Papers of Richard Scott

Scope and Content

The papers of Richard Scott include: a series of memoirs written by Richard Scott covering subjects such as Charles Prestwich Scott, Edward Taylor Scott, Richard Scott's work as a Guardian journalist and The Scott Trust; a series of photographs showing CP Scott and his staff, the Scott family at Christmas and CP Scott's funeral; a series of documents and correspondence relating to the management of the Guardian and The Scott Trust; a series of printed works including the Manchester Guardian centenary number, the centenary edition of the Guardian Weekly, Winston Churchill's book 'The World Crisis, 1911-1914' containing a letter of dedication to CP Scott, and the CP Scott memorial number; and portraits of Edward Taylor Scott and Laurence Prestwich Scott.

Administrative / Biographical History

Richard Scott, journalist and chairman of the Scott Trust, held a series of senior editorial posts on the Guardian newspaper.

The son of Edward Taylor Scott and grandson of Charles Prestwich Scott, both former editors of the Guardian newspaper. Educated at Gresham School, Norfolk and Christ's College, Cambridge. After leaving school he began his career with the Legal Nations Union in London, writing brochures, pamphlets and memoranda for members. Following this he spent a year working for The Spectator before working for the British Council and the Foreign Office in the news department.

He first contributed to the Guardian in 1947. As diplomatic correspondent Richard Scott was involved in the Guardian's reporting of the Suez crisis. He moved to America, as Washington correspondent, in 1963.

A member of the Scott Trust from 1948-1984 and chairman from 1956-1984. As a member of the Scott Trust he was involved in guiding the Guardian through a financial crisis and possible merger with The Times in the 1960s.

He was the last member of the Scott family to hold senior office in the paper.

Access Information

Open (part). Some parts of this collection are closed to researchers. Records may be viewed in our reading room by appointment only, see our website for more information.

Other Finding Aids

A full catalogue description for this collection can be found on the GNM Archive catalogue.