From Sat 24 Jan: Love Letters exhibition reveals the lengths we go for love

Love is a powerful force that has the ability to transcend time and space. It has the power to inspire great works of art, literature, and even espionage. The National Archives is set to showcase this very aspect of love in its upcoming exhibition, Love Letters, which will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 24 January 2026.

The exhibition will feature a collection of love letters from some of the most famous – and sometimes dangerous – love affairs in British history. These letters offer a glimpse into the intimate and often tumultuous relationships of some of the most prominent figures in British history.

One of the most intriguing exhibits in the Love Letters exhibition is a never-before-seen love letter from John Cairncross, the “fifth man” of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring. This letter, written by Cairncross to his lover, sheds light on the personal life of a man who was at the center of one of the most notorious espionage operations in British history.

The Cambridge Five spy ring, also known as the Magnificent Five, was a group of British spies who passed classified information to the Soviet Union during World War II and the early years of the Cold War. The group consisted of five members, all of whom were recruited by the Soviet intelligence agency, NKVD, while studying at the University of Cambridge.

John Cairncross, the “fifth man,” was a brilliant scholar and linguist who worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the war. He was also a member of the Communist Party and was recruited by the Soviets in 1937. Cairncross played a crucial role in passing classified information to the Soviets, including details about the development of the atomic bomb.

The love letter from Cairncross, which will be on display at the Love Letters exhibition, offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of this enigmatic figure. In the letter, Cairncross expresses his love and devotion to his partner, revealing a softer and more vulnerable side to a man who was known for his intelligence and cunning.

The Love Letters exhibition will also feature love letters from other famous figures in British history, such as King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. These letters offer a unique perspective on the personal lives of these historical figures and provide a deeper understanding of their relationships.

But love letters are not just limited to the famous and powerful. The exhibition will also showcase letters from ordinary people, which offer a more relatable and human aspect to the concept of love. These letters tell stories of love and longing, heartbreak and joy, and offer a glimpse into the lives of people from different eras.

The Love Letters exhibition is a celebration of love in all its forms – passionate, forbidden, and enduring. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the personal lives of some of the most influential figures in British history and to understand the role that love played in shaping their destinies.

The National Archives is proud to present this one-of-a-kind exhibition, which will not only appeal to history enthusiasts but also to anyone who has ever been in love. The exhibition will run for a limited time, so make sure to mark your calendars and experience the power of love through these intimate and revealing letters.