The National Archives

Free to visit and open to all, The National Archives in Kew, London is the place to explore 1,000 years of documentary history, from the Medieval period through to the present day.

As the official archive of the UK Government and for England and Wales, The National Archives is home to some of the most important documents in British history and shines a light on aspects of British life from crime and justice, democracy and protest, military and war, art and culture, and identity and citizenship.

Visitors can access documents in the Archive’s Reading Rooms (pre-booking recommended), visit free temporary exhibitions and displays, or simply enjoy the café, shop and grounds.

Photo Credit: The National Archives

Britain and America. One Story, Two Nations

This summer, The National Archives in Kew, London will be marking a momentous period in British American history with a powerful free exhibition that charts the emergence of the United States of America.

Featuring original maps, correspondence, first-hand accounts and reports, visitors will be taken on a journey spanning twenty years that shaped history. A rare, original ‘Dunlap broadside’ print of the Declaration of Independence will also be on display.

Alongside the familiar story of Britain and the rebels, discover more about those often overlooked in the traditional narrative – Indigenous peoples, Black Loyalists, and enslaved persons. Uncover the human consequences of the decisions made on both sides of the Atlantic during this time of shifting powers and allegiances.

Revolution 250: America’s Independence Story 1763–1783 will not only document the key political events and military manoeuvres on the road to American independence but also explore the impact of the conflict on those who lived through it.

24 June to 29 November 2026

FREE

Photo Credit: The National Archives