Biography
Vickers, Sons & Company Ltd was formed in 1867. It was based initially in Sheffield, where the head office was attached to the steelworks at the River Don Works. The company did not have a London address until it acquired the Maxim Nordenfelt Guns and Ammunition Company Ltd in 1897, and inherited a suite of offices at 32 Victoria Street.
In its early years the company concentrated on the production of high quality steel castings. By the start of the twentieth century, however, it was producing a wide range of military equipment. Vickers expanded into other areas, acquiring the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company, and building the first British submarine and airship. By 1911 there was a need for a stronger presence near Whitehall, which had become the company's major customer, and the head office moved from Sheffield to extensive premises in Broadway, Westminster, which were named Vickers House. During these years the company developed a wide variety of military aircraft, and it was a Vickers Vimy that completed the first non-stop Atlantic crossing in 1919.
In 1927 Vickers merged with the greater part of the company Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle to form Vickers-Armstrongs. Armstrong's had been formed by W.G. Armstrong, later Lord Armstrong, who established an engineering works on Tyneside in 1847 to manufacture his newly-invented hydraulic machinery. The firm had developed on similar lines to Vickers, producing a range of different guns, before expanding into naval ships and the car and truck business. It had become (Sir W.G.) Armstrong, Whitworth & Company Ltd (or Armstrong-Whitworth) following a merger with the business of Sir Joseph Whitworth in 1897.
Vickers-Armstrongs was involved heavily in the rearmament programme in the lead up to the Second World War, during which time the company played the major role in rearming the British Army. During the war the company moved its head office to three large Victorian houses on Bathwick Hill, Bath, close to where many Admiralty departments had taken up war-time occupation. The head office returned to Westminster in 1945, remaining there until moving to Millbank Tower in 1963.
After the war the company had four main areas of manufacture: aircraft, steel, shipbuilding and general engineering. Post-war, Vickers was responsible for the production of the first British nuclear submarine, the first British V-bomber and the Viscount and VC10 airliners.
Found in 54 Collections and/or Records:
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3021
Scope and Contents
Documents related to Kearney and Trecker Marwin Ltd, labeled KTM Prod 249
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3022
Scope and Contents
First folder contains the subfolders: "KTM Prod 203", containing drafts and company addresses, and "Wild Tales: Thirteen stories without a single happy ending", a typed short dramatic story, unknown author. The second folder contains "KTM 1979 Chairmans Address Charges AV. Department 3rd Quarter" and "KTM Presentations"
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3026
Scope and Contents
File originally labled "Magiscan Prod. Cardiology. Prod 225"
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3035
Scope and Contents
Slides organized into five categories: Environment Conf. Feb 91 Sir Colin Chandler "Compliance Is Not Enough," Historic Ships & Subs/Historic Tanks, Logos, Marine Brown Bros, and Marine Brown Bros 1989
Dates:
1965 - 1995
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3027
Scope and Contents
File originally labeled "Materials Handling Prod 174. Master As Recorded"
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3036
Scope and Contents
Slides organized into seven categories: Medical AirShields HK 1990 [Hong Kong], S & W Medical HK 1990, Financial 92, Medelec Teca, A/S Medical, M & S MoD Products, and Rolls-Royce 1988
Dates:
1985 - 1995
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3028
Scope and Contents
Company documentation about planning for retirement
Dates:
1980 - 1990
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3029
Scope and Contents
Music License/Clearance (1) and (2)
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3030
Scope and Contents
Folder divided into two subfolders: Pension Trustees Prod. 220 and Pension Fund Trustee Audio. Visual. Production 220.
Dates:
1980 - 1990
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3000
Scope and Contents
Miscellaneous photographs of airplanes, mostly pre World War II
Dates:
1910 - 1950
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3040
Scope and Contents
Folder divided into two subfolders: Printing Shorts Prod. 148 and Right First Time Polaris - Q.C.
Dates:
1965 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3009
Scope and Contents
Documentation relating to the production and advertising of Centurion Tank
Dates:
1970 - 1980
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3034
Scope and Contents
Slides organized into eight tabs: DSD General, Cosworth, Rolls Royce Production, Royal Institution Pres. Illustrations, Graphics RR & RIVA, R.C. Ceramics Denby, Pressings, and Millbank Tower
Dates:
1965 - 1995
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3023
Scope and Contents
Folder contains four different tabs of photographic slides, originally labeled : "Portraits Non Exec Directors," "R.R. 1991 Limo," "Graphics," and "R.R. Paint Line" [Rolls Royce]
Dates:
1980 - 1995
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3038
Scope and Contents
Slides organized into seven categories: Rolls Royce 1989, Rolls Royce 1988, Rolls Royce 1987, CV Gvilox 1988, CV 1990, Marine Brown Bros. Jered Kamewa 1990, and Marine Brown Bros 1989
Dates:
1985 - 1995
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3042
Scope and Contents
Folder divided into two subfolders: Roneo 870 Prod 222 and Roneo Presentations. Neopost 191. F & S 190. Group 188.
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3043
Scope and Contents
Roneo Vickers Furniture and Systems Productions 232.
Dates:
1975 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3004
Scope and Contents
Unsorted group of photographs of ships, shipworks, group portraits, and more
Dates:
1890 - 1980
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3046
Scope and Contents
Folder divided into two subfolders: Slingsby VOD A.V. PROD 204 and Solution/Frankfurt Computer. Terminal. Prod Nos: 144. Held By Universal FIlm Lab
Dates:
1960 - 1980
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3001
Scope and Contents
Loose photographs of airplanes and related, mostly pre World War II
Dates:
1910 - 1950
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3003
Scope and Contents
Loose photographs associated with arms development and business
Dates:
1890 - 1980
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3048
Scope and Contents
File contains one set of slides labeled Splink Prod. 239 and five subfolders of documents: T.I.O.S. Prod. 170 Reversal 7252, Triodetics in Teheran. Prod 145. Held By Universal, Underwater Transfer. Prod 184, Vickers-Zimmer Town Gas a 16mm colour film. Held By Universal Film Labs., and Medical Ventimask. Prod. Nos. 155 Finish Date. Oct '70. Held By Universal Film Lab.
Dates:
1970 - 1980
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3016
Scope and Contents
Photographic slides organized loosely into: Submarines, Ship Building, and Ships
Dates:
1920 - 1990
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3006
Scope and Contents
This folder contains two separate files: The Australian Flight. 1919. Prod Nos. [154] Held By Kays Finsbury PK. Distributed by B.P., documentation relating to the first flight from England to Australia and Camera In The Works, an article about Vickers Ltd. photographic technology.
Dates:
1965 - 1975
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Vickers Doc 3045
Scope and Contents
Folder divided into three subfolders: THE SHOOT. Vickers Main Battle Tank Demo. Prod Nos (153). Held By Universal Film Lab, Silverstream Prod. 179., and SLAM (Blowpipe) Prod. 151
Dates:
1965 - 1985
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
