More than 200 delegates from the intelligence history community joined the second National Intelligence History Conference at Bletchley Park last week.

The three-day event, hosted at the historic home of the World War Two Codebreakers, brought together historians, researchers and intelligence experts to examine the role and relevance of intelligence history in today's world.

It followed the success of the inaugural conference in 2024, with this year's conference (NIHC), in partnership with GCHQ, exploring the theme of International Collaboration and Cooperation.

The conference featured keynote speeches from intelligence and security journalist Gordon Corera, former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) Sir Richard Moore KCMG and historian and bestselling author Katja Hoyer.

The conference was held at the once top-secret headquarters of the World War Two Codebreakers

placeholder image — The conference was held at the once top-secret headquarters of the World War Two Codebreakers

It also featured a programme of presentations and panel discussions exploring intelligence history from a range of perspectives, highlighting its continued significance in understanding contemporary global challenges.

Iain Standen, Bletchley Park Trust chief executive, said: "The idea behind the NIHC was to create a forum where Bletchley Park Trust, in collaboration with GCHQ, could bring together historians, academics and anyone with an interest in intelligence. There are things we can learn from the past, and it is important to understand where we came from.

"Bletchley Park and its work didn't start in 1939. Its origins stretch back further, as is the case for many intelligence organisations. The NIHC provides an opportunity for people to share their research and bring it together in one place.

" From speaking to people between the sessions, it was great to hear and see discussions taking place; an exchange of ideas and knowledge and a catalyst of inspiration to undertake further research.