The National Archives Podcast Series

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Latest Episodes:

Railway disasters: an introduction Nov 13, 2009

Show notes

This talk looks at some of the most famous railway accidents and disasters of the 19th and 20th centuries, in particular, the disaster at Quintinshill in 1915, in which 226 people died. The National Archives holds a wide range of documents which record details of accidents and collisions but the talk also considers other useful sources such as railway staff magazines.

The gunpowder plot: key documents and hidden voices Nov 06, 2009

Show notes

The National Archives holds a wide range of documents which tell the story of the Gunpowder Plot and its investigation - but their meaning is hotly contested. James Travers selects some of the key documents and shows that beneath the noise of the ideological debate, we can hear the principal characters speaking in their own words - and a very different view of the plot emerges.

Roll up, roll up: the evolution of the circus 10-in-1 show Oct 30, 2009

Show notes

Circus sideshows have fascinated people for centuries. From the bearded lady to PT Barnum, contortionists to fire eaters, people have flocked to see the peculiarities of the 10-in-1 show. From their early beginnings at Bartholomew Fair to their decline in the politically correct world of the 1960s, this talk will take you on a rollercoaster ride using sources held by The National Archives and other organisations.

Apprenticeship records for family historians Oct 23, 2009

Show notes

In this talk, Mark Pearsall, The National Archives' family history specialist, focuses on the apprenticeship system and how it worked in practice, and covers those records that survive in The National Archives, in particular the Apprenticeship Books in record series IR 1. It also suggests where to look for surviving apprenticeship records in other archives and record offices, as well as other useful sources for tracing apprentices where details of the apprenticeship indentures have not survived.

An introduction to sources for Anglican clergymen Oct 16, 2009

Show notes

Have you found a parson, a rector or a curate amongst your ancestors? This talk will introduce you to the main sources for the history and education of Anglican clergy, at home and abroad, using sources held by The National Archives and a variety of other repositories.

The Truth is in Here: UFOs at The National Archives Oct 08, 2009

Show notes

From ghost rockets in Scandinavia to mysterious spheres tracked over Eritrea, the Past Masters team look at the records of Unidentified Flying Objects held at The National Archives and ask, is the truth in here? The Ministry of Defence is now transferring files on UFOs to The National Archives covering 1978 to 2002. You can keep up with all the new releases at nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/. A selection of documents from The National Archives used in this podcast are below.

How to win a duel Oct 08, 2009

Show notes

A fight, possibly to the death, over a matter of honour this month. No, we're not just arguing amongst ourselves, the Past Masters team are talking about duelling. Formal duelling evolved from medieval sword fights into pistols at dawn before fading away in the 19th century. We'll be looking at what survives in the Archives from these risky and generally highly illegal fights and finding out what happens to the winners and losers of a duel.

Two Crowns, One King: Henry V and the Treaty of Troyes Oct 07, 2009

Show notes

The Past Masters team join Henry V in the battle for France. Henry fought the Hundred Years War on two fronts - military and diplomatic - but was the signing of the Treaty of Troyes in 1420 his greatest victory or just a millstone around England's neck? And more importantly, can we really cover a century of conflict in less than 30 minutes?

Darwin's voyage: HMS Beagle 1831-6 Oct 07, 2009

Show notes

In 1831, in his twenties and fresh out of university, Charles Darwin set sail aboard HMS Beagle on the expedition of a lifetime, into literally uncharted waters and a series of discoveries that would form the basis of his later pioneering work on the origin of species. Join the Past Masters team as we delve into the Archives to find out where Darwin went, what life on the Beagle was like and to discover how the most exciting gap year in history went on to change the face of science.

Civilian honours and awards Oct 02, 2009

Show notes

The London Gazette is a crucial source for announcements of military and civilian honours and awards. This talk explains how to use and get the best out of the Gazette, and how further information about awards can be found among the records held by The National Archives, many of which are now available online.

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