Welcome
An independent digital archive documenting the premiership, policies and impact of Margaret Thatcher.
About the Archive
Thatcher's Legacy is an independent, evidence-based digital archive documenting the life, premiership, policies and enduring impact of Margaret Thatcher.
Our aim is to present carefully researched historical information in a clear, accessible and balanced manner, drawing upon primary sources, academic research and contemporary evidence. Whether you are a student, journalist, researcher or simply interested in modern British history, the archive is designed to help you explore one of Britain's most influential political careers.
The archive is not affiliated with any political party or organisation. Every effort is made to ensure historical accuracy, and constructive corrections supported by reliable evidence are always welcome.
Explore the Collections
Explore some of the defining policies introduced during Margaret Thatcher's premiership and examine their continuing influence on the United Kingdom.
Photo: Acediscovery / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Economy
Explore the economic policies of the Thatcher governments and their impact on Britain, including monetary policy, taxation, deregulation, public spending and economic reform.
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Photo: David Howard / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Housing
Explore housing policy under the Thatcher governments, including council housing, Right to Buy and the expansion of home ownership.
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Photo: Nick from Bristol / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Industrial Relations and the Trade Unions
Explore industrial relations under the Thatcher governments, including trade unions, industrial disputes, employment legislation and the changing role of organised labour.
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Photo: Rob Hodgkins - G-BGJG B737-200 British Airways BHX 26-08-87 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Privatisation
Explore the privatisation of major British industries and companies, and the transformation of state-owned businesses into private enterprises.
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Photo: David Howard / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Health & Social Care Policy
Explore health and social care policy under the Thatcher governments, including the NHS, community care, social security and reforms to the delivery of health services.
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Photo: Paul Shreeve / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Education
Explore education policy under the Thatcher governments, including school standards, the curriculum, GCSEs, parental choice and changes to education management.
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Photo: Defence Imagery / Wikimedia Commons · Open Government Licence v1.0
Defence
Explore defence policy under the Thatcher governments, including the Falklands War, Trident, NATO, nuclear weapons, the Cold War and Britain's armed forces.
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Photo: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Foreign Affairs
Explore Britain's foreign policy under the Thatcher governments, including the Cold War, Europe, the Commonwealth, the United States and international diplomacy.
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