100 years on from the signing of the armistice, this resource examines key themes in the history of World War One. Explore a wealth of original source material, over 50 newly-commissioned articles written by historians, teachers' notes and more to discover how war affected people on different sides of the conflict.
Free workshops for Primary and Secondary school groups in our 'Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War' exhibition.
There are many cats prowling through the fiction, myths and fables, poetry and philosophical essays of Western literature. This course explores cats in literature and considers how humans imagine them and write about them.
Join us at this evening event for Secondary English teachers, linked to our landmark exhibition Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War.
Inspirational visits to engage learners with our unique collections
We offer a range of free workshops for primary school groups which use our gallery spaces to develop creative thinking, visual and verbal literacy and research skills.
We offer a range of free workshops for secondary schools and further education groups which use our gallery spaces to develop creative thinking, visual and verbal literacy and research skills.
We offer a range of learning opportunities for adults, from in-depth courses and masterclasses to workshops for ESOL learners and adults with learning disabilities.
From regular monthly workshops to special Family Days, we welcome families to the British Library to take part in a range of creative activities designed for all the family.
Our Continuing Professional Development programme includes evening events and day-long conferences, many of which are in partnership with other institutions. We provide opportunities for teachers to broaden their subject knowledge and reinvigorate their passion for their subject.
Practical information about bringing your group to the British Library, from completing our booking form to details on getting here.
Unique collection items and expert commentary related to History, English and Citizenship
Discover some of our greatest literary treasures from the Romantic and Victorian periods, and learn about the historical, social and political contexts in which they were written and set.
Discover how World War One affected people on different sides of the conflict through the study of this unique collection of 500 historical sources contributed by libraries from across Europe, as part of a programme led by Europeana
Explore the origins and 800-year legacy of Magna Carta, and discover its relevance to justice, liberty and the law today. This unique collection of historical sources is contextualised through articles and videos from leading experts.
A range of teaching resources to help you plan lessons, design schemes of work and set homework tasks
Magna Carta is an extremely rich source of evidence about life and customs in the 13th century. This activity will enable students to get better acquainted with both the 13th century and Magna Carta as well as provide an introduction to enquiry skills and handling historical evidence.
Ages 7 to 11
Ages 11 to 14
Historical background for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Ages 14 to 16
Ages 16 to 18
The aim of this lesson is to introduce the role and contribution of the Indian forces on the Western Front.
Ages 11 to 14
Ages 14 to 16
Ages 16 to 18
Film series from the recent West Africa Community Project
…I don’t think you could ask for a more conducive learning environment…
Teacher Chris Levack regularly brings his students to the British Library for inspirational visits.
…we felt like we had a bond with everybody…
Jessica Rodgers took part in our Writing London project in 2012 engaging young people aged 16-24, outside of formal education, with library and heritage collections.