The National Archives Podcast Series

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Latest Episodes:

Fictional obscenities: lesbianism and censorship in the early 20th century Feb 07, 2011

Show notes

Drawing on early 20th century case studies, Dr Chambers discusses the banning of novels whose narratives featured same sex relations between women.

Journeys of discovery: surgeons at sea - ADM 101 Research Symposium Jan 28, 2011

Show notes

Professor Laurence Brockliss, from the University of Oxford, discusses how ADM 101 has been used by his team over the past ten years, and considers how the newly digitised files will aid their future research. This talk was recorded as part of 'The journeys of discovery: surgeons at sea - ADM 101 Research Symposium'.

Damaged, disturbed and dismembered: disability and war in the 20th century Jan 24, 2011

Show notes

Wars in the 20th century have been responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Still more come back from conflict with permanent disabilities, in body and mind, in need of medical treatment, on-going care and financial support. Drawing on the wide range of materials in the National Archives, Dr Julie Anderson explores the history of people disabled in war in the 20th century. This talk was part of The National Archives' Diversity Week, a series of events and activities aimed at promoting equality and diversity in how we work and what we do. Dr Julie Anderson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of History at the University of Kent.

Titanic: the official story Jan 19, 2011

Show notes

This talk marks the ninty-eighth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Using documents from The National Archives, James Cronan will take you through the history of the ship, from its construction and launch to its fateful end. James Cronan is a records specialist in diplomatic and colonial records. His interest in all things Titanic stems from the fact that his great-grandfather was a crewman on board the stricken ship. He has worked at The National Archives for 17 years, at Chancery Lane, the Family Records Centre and Kew.

Challenges facing The National Archives Jan 14, 2011

Show notes

Podcast of an interview which took place on Monday 29 November 2010. Dr Andrew Foster from the Historical Association and also a member of The National Archives Strategic Academic Stakeholder Forum in conversation with Oliver Morley, Acting Chief Executive about the strategic challenges faced by The National Archives in difficult economic times and how The National Archives plans to continue building relationships with the academic and research community.

New files from 1980 Dec 30, 2010

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An introduction to newly released files from 1980, covering subjects such as economic policy, the European Community Budget, relations with trade unions, the Iranian Embassy siege and the potential boycott of the Moscow Olympics. These files provide a fascinating insight into government 30 years ago. Presented by Mark Dunton, and introduced by Tommy Norton.

Naval medical officers' journals and the history of medicine Dec 17, 2010

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Author Daniel Gilfoyle discusses the naval medical officers' journals of ADM 101 provide a coherent view of the beliefs and practices of a body of rank and file medical practitioners during the late 18th and 19th centuries. They provide a valuable source for examining key themes in the history of medicine in the 19th century, such as encounters with tropical diseases and the changing understanding of the causes of disease.

Madame Rachel of Bond Street Dec 10, 2010

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Author Helen Rappaport discusses the subject of her newest book, Beautiful For Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street - Cosmetician, Con-Artist and Blackmailer. In the talk, Helen reveals Madame Rachel's startling career path - from fish fryer in Clare Market to proprietor of an exclusive 'Temple of Renovation' that promised eternal beauty but was built upon a foundation of lies, treachery and blackmail.

The Cabinet Papers 1915-1979 Dec 03, 2010

Show notes

This talk explores how anyone with an interest in modern history can get the best out of the Cabinet Papers online resource, which provides access to historical records of the key episodes in 20th century British and international history. The talk also looks at the historical development of the Cabinet, how the Cabinet works and the main record series.

Hidden Women: uncovering the veil of silence during the partition of Punjab, India 1947 Nov 29, 2010

Show notes

Dr Pippa Virdee of De Montfort University uncovers the hidden voices of Muslim women during the partition of the Punjab, India in 1947. Using first-hand accounts, Dr Virdee reveals how women, often sheltered from private and public spaces, created their own space during this complex and traumatising time.