The Foreign Office and Official History: Historiography, Methods and People

The article discusses the absence of an official history of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), despite its significant role in British political life and international representation. It highlights the challenges of documenting the complex administrative history of the FCDO, which has existed in various forms since 1782. The task is daunting due to the vast historical records and the potential lack of objectivity from ‘in-house’ historians, who are busy with editorial and advisory work. Previous attempts by insiders to write the history were often defensive, aiming to justify the current professional culture. These efforts were made during times when the Civil Service faced pressure to prove its relevance amidst social and cultural changes post-World Wars. The article suggests focusing on specific periods, like the World Wars, to make the history more engaging. It also proposes incorporating human stories to enliven the narrative and conducting prosopographic studies of Foreign Office clerks and officials alongside a traditional