PAST: Civil Justice & Society in England & Wales c1840-1985

The Practical Archival Skills Training (PAST) programme offers students a unique opportunity to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to undertake academic research using original records at The National Archives (TNA).

*Please note that this is a one-day workshop on site at The National Archives*

This Modern Legal Records workshop will trace the changes in the civil justice system in England and Wales within the modern period and explore the records created by the superior courts, and related bodies, in the administration of civil justice from circa 1840 to circa 1980. It will introduce you to the broad sweep of the records, including nooks and crannies which it is easy to overlook, and the records of civil justice in empire. It will provide you with the skills you need to identify and access relevant material and consider some of the methodological and archival issues which arise in respect of the records. During each session you will receive guidance on a range of archival research skills from our legal records specialists, undertake practical exercises involving hands-on document work, and have plenty of time to examine the records for yourself. At the end of the workshop, you will have increased awareness of the breadth of TNA’s civil justice holdings for the modern period, as well as improved confidence in your ability to find and use these collections.

This event is aimed primarily at students undertaking postgraduate research, early career researchers, and other researchers who are new to using these records, but other researchers and archivists are also very welcome. This workshop will be investigating complex and demanding archival collections, but you will be supported by expert staff throughout. There are no pre-requisites for attendance.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The National Archives: for academic and research communities