63 episodes

1000 years of history, 1000 years of stories to uncover.

The National Archives presents On the Record, a podcast that unearths the real life stories found in our vast collections.

Join our experts and special guests as we dig deep into the people behind the paper and bring fascinating stories from more than 11 million records to life. Discover tales of forbidden love, spies, protest, and the everyday people of the past.

Follow us on Twitter @UkNatArchives

On the Record at The National Archives The National Archives

    • History
    • 4.9 • 9 Ratings

1000 years of history, 1000 years of stories to uncover.

The National Archives presents On the Record, a podcast that unearths the real life stories found in our vast collections.

Join our experts and special guests as we dig deep into the people behind the paper and bring fascinating stories from more than 11 million records to life. Discover tales of forbidden love, spies, protest, and the everyday people of the past.

Follow us on Twitter @UkNatArchives

    Trailer: Pauper Voices

    Trailer: Pauper Voices

    In this episode, we examine a rare collection which contains thousands of letters written by people living in poverty between 1834 and 1900.  

    • 2 min
    Second World War Captives

    Second World War Captives

    At The National Archives, we hold records that tell fascinating stories of real people who lived through the horrors of the Second World War.
    In this episode, historians Will Butler, Ela Kaczmarska, and Roger Kershaw explore documents – some of them previously unseen by the public – that describe the experiences of prisoners of war and civilian internees held captive during the conflict.
    The episode accompanies our exhibition, Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives, which is open at The National Archives in Kew until July 21, 2024.
    For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: https://bit.ly/SWWCapt

    • 34 min
    Trailer: Second World War Captives

    Trailer: Second World War Captives

    In this episode, we explore unique documents held at The National Archives that tell the stories of prisoners of war and civilian internees held captive during the Second World War.

    • 2 min
    Boston Tea Party

    Boston Tea Party

    In December 1773, 340 tea chests were hurled into Boston Harbour by a protesting crowd. It was a rebellion that came to be known as the Boston Tea Party. A protest that ignited the flames of revolution and forever changed the course of American history.
    Now, 250 years later, we reveal some fascinating documents held by The National Archives. Join us as we explore the context of the Boston Tea Party and what documents from the British side reveal. Guests include Daniel Gosling and Ralph Thompson from The National Archives.
    For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: https://bit.ly/BostonT1

    • 39 min
    Trailer: Boston Tea Party

    Trailer: Boston Tea Party

    In this episode, we examine the British response to the Boston Tea Party. A protest that ignited the flames of revolution and forever changed the course of American history. We reveal some fascinating documents held by The National Archives.

    • 2 min
    Inventions

    Inventions

    A flying machine , a fish-shaped hot air balloon, and a self-ventilating hat. From million dollar ideas to an amateur tinkering in their garden shed, The National Archives is filled with the history of inventions. 
    In this episode of On the Record at The National Archives, Olivia Gecseg and Katherine Howells look through some fascinating patents and registered designs. They discuss inventors and their methods and explore the fascinating historical contexts behind these technical creations. 
    For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: https://bit.ly/Invention1

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

Sylvan biker ,

On the record The national archives

Well done. Information I never heard before presented w just the right amount of suspense. Well written, story form and extremely engaging. I can only imagine the wealth of information this podcasts has access to for years of enlightening stories. If you love history and inside information this one is for you.

Katey L. ,

Can’t wait!

After hearing the trailer, I cannot wait to hear the first season of this podcast!

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