The collection contains a complete set of astronomical observation ledgers, with clock error notes, computation ledgers, star catalogues, weather records and correspondence. There are observations of comets, including measurements taken of Encke's Comet, 1828, and Halley's Comet, 1835, and observations of rockets, made with Sir James South in 1831. The papers include Pond's measurements for his work on the proper motions of stars, stellar parallax and other subjects, as well as substantial correspondence on chronometers and their mean daily rating, and on the history of Troughton and Jones' mural circles. There is also material on important topics and events, such as the transfer of responsibility for the Royal Observatory from the Board of Ordnance to the Admiralty, 1820; the disbanding of the Board of Longitude, 1828; the inauguration of the Greenwich time ball, 1833; and the establishment of a separate office to oversee the work of the 'Nautical Almanac', c. 1832.