In March 2026, the team at Martin Ashley Architects took part in a half-day specialist workshop at The National Archives in Kew, focused on researching historic building records and architectural drawings held within the national collection.

The session, held on 6 March 2026, was designed to build confidence in navigating The National Archives’ holdings, with particular emphasis on records relevant to historic buildings, conservation work and architectural research. The workshop combined presentations, practical exercises and guided use of the Archives’ online catalogue, Discovery.

Understanding Architectural Records

The workshop introduced the team to the wide range of architectural material held by The National Archives, including historic plans, elevations, sections, photographs, reports and correspondence. These records document public buildings, Crown estates, military sites and civil engineering projects from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, both in the UK and overseas.

Particular focus was given to understanding how archival collections differ from libraries: records are arranged by creator—such as government departments or public bodies—rather than by subject. This insight is especially valuable when researching historic structures, where material may be distributed across multiple record series.

Developing Research Skills

A key aim of the session was developing practical research skills using Discovery, The National Archives’ online catalogue. Through hands-on exercises, the team explored how to identify relevant material using record hierarchies, series codes and targeted keyword searching, as well as how to interpret gaps or limitations in the surviving archive.

The workshop also covered how to prepare effectively for archival research visits, including booking records, handling original drawings and large-format plans, photographing material, and keeping clear research notes. Guidance was provided on managing the time-intensive nature of archival work and making the most of on-site resources and staff expertise.

Supporting Conservation and Heritage Projects

This visit forms part of Martin Ashley Architects’ ongoing commitment to rigorous historical research, particularly in support of conservation, heritage and refurbishment projects. Accessing original architectural records—such as nineteenth-century elevation drawings or early twentieth-century photographs—can provide critical insight into the evolution, construction and significance of historic buildings.

The knowledge gained from the workshop will directly support future research visits to The National Archives and other specialist collections, helping inform design decisions and conservation strategies with robust historical evidence.

We are grateful to The National Archives team for delivering an informative and engaging session and look forward to applying these research skills in our ongoing and future projects.