Display
Each month we take a single, remarkable document, put it on display, and explore its story. Come and see topical finds and lesser-known treasures for yourself!
Records come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter if they’re 1,000 years old or 20 – each one offers a powerful glimpse into the past.
Stories Unboxed explores a different record (or maybe even two) from The National Archives' collection each month – that could set you on a journey of discovery...
No booking needed
This map provides fascinating insights into artistic traditions, trade networks and technological exchanges that connected East and Southeast Asia with the wider world.
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At first glance, this map appears to be a detailed geographical record of a coastal region in China. Yet closer examination reveals much more than the information written on its surface.
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This month's display also features the results of a microfadeometry experiment. This is a technique that exposes an extremely small area of an object to a controlled light source. The results of this test informed how we care for this map while it is on display.
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Come and discover more for yourself! This record can be found on the first floor of The National Archives in Kew.
The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, and England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents.
Everyone is welcome to visit our headquarters in Kew. We put on exhibitions, events and displays and offer reading rooms giving access to our collections there.
The National Archives is located by the River Thames in Kew, 30 minutes from Central London. We offer advice on travelling to us by car, bike, train or bus.
We provide a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
We have a café and coffee bar provided by Maids of Honour, a historic local tea room and bakery. It has spacious indoor and outside seating and a soft play area.
On the menu is a variety of high-quality lunchtime meals, sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements are all catered to.
Our research blog
In this blog post, we explore the physical elements of a 19th century Chinese military map and what it tells us about our East and Southeast Asian records.
Focus on
In December 1978, Vietnamese refugees seeking asylum aboard the Huey Fong were refused entry to Hong Kong. Records we hold document the 34-day standoff.
Record revealed
After six years of brutal global conflict, this document marked the end of the Second World War.
Record revealed
This map was provided to soldiers during the first operation by the Chindits, special forces serving in Japanese-occupied Burma during the Second World War.