This British Library timeline allows you to explore collection items chronologically, from medieval times to the present day.

It includes a diverse combination of texts: those that allow glimpses of everyday life (handbills, posters, letters, diaries), remnants of political events (charters, speeches, campaign leaflets), and the writings of some of our best known historical and literary figures.

Launch the interactive Flash timeline above, or explore each of the historical sources in the centuries below.

Explore the content