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Mary McKee

Mary McKee

UK Archives Manager

With a passion for all things historical, Findmypast's UK Archives Manager loves to dive into our immense collection of records to uncover the untold stories from women's history and queer history. In recent years, Mary has become an expert in the 1921 Census of England & Wales.

Articles

Hot Off The Press – New Titles This Week

11 November 2025

This week, we have added another 203,028 pages of historical newspapers from 1884 to 2004.  We have introduced two new titles, including the literary Shamrock from Ireland and the Rushcliffe Advertiser from the East Midlands.We’ve also added 185,884 pages to two of our existing titles. Dive into stories of revolt and German royalty, then journey back 145 years to witness the hanging of Ned Kelly, the notorious outlaw celebrated by some as Australia’s Robin Hood.Register now and explore The ArchiveShamrockThe Shamrock | 2

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Hot Off The Press – New Titles This Week

2 October 2024

This week at The Archive, we’ve added an impressive 222,484 brand new pages, updating 48 existing titles and introducing 2 brand new ones! Dive in to explore our latest additions and pick up more tips and tricks on how to make the most of your research with The Archive.Register now and explore the ArchiveThis week, we’re excited to introduce the Garstang Courier to our growing collection of digitised historic newspapers. Covering the rich heritage of Garstang, a historic market town in

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Una Marson – a pioneer and activist

20 October 2021

We are taking a deep dive into the work of Una Marson.  Marson was one of Jamaica’s most influential poets, broadcasters, and activists.  She was a feminist pioneer and the first Black woman employed by the BBC.  She was also the first Black woman to have her play performed in the West End and the first Black woman to attend the League of Nations.  One blog post cannot do justice to her incredible career, but we hope to use The

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Our Special International Titles

12 October 2020

At the British Newspaper Archive, we have started to digitize international newspapers from the British Library.  These rich titles explore the story of the British Commonwealth, from the time when the sun didn’t set on the British Empire through to states gaining their independence.   At times, the subject of the newspapers brings us face to face with the stark and sometimes inhuman reality of colonialism and the legacy of the British Empire across the world.Below we will explore some

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18th Century Molly Houses – London’s Gay Subculture

19 June 2020

June is Pride Month. At The Archive, we are delving into the newspapers and pulling out the breadth of LGBTQ history available.Register now and explore The Archive18th Century Gay Subculture18th century London was home to a flourishing gay subculture with Molly Houses at the centre of the social scene. ‘Molly’ was a slur used for effeminate, homosexual men and the term was adopted to describe the clubs, taverns, inns, or coffee houses where they met up in

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Women and the Second World War

4 May 2020

Continuing our commemoration of the 75 years since VE-Day, in this special blog we explore the vital role that women played throughout the course of the Second World War.In 1939, for a second time in just over twenty years, Britain found itself embroiled in an international conflict, and women stepped forward to work in civil defence, armed forces, and industry.  Unlike any other country, for the first time, British women were conscripted into service.  On 18 December 1941, the National Service No. 2 Act,

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