Elspeth Giles’ diaries contain references to life at Girton and include mention of a number of contemporaries including Dorothy Marshall, Blanche [?], Joan Bedale, Ruth [Corder?], Amie Evershed, and Gwen Farquhar. On the whole, however, she records more about life at Emmanuel College Lodge, meeting guests and visitors there, and University events and extracurricular activity, such as watching rowing on the river, dancing and social events, than about life at Girton. Visits to her grandparents at Milton House are also described. She doesn't dwell on her friendship with Julian Lathrop, but she relives some meetings with him and mentions the writing and receiving of letters. The diaries include occasional sketches, particularly of family, often illustrating clothes worn by her sisters for special events.
Three of the diaries survive in photocopied form only. The copying is faint in parts; some words have been added in pencil above the original for clarification; and some words are missing at the edges of the pages.