British Newspaper Archive

About the British Newspaper Archive

Founded in 2011, the British Newspaper Archive has quickly established itself as a leading digital repository for historical newspapers. Headquartered in London, UK, the service is owned and operated by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Findmypast Limited, ultimately part of DC Thomson & Co Limited. Its crucial partnership with the British Library ensures the continuous digitisation and preservation of invaluable historical records, making them accessible to a global audience. This collaboration underscores its commitment to safeguarding and sharing Britain's printed heritage.

Dive into Britain's Past

An Unrivalled Collection

The British Newspaper Archive provides access to an unparalleled collection of over 100 million pages of historical newspapers. This vast digital library spans centuries, with content dating from the 1700s right up to the modern era. Researchers and enthusiasts can explore a rich tapestry of local and national news, advertisements, family notices, and feature articles from across the United Kingdom. The ongoing digitisation efforts mean new content is added regularly, ensuring the archive continues to grow as a comprehensive resource for historical research and personal discovery.

Powerful Tools for Discovery

Finding specific information within such a monumental collection is made effortless thanks to the archive's intuitive search capabilities. Users can perform advanced searches by keyword, publication title, date range, and region, allowing for highly targeted exploration. The integration of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology means that the text within the digitised images is searchable, enabling users to find mentions of specific names, places, or events with remarkable accuracy. This powerful functionality transforms how individuals can engage with historical documents and conduct their research.

Your Research Journey

The British Newspaper Archive is designed to support a wide array of users, from professional historians and academics to family history enthusiasts and students. With flexible subscription models, it offers convenient access to its extensive collection, allowing users to delve into their areas of interest without limitations. The dedicated customer support team and comprehensive FAQ section ensure that assistance is readily available, enhancing the overall user experience. Furthermore, loyalty programmes and discounts, including for NHS staff, demonstrate the archive's commitment to making history accessible to as many people as possible.