book as he discusses how the book came about and some of the riveting stories of subversion and espionage to be found within.

Event details

Date
27 November 2026, 14:00 to 15:00
Price
Free

Pay what you can

Location
Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo

Dates for this event

27 November 2026

  • 14:00 to 15:00

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How to join online

What you need to join

This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.

When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.

  • Vimeo provide guidance on How to watch a live event.
  • You do not need a Vimeo account to join. If you do sign up for a Vimeo account, please be aware you may be asked to verify your age. You can find out more here: About age verification in the UK and EU
  • You can join from your browser from a laptop or mobile device.
  • For the best experience we recommend using either a laptop or desktop computer.

Help during the event

To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.

  • If the live event hasn’t started at the advertised start time, please refresh your browser window and click the play button on the event again. If that doesn’t work, try closing the browser window and clicking the link in your confirmation email again.
  • You can enable live subtitles by clicking on the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video player. ‘CC’ stands for ‘Closed Captions’.
  • When you join the event, you may have to click on the sound icon at the bottom of the video to unmute the sound. If there is still no sound, please make sure that you have got your speakers turned up to full volume.
  • If you have a query that has not been answered above, please email us at whatson@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Watch after the event

This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.

Speakers

  • Mark Dunton

    Principal Records Specialist (Contemporary records)