The UK’s official archives are housed in an extensive modern building with landscaped grounds near the River Thames in West London. The National Archives (TNA) contain millions of documents dating back 1,000 years, including government papers that are released after 30 years, though some may be retained (Scotland has a separate public archive.) It also holds non-governmental documents and has an extraordinary map collection. The archives are open to everyone over the age of 16, with two documents showing proof of identity, and the catalogue can be searched on-line.