Until 1936 the desk had been in the possession of Mary Kilgour (Girton 1874). Mary Kilgour had been close to Emily Davies, although there is no record of how or when the desk came into her possession. In 1936, when Mary was preparing to move, Katharine Wallas (Girton 1883 and aunt of Helen Wodehouse) asked if College would like the desk, along with some other items. Mary was delighted that the College wanted Emily's possessions.
The story behind the desk, as reported by Mary Kilgour, was that it had been presented to Emily's father, or her grandfather, and Emily used it throughout her life. An internal inscription reads 'A new year's gift from my dear father and mother, January 1826.
The two reciepts, dated to 1869 and 1930, and the note, dated to 1846, which were found in the secret drawer are now held housed seperately in the College Archive.
For more information see the chapter by Dr Hazel Mills in 'The Lawrence Room at Girton College'.