The paper explores some of the key themes in the construction and implementation of the primary history curriculum within the last fifteen years and analyses ways in which textbooks contributed to the introduction and subsequent implementation of the history National Curriculum in primary schools. The introduction of the National Curriculum in England provided an impetus for publishers and a range of new textbooks were published for primary schools. The new textbooks therefore provide some of the earliest interpretations of government policy and of the National Curriculum. As the curriculum continues to evolve through practice and fresh policy initiatives, textbooks may continue to mirror ongoing curriculum change.