Sarah Tyacke, CB, welcomes you to the new National Archives. A new gateway to British history.

The Public Record Office (PRO) and the Historical Manuscripts Commission (HMC) joined together on 2 April to form a new organisation - The National Archives. Heading the organisation, as Chief Executive will be Sarah Tyacke, Keeper of the Records, who also becomes Historical Manuscripts Commissioner.

"Building on the achievements of the PRO and the HMC, The National Archives will be better able to safeguard the nation's memory for present and future generations to enjoy. We want to reach out to people who have not previously used our services and to make The National Archives available to everyone - onsite or online".

Later this year staff from the HMC in central London will move to the National Archives' site where the public information and advice areas will be redesigned to reflect the new service. You can find out more about the National Archives at its new web address: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Historical Manuscripts Commission

HMC brings to the National Archives a great wealth of information (accumulated since its foundation in 1869) on the nature and whereabouts of archives and manuscripts in the UK outside the public records, and a strong reputation for authoritative and impartial advice to owners, custodians and users of archives. You can find the HMC at www.hmc.gov.uk

The Prince of Wales meets First World War veterans at The National Archives

The Prince of Wales visited The National Archives at Kew, south west London, on Tuesday 8 April to meet veterans of the First World War, gathering together for the last time. The veterans, aged between 102 and 108, attended an educational event organised jointly by the Dark Horse Venture charity and the World War One Veterans Association. Find out more

World War II secret agent files released

World War II Special Operations Executive (SOE) files have just been released. They include personnel files on several undercover operators including Robert Benoist, fighter pilot and Grand Prix winning racing driver. Find out more

Win tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is well known as the world's most famous floral spectacle. We have 2 pairs of full day tickets for Thursday 22 or Friday 23 May to give away.

Simply answer the following question:

Charles II set up the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1681 for the treatment of?

a) Cheslea pensioners
b) Royal horticulturists

Win tickets to the Duxford Air Show.

In next month's issue we will have a special feature to mark the anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. Win two tickets to The Imperial War Museum's Duxford Air Display on Sunday 4 May.

To enter, just answer the following question.

In which year did the Dambuster's Raid take place?

(A) 1941
(B) 1942
(C) 1943

How to enter:

Simply e-mail your answers to one or both of the competitions before Wednesday 30th April 2003 to proquiz@nationalarchives.gov.uk marking your answers "Chelsea" and "Duxford" as appropriate. Don't forget to add your name if it is not clear from your e-mail address.

Congratulations to March's competition winner Christine Metcalf who won an Elizabethan Banquet Weekend sponsored by the History Channel.

New Exhibition for schools

Just launched is Britain 1906-18: Contrast, Contradiction & Change, a major exhibition focusing on a period of change that included the Liberal welfare reforms, the women's suffrage campaign and the Great War. Visit the site

New exhibition: Secrets & Spies

Visit our new online exhibition, Secrets & Spies to find out more about the history of espionage. Highlights inlcude the secret coded correspondence which led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots and the case files of "Treasure", a Second World War spy and double agent. Visit the site

Elizabeth I: The Golden Reign of Gloriana

Offering a fresh perspective on the immensely popular area of Tudor history, this first title deals with the reign of Elizabeth I, perhaps England's greatest monarch. Sixteenth-century documents, many in Elizabeth's own hand, are reproduced in full colour, sometimes for the first time. Items are included which cover all aspects of her long and eventful reign, from her relationships with key members of her court and the problematic Mary Queen of Scots to the legendary victory in 1588 against the Spanish Armada. See more details

Richard III: Royal Enigma

Richard III: villain or hero? He was only on the throne for just over two years, yet Richard is probably the most controversial monarch in British history. To some a hunchbacked schemer, usurper and murderer of the 'princes in the Tower', to others a very capable and much maligned ruler - through this book you can judge for yourself. Surviving documents from his reign, including letters in Richard's own hand and extracts from official papers are reproduced from the 500 year old originals. See more details.

Order these titles online and get a 10% discount plus free postage and packing in the UK.

FamilyRecords.gov.uk website

The family history portal FamilyRecords.gov.uk has just published a feature on The National Archives. They've interviewed staff involved in the conservation of ancient documents; the transcription of wills for an online database; someone who advises the Foreign Office on what documents to preserve for the future...and many more. Find out what goes on behind the scenes at The National Archives.