The Historical Manuscripts Commission (or, to give it its full and formal title, the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts) was established in 1869. Its purpose was to enquire into the existence and whereabouts of manuscripts of value for the study of British history, and to make the results of its investigations available to scholars. This remains its primary function today. The HMC is proud to have helped to preserve the nation’s archival heritage and to have served the historical community over the last hundred and thirty years.