After a brief introduction on work in classical radioactivity this article attempts to present the main contributions made in the United Kingdom, up to 1986, to the concept and understanding of the atomic nucleus. Particular phases of the development of nuclear physics in the country have been chosen and in each (if relevant) attention is given to the interaction between the Universities, Government Laboratories and Government and other funding agencies. From the work thus supported some examples of experimental and theoretical advances have been selected.