Spytastic! MI5: Official Secrets

Tying into my “I Spy London” talk is a FREE exhibition on at the National Archives in Kew. until 28th September 2025. Immerse yourself in the secret world of the domestic intelligence agency (MI5) and discover scarcely believable tales behind the security of a nation.

Public Record Office, Kew

For the very first time, the history of MI5 is on public display thanks to a close cooperation between the Security Service and The National Archives.

See original case files, key photographs and secret papers, as well as real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers!

Explore the continuously shifting world of security threats over MI5’s 115-year history. From counter-espionage and daring double-agents during the world wars, to Cold War deceit to the the counter-terrorism of recent times. This exhibition goes behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions which is key to our the very existence of our democracy at a crucial time in history when security threats are ever-changing.