The study of local history is becoming more popular all the time. Here at The National Archives we welcome its growth and look forward to your visit.

We hold the records of central government and the courts of law for England and Wales and the United Kingdom. However Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own record offices, so the bulk of our material is on England and Wales.

Local historians will often find a great deal in their county record office, local studies library or sometimes with local history societies. Nevertheless, we hold records that will be invaluable for anyone researching the past of a community.

Beginners' guides

• Step-by-step guide: starting local history research
• In-depth guide to researching local history at The National Archives
• Index of research guides to help you search our catalogue
• Palaeography: reading old handwriting
• Maps: historical British and world maps