The Parliamentary Archives provides access to the archives of the House of Lords, the House of Commons and to other records relating to Parliament. We also provide a records management service for both Houses of Parliament.
The Archives is usually open to the public all year round, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.00pm (apart from public holidays).
Archives News
NEW: Information for searchroom visitors: Searchroom closure for lift replacement during spring/summer 2013
Some special media collections unavailable Sept 2012-Apr 2013
Parliamentary Archives on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter
Parliamentary Archives on 'Who Do You Think You Are?'
Victoria Tower Treasures book
What's in the Parliamentary Archives?
About our collections and the 3 million records they contain for political, local or family history.
Parliamentary Archives Catalogue
Search our collections.
Private Bill Witness database
Looking for information about the building of a road, railway or canal? Or an ancestor who gave evidence before a committee about a road, railway or canal?
Digitised Historical Parliamentary Material
Links to published Parliamentary material available online, including on external websites.
Visiting and Available Services
All about our opening hours, location, admission procedures, booking a seat, facilities, publications and copying services.
User Guides
Information on using the Archives' records for family history research, finding photographic sources and more.
Learning Resources
Key topics include the Gunpowder Plot, the Abolition of the Slave Trade, the Act of Union with Scotland and Citizenship.
Parliament's Web Archive
Use the Web Archive to access previous versions of Parliament's website and related sites.
Digital Preservation
What Parliament is doing to preserve its digital information for the long-term.
Records Management
A brief introduction to records management in Parliament.