As the National Archives uncover 700 years of criminal history with its new exhibition Treason: People, Power & Plot, the Archives’ nature as the hidden gem at the heart of history education comes out of the dark. 

This new exhibition, which opened on 5 November and seeks to commemorate the Gunpowder plot, has revealed how important these Archives can be for future generations of history students. What the exhibition lacks in scope and depth, is made up for in the rich experience of viewing original source material first hand, which made the exhibition ‘more memorable’ (in the words of Leo Saggese, A-Level History Student). 

Can this historical narrative be enlivened in any better way than in viewing for oneself the Treason Act 1352, or the letter sent to Lord Monteagle that revealed the entire Gunpowder conspiracy? The answer, the exhibition suggests, is no. In so doing, the exhibition shines a light on the Archives’ fundamental importance for young history students: it is a place where future learners may enrich their understanding of history far beyond what they may learn in the classroom, or even in an ordinary museum. 

Nevertheless, the National Archives has been regrettably underappreciated as an important resource for young history students. Out of the way, situated in Kew, in the suburbs of London, the National Archives have often been overlooked, in preference for the better-known London museums - such as the Imperial War Museums or the British Museum, both in the heart of London. 

However, the National Archives provides hands-on access to a wealth of original source material covering 1000 years of history, with just a simple - and free - Reader’s Ticket. Although these documents - especially those written in middle or old English (or even French and Latin!) - may not give young readers a clear picture of the chronology or narrative of their specific topics of interests, dipping into centuries-old sources will bring historical figures of interest to life. 

For example, for those studying 15th Century England, the experience of ‘reading’ William de Pole, the Duke of Suffolk’s handwritten, 580 year old diary entries from his journey to the Congress of Arras is remarkable. 

However, deciphering what is written will be very difficult - near impossible - for young historians to the extent that Leo suggested “the script ostensibly seemed to be written in a completely different alphabet”. That said, this experience is not only “exciting”, but will “personally” reconnect students with the figures they are learning about and give them “a more intimate glimpse into the period of time and the lives of people which we have studied” (as Leo suggested). This seeks to remind students that history is far more than just a set of preconditions, catalysts and triggers, but a life lived by our ancestors, allowing young historians to feel far deeper historical empathy. As Leo pointed out, this factor may allow learners to “develop more sophisticated and fully-realised opinions”. 

Thus, the exhibition Treason: People, Power & Plot should reinvigorate the Archives’ status as the site by which historians - especially young historians - can see their understanding of history brought to life.