Love Letters Exhibition at National Archives
Letters from kings and queens, monarchs, spies and everyday people that don’t just show devotion, passion and love, but – in some cases – even changed history. ‘Love Letters’ exhibition at National Archives is now open and completely free to visit.
@urbanadventurerldn [MORE IN FO IN BIO] 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈 💌 exhibition at @The National Archives Letters from kings and queens, monarchs, spies and everyday people that don’t just show devotion, passion and love, but – in some cases – even changed history 👑❤️ ‘Love Letters’ exhibition at National Archives is now open and completely free to visit 💌 📍National Archives | The National Archives, Richmond TW9 4DU 📆 24th January – 12th April 2026 🎟️ FREE | NO booking required #nationalarchives #loveletters #valentinesday #historytime #historytok
♬ What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”] – Billie Eilish
Love Letters
Photo: Urban Adventurer
People have naturally sought for love and connection and expressed their love countless ways.
Newly opened exhibition, ‘Love Letters’ at National Archives invites its visitors through 500 years of devotion, longing, passion and sacrifice.
The collection on display contains heartfelt declarations, a letter led to an execution, royal confessions, same-sex love letters and last wills written in devotion.
The exhibition also features declaration of love in other forms, including drawings, poems and memorials.
‘Love Letters’ exhibition offers a rare glimpse into forbidden relationships, lovers separated by distance, war or other circumstances, and the gentle side of a British spy of the Cold War.
Highlights of the ‘Love Letters’ Exhibition
Letter form Robert Dudley to Elizabeth I, 29 August 1588
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This was the final letter Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley sent to her a few days before his death.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Following Elizabeth’s death in 1603, the letter was found in a box next to her bed. Elizabeth wrote “his last lettar” on the reverse side of the letter.
Instrument of Abdication of Edward VIII, 1936
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Edward VIII fell deeply in love with Wallis Simpson just before becoming a king. However, as a king of Great Britain, he was not allowed to merry a twice-divorced American woman.
In 1936, he signed his Instrument of Abdication stating his ‘irrevocable to renounce the Throne’. He gave up his throne for love.
They spent the rest of their lives together.
Original Will of Jane Austen of Chawton, Signed 29 April 1817
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Jane Austen wrote her will three months before her death aged 41. The will is unusually short, just 90 words.
She left all the possessions to her beloved sister, Cassandra.
The will was not witnessed, probably because it was written is secrecy, so two of Jane’s friends attested the authenticity of the letter.
According to the letter, Jane Austen’s estate was worth £661 2s at death.
Letter from Catherine Howard to Thomas Culpeper, 1541
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Catherine Howard arrived at the court of Henry VIII as a teenager in 1540. Catherine was thought to have fallen in love with courtier Thomas Culpeper before marrying the king. When their relationship was revealed before Henry VIII, the king ordered their execution for treason and adultery.
Related Events and Experiences
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Love Letters’ is more than just an exhibition displaying letters and other artefacts from the past 500 years.
National Archives is hosting a series of free and paid events related to the exhibition.
Love Letters Late: Ghosted (on-site event at the National Archives)
Go for a one-night rendezvous with history’s hopeless romantics. Meet the ghosts of the past.
What to expect:
- Explore the ‘Love Letters’ exhibition after dark
- Take part in historical speed dating. Learn more about the individuals behind the letters and swipe them left or right
- Show your love for a special someone by getting a temporary tattoo
- Take part in an origami workshop and craft your own floral feelings with an origami artist
- Browse 1920s lonely hearts and write your own ad
- Listen to a serenade from a live string quartet
- Enjoy a glass of Prosecco at the pop-up Prosecco bar
Book your ticket here
Hidden Love: LGBTQ+ relationships in the archives (online event)
National Archives’ new exhibition offers a valuable insight into how the government repressed LGBTQ+ communities and controlled the lives of gay and bisexual people; and how those people found a way to forge relationships despite of the control and the strict regulation of sexuality.
This event is discussing how same-sex lovers figured out a way to secretly keep their relationships alive.
Book your ticket here
Wallis and Edward: The greatest love story of the 20th century (online event)
Wallis Simpson or as the Queen Mother referred to her “that woman” was one of the most hated women in the British press for starting an affair with King Edward VIII and destabilising the monarchy.
Edward VIII eventually gave up the throne for her.
Was Wallis Simpson truly in love with Edward VIII or was she a gold digger? This event explores how she used her exile as a platform to promote her style and influence and who was really the woman behind the headlines.
Book your ticket here
Victoria’s Secret – The Private Passion of a Queen (online event)
Since John Brown arrived at Queen’s Victoria’s household as a servant, the Queen and him formed a very special relationship. John Brown became the Queen’s fierce protector and right-hand man. Their friendship became legendary, so much so that centuries later films like ‘Mrs. Brown’ (1997, starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly) immortalised it.
But what if it was more than just a friendship? What if history is hiding something from us?
Book your ticket here
Jane Austen’s legacy – In conversation with Gill Hornby (on-site event at the National Archives)
This event explores the legacy of one of the greatest novelists, Jane Austen.
Sunday Times bestselling author Gill Hornby will be talking about the inspiration behind her Jane Austen trilogy books and the important role of Jane Austen’s older sister, Cassandra Austen in the author’s life.
The event will be followed by a book signing and the chance to visit the ‘Love Letters’ exhibition where Jane Austen’s will is also on display.
Book your ticket here
Whether you’re on a solo date or visiting with your significant other, ‘Love Letters’ exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to get a rare glimpse into how love, passion, grief and arranged marriages altered history and to see the lonely hearts, the hopeless romantics and a shameless flirters behind the letters.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
National Archives | The National Archives, Richmond TW9 4DU
Opening Times
24th January – 12th April 2026
Mon: CLOSED
Tue: 10am – 7pm
Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thurs: 10am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 11am – 4pm
Tickets
FREE, NO booking required.
You only have to book ticket if you wish to participate in the related events.
Ready for your next adventure? Jane Austen experience is opening soon in London. The gift shop is already open, and the experience will open in late February or early March.
