How to look for records of... Political history in the 18th century
How can I view the records covered in this guide?
This is a brief guide to help you find records about 18th century political history. There are various types of material available from this period, both in manuscript and in print, and this guide describes some of the most important.
What records can I see online?
What records can I find at The National Archives at Kew?
What records can I find in other archives and organisations?
What other resources will help me find information?
Did you know?
The state papers domestic are the accumulated papers of the secretaries of state relating to domestic affairs. They contain material on a wide variety of subjects, including petitions for mercy addressed to the monarchs and secretaries of state. They are divided by reign.
The state papers foreign are the papers accumulated in the offices of the secretaries of state in the conduct of British diplomacy abroad. They include treaties and correspondence with diplomats. They are divided by country.
The principal Secretaries of State handled the domestic and foreign business of the British government until 1782, when the Home Office and the Foreign Office were founded.