The department was formed in 1990 through a merger between the Special Collections department of the Library of Durham University (established in 1832 but also incorporating some earlier libraries) and the Department of Palaeography and Diplomatic of Durham University (established in 1948). It collects material relating to the history and culture of the whole of the North-East of England, with a particular emphasis on the historic county of Durham and on material of national as well as local importance, and has also acquired some collections reflecting the teaching and research interests of particular members of the University. Because of the department's varied and long-established antecedents its holdings are particularly extensive and wide-ranging.
Strengths include: large administrative archives, especially those relating to the bishopric, diocese and Cathedral of Durham and the University of Durham and including the Durham Probate Records and the Cremation Society of Great Britain Archive; architects' papers; ecclesiastical papers; family papers; literary manuscripts; manorial and estate records; maps, plans and topographical prints; mediaeval manuscripts; musical manuscripts; oriental collections; photographic collections; political papers, both local (e.g. Jack Lawson Papers) and of national and imperial/colonial interest (e.g. Earl Grey Papers, Sudan Archive, Sir Donald Hawley Papers and Malcolm MacDonald Papers); solicitors' papers and deeds; scholars' papers and antiquarian material; and scientific manuscripts and papers.
We plan to make descriptions of all our archive collections available on the Hub.
Browse Durham University's descriptions
Email: pg.library@durham.ac.uk
Web: www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc
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Show list of Durham University's descriptions
- Abbas Hilmi II Papers
- Abbott Literary Manuscripts
- Abbott Papers
- Acland, P.B.E.
- Addison, F.
- Additional Manuscripts 1719: Windyside Deeds
- Aglen, E.F.
- Aglen, P.
- Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman
- Allan, W.N.
- Allison, O.C.
- Andrews, W.J.R.
- Arber, H.B.
- Arbuthnot, E.D.
- Archer, G.F.
- Archibald, R.G.
- Arkell, A.J.
- Armbruster, C.H.
- Arthur Hedley Maps
- Arthur, A.J.V.
- Ashford, H.N.
- Atiyah family
- Atterbury, F.
- Auckland Castle Episcopal Records
- Audas, R.S.
- Austin, H.H.
- Austin, S.T.
- Ayres, H.F.
- Backhouse Papers
- Baillie-Strong, W.
- Baily, R.E.H.
- Baker Baker Papers
- Baker, E.G.
- Baldry, F.E.
- Balfour, A.
- Balfour, E.A.
- Balfour, F.C.C.
- Bamburgh Library Manuscripts
- Baring (Howick of Glendale) Papers
- Barrow, E.
- Barter, G.H.
- Basil Bunting Poetry Archive
- Beasley, I.M.
- Beckinsale, F.T.
- Beer, C.W.
- Bell, G.W.
- Bentley Beetham Collection
- Bickersteth, E.J.
- Blaikie, J.A.A.
- Bloss, J.F.E.
- Blunt, H.S.
- Blyth, G.F.P.
- Boardman, F. R.
- Bolland, A.P.
- Bollard, E.G.
- Bolton, A.R.C.
- Bonfanti, A.
- Booth & Lazenby Papers
- Boscott, A.J.
- Bowcock, P.P.
- Bran, H.
- Bredin, G.R.F.
- Bridgman, G.B.
- Bright, J.A.
- British Council Poetry Reading Tapes
- British Records Association Deeds
- Broadbent, P.B.
- Broadhurst, R.J.C.
- Brocklehurst, J.F.
- Brown, W.B.E.
- Browne, C.P.
- Brownell, C.M.
- Bruce-Gardyne, I. M.
- Buchanan, L.M.
- Bulkeley, R.I.P.
- Bullen, H.B.
- Butler, S.S.
- Cameron, A.
- Cameron, J.
- Cameron, J. N.
- Carless, T.F.G.
- Carlisle, B.A.
- Carmichael, J.
- Carter, H.
- Chappell, L.W.
- Charles Whitley Correspondence
- Charlton, C.E.G.
- Charlton, F.N.
- Chester Deanery Manorial Records
- Chevallier/Corrie correspondence
- Chinn, F.M.
- Christopherson, J.B.
- Church Commission deposit of Durham palatinate and bishopric records
- Church Commission Deposit of Parsonage Houses, Benefice and Chapelry Income Papers
- Church Commission Durham Dean and Chapter Estates Deposit
- Clavering of Greencroft manuscripts
- Claxton in Greatham Deeds
- Claydon, S.J.
- Clayton and Gibson Papers
- Clayton, G.F.
- Collins, R.O.
- Colpitts' Poetry Readings Archive
- Cooke, J.F.
- Cookson Papers
- Cooper, R.M.
- Cosin Letter-Books
- Cosin Manuscripts
- Cox, C.W.M.
- Crawford, W.F.
- Crayke Deeds
- Cremation Society of Great Britain Archive
- Crispin, E.S.
- Crole, G.B.
- Cromer Papers
- Crompton, C.W.L.
- Crowfoot, J.W.
- Crowther, F.
- Cruickshank, Dr A.
- Culwick, G.M.
- Cummins, J.W.
- Cunningham, St C. U.
- Cunnison, I.
- Dame Ethel Smyth Manuscripts
- Daniell, J.P.S.
- Darlington Turnpike Deeds
- Davies, R.
- Dee, B.D.McD.
- Dening, B.H.
- Dick, J.H.
- Dingwall, R.G.
- Disney, A.W.M.
- Dixon-Johnson Papers
- Donald Hawley Papers
- Donald, J.C.N.
- Douglas, I.W.
- Dowthwaite, Bunny and Bacon deeds
- Drew, C.B.
- Duff Papers
- Duncan, J.S.R.
- Dunn, S.C.
- Dupuis, C.G.
- Durham Bishopric Estates, Halmote Court Records
- Durham Castle Buildings Archive
- Durham Cathedral Muniments
- Durham City Deeds
- Durham City Freemen's Records
- Durham City Guild Records
- Durham Diocesan Records
- Durham Diocesan Records: Bishops' transcripts of parish registers and related records
- Durham Land Tax Records
- Durham Palatinate Mint Coin Collection
- Durham Probate Records
- Durham University Library Additional Manuscripts
- Durham University Library Miscellaneous Albums
- Durham University Library Miscellaneous Photographs
- Durham University Observatory Records
- Durham University Records
- Durham University Records: Associations and Societies
- Durham University Records: Central Administration and Officers
- Durham University Records: Central Committees
- Durham University Records: Colleges
- Durham University Records: Faculties and Departments
- Durham University Records: Foundation and Statutes
- Durham University Records: King's College
- Durham University Records: Publications
- Durham University Records: Stockton/Queen's Campus
- Durham University Records: Support Services
- E. T. Richmond Papers
- Earl Grey Family Papers
- Eden Papers
- Edis Negatives
- Elizabeth Copley Letters
- Elliott Collection
- Elliott Manuscripts
- Else Headlam-Morley Collection
- Espeland, A.
- Evans, D.M.H.
- Evans, F.G.
- Evans, J.T.R.
- Evans, Mrs M. Gildea
- Evans, T.
- Eyre, V.E.F.
- Fair, J.G.
- Falke-Johnson, A.
- Farley, J.J.B.
- Farrell, H.B.McD.
- Fenwick (Hylton) Papers
- Ferens Papers
- Ferguson, H.
- Finlay, F.H.R.
- Flavell, E.C.L.
- Fleming, M.H.V.
- Foley, G.F. and H.F.
- Forbes, W.A.H.
- Forster, A.J.
- Forster, Mrs. E.
- Foster Albums (Early Christian Architecture and Antiquities)
- Foster Papers
- Foster Slides (Early Christian Architecture and Antiquities)
- Fouracres, C.E.
- Franklin, H.C.
- Franks, G.McK.
- Frosterley Manorial Documents
- Gaitskell, A.
- Garrett, R.C.
- Gibbons, E.P.
- Gibby Lantern Slides
- Gibby Negatives
- Gibby Papers
- Gibby Photographic Prints
- Gibson, A.N.
- Gillan, J.A.
- Glanville, W.H.
- Goodenough, W.H.
- Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund
- Gray, J.M.
- Gray, R.W. and O.A.
- Greatorex Photographs
- Greenslade Deeds
- Grey Estate Papers
- Grey Pamphlets
- Grey Volumes
- Grindon Deeds
- Gwynne, L.H.
- Hagger, N. J. W.
- Hamilton, J.A. de C.
- Harrison, G.F.
- Harvey, C.R.
- Harwood, F.L.
- Hassan, R.
- Haunch, T.O.
- Hayes, K.H.J.
- Hayton, Lee & Braddock Papers
- Haywood, J.A.
- Headlam and Headlam-Morley Papers
- Hebbert, H. E.
- Hedley Deeds
- Heinekey, G.A.
- Henderson, K.D.D.
- Herbert, E.S.
- Hicks, W.
- Hicks, W. J.
- Hillelson, S.
- Hills-Young, Miss E.
- Hitch, Dr B.M.
- Hodgkin, R.A.
- Hogg Manuscripts
- Hogg, P.
- Holt, P.M.
- Hornby, Miss E.M.
- House, A.H.
- Howard Library Manuscripts
- Howard of Naworth Papers
- Howell, P.P.
- Hudleston Papers
- Humphreys, L.E.
- Hunt, F.B.
- Hunt, L.S.J.
- Hunter, A.
- Hunter, G.G.
- Hunter, Y.
- Ibrahim Pasha Letters
- Ingram, J.H.
- Jabez Bunting Transcripts
- Jackson, H.C.
- Jackson, Miss E.
- James Raine Correspondence
- James, L.
- Jane, E.
- Janson Deeds
- Jephson, A.J.M.
- Jevons Papers
- John Stevens Blackett letters on the Indian Mutiny
- Johnson, Mrs. W.
- Johnston, R.T.
- Juba University
- Karl Britton Papers
- Kellett Papers
- Kellett Slides
- Kelly, H.H.
- Kendall, C.B.
- Kennedy, M.R.
- Kennedy-Cooke, B.
- Kennett Family Papers
- Kenny, W.D.
- Kenrick, J.W.
- Kenrick, Mrs R.
- Khartoum Cathedral
- King, G.R.
- King, H.J.
- Kingdon, F.D.
- Kinmonth, W.
- Kirk-Greene, A.H.M.
- Lady Aurea Macleod Papers
- Lampen, G.D.
- Laurie, W.G.R.M.
- Law, W.N.P.
- Lawson Papers
- Lea, C.A.E.
- Leach, T.A.
- Levison Papers
- Lewis, B.A.
- Lewis, D.
- Littleburn, Holywell and Nafferton (Brancepeth) Deeds
- Lloyd, H.D.W.
- Longe, J.
- Louis Allen Papers
- Love, Pearson, Ferens and Marshall Papers
- Luce, W.H.T.
- Lush, M.S.
- MacGill, R.C.S.
- Macintosh, E. H.
- Mackintosh, B.I.
- MacMichael, H.A.
- Macphail, J.G.S.
- Madden, J.F.
- Malcolm MacDonald Papers
- Mangan, J.A.
- Manton, C.H.
- Manton, E.L.
- Manwell, L.
- Marino, A.
- Marsden, J.
- Martin, L.
- Mather, W.
- Maunsell, R.L.D.
- Mavrogordato, J.G.
- Mawson Papers
- Maxwell, J.G.
- Mayall, R.C.
- Mayne, F.S.
- McComas, R.G.
- McDowall, W.C.
- McJannet, F.D.
- McNeill, T.
- Mellor, J.E.M.
- Mickleton and Spearman Manuscripts
- Microfilms of Durham Priory Manuscripts
- Microfilms of Ushaw College Medieval Manuscripts
- Miller, J. W. E.
- Milligan, S.L.
- Milward, C.A.
- Minor members of the Grey family
- Miscellaneous Small Donations
- Moir, S.B.
- Morgan, C.E.F.
- Mulholland, P.D.
- Murray, F.C.
- Mynors, T.H.B.
- Nalder, L.F.
- National Register of Archives Deeds
- Neilson, J.R.
- Newbold, D.
- Newcombe, E.O.A.
- Nicholas Kilburn Correspondence
- Nicholls, W.
- Nicholson, D.H.
- Nicholson, H.A.
- North, C.W.
- O'Meara, A.J.
- Oberst, H.
- Old University Manuscripts
- Ord of Sands Hall, Sedgefield, Deeds and Papers
- Oriental Manuscripts
- Orlebar, J.O.
- Owen, T.R.H.
- Packe Papers
- Palmer Papers
- Paneth Lantern Slides
- Papers of Albert Henry George, 4th Earl Grey
- Papers of Charles, 1st Earl Grey
- Papers of Charles, 2nd Earl Grey
- Papers of General Charles Grey
- Papers of Henry George, 3rd Earl Grey
- Papers of John, Viscount Ponsonby
- Papers of Maria, Countess Grey
- Parker, A.C.
- Parr, M.W.
- Parry, J.I.
- Paul, A.
- Penesi, E.
- Penn, A.E.D.
- Phillips, J.F.S.
- Piercy, C.H.Z.
- Piper, W.G.
- Plomer Collection
- Polden, A.W.
- Poor Clares' library (Darlington)
- Porter Family Correspondence
- Porter, W.A.
- Portrait Prints
- Power, G.W.
- Pratt Green Collection
- Pridie, E.D.
- Printed Maps of North-East England and Cumbria
- Quinlan, H.
- Records of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland
- Redfern, A.S.
- Redheugh Estate, Co. Durham deeds
- Richmond, J.
- Riley, A.B.H. and Mrs. G.
- Rivington School Papers
- Robbie, J.
- Robert Blair Papers
- Roberts, R.C.
- Robertson, J.W.
- Robeson, A.B.
- Robinson, A.E.
- Robinson, R.
- Roper, H.L.
- Routh Manuscripts
- Salvin Papers
- Samuel Smith papers
- Sandars, G.E.R.
- Sanderson, G.N.
- Sanderson, L.P.
- Sandison, P.J.
- Sarsfield-Hall, E.G.
- Savile, R.V.
- Scott, G.C.
- Scott-Hill, W.
- Sembiante, F.M.
- Semevsky, J.
- Sergeant Papers
- Shafto (Beamish) Papers
- Sharland, L.W.C.
- Shaw, J.R.
- Shipperdson Papers
- Shuqair, S.
- Simons, J. A.
- Simpson, S.R.
- Slatin, R. von
- Small Gifts and Deposits
- Smith, C.H.
- Smith, E.J. & E.A.
- Smith, J.
- Smith, L.K.
- Smith, R.J.
- Smith, Roddam Papers
- Smiths-Gore Papers
- Souper, J.L.
- South Durham Deeds
- Spence, B.H.H.
- Spennymoor Settlement Papers
- Stanhope Lead Mines Deeds
- Stanton, G.M.
- Staveley, C.M.
- Stevens, H.L.
- Stevenson, R.C.
- Stewart, J.D.H.
- Storrar, G.R.
- Struvé, K.C.P.
- Sudan Archive
- Sudan Plantations Syndicate
- Summerfield, R.M.
- Sunderland Friends Library
- Sunderland, F.H.
- Surtees Raine Manuscripts
- Surtees Society Records
- Syme, N.R.
- T. M. Johnstone Papers
- Taylor Deeds
- Taylor, E.A.P.
- Thomas Wright Manuscripts
- Thomas Wrightiana
- Thomas, G.F.
- Thomson, C.H.
- Thomson, D.S.B.
- Thorp Correspondence
- Titherington, G.W.
- Topographical Prints
- Tothill, J.D.
- Tottenham, P.M.
- Towers Papers
- Tracey, C.B.
- Trimdon Deeds
- Tunstall-Behrens Papers
- Turner, A.S.
- Turton Papers
- Udal, J.O.
- Udal, N.R.
- Unity High School
- University of Durham Department of Archaeology Photographic Deposit
- University of Durham Department of Geology Lantern Slide Collection
- University of Durham Music Exercises
- Ure, N.H.
- Van Mildert Papers
- Vicars-Miles, A.L.W.
- Vidal-Hall, M.P.
- Vidler, D.
- Vokes, V.H.G.
- Voulich, B.
- W.T. Jones Durham Lantern Slides
- Wakefield, R.C.
- Watkins Papers
- Watkinson Cuttings
- Watson, Burton, Booth & Robinson Deeds
- Watson, J.R.S.
- Weardale Chest
- Wedd, R.
- Wells, P.T.M.
- Wesson, A.D.
- Wharton Papers
- Wheatley, M.J.
- Whitehead Collection
- William Bell Scott Letters
- Williams, C.W.
- Williams, I.R.
- Williams, W.M.
- Willis Papers
- Willis, C.A.
- Wilson Collection
- Winder, J.
- Wingate, General Sir Reginald
- Wingate, R.E.L.
- Wiper Photographs
- Wolfe, J.M.B.
- Wolff, M.E. and G.L.
- Wollen, W. R. G.
- Wood Plans and Drawings
- Wood, E.
- Wood, G.K.
- Wood, W.
- Woodman, H.M.
- Wright Darley Papers
- Wyld, J.W.G.
- Wylde Family Papers
