Archives of the Royal Commonwealth Society
Scope and Contents
This collection is composed of the institutional records of the society. Major sections relate to its organisation and administration, charters and rules, membership, the construction and renovation of its headquarters in London, and the extension of branches within the United Kingdom and throughout the British Empire and Commonwealth. The archives also document the society’s many cultural, educational and philanthropic initiatives, often undertaken as collaborative projects with other societies interested in Imperial and Commonwealth affairs.
Dates
- Creation: 1868 - 1990
Creator
- Royal Commonwealth Society (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
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).
Biographical / Historical
The Society, known successively as the Colonial Society, the Royal Colonial Institute, the Royal Empire Society and finally the Royal Commonwealth Society, was established in 1868 with the objective of promoting knowledge and appreciation of the British colonies.
Extent
6 cubic metre(s) (353 archival boxes, 240 volumes and 2 folders) : paper
Language of Materials
English
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Many of the early records are in very fragile condition
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The archives moved to Cambridge with the rest of the Royal Commonwealth Society Library in 1993.
Bibliography
General
This description was created by MJC.
Originator(s)
Royal Colonial Institute/Royal Empire Society/Royal Commonwealth Society
- Date
- 2012-01-17 16:58:47+00:00
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom
Map Dept enquiries: maps@lib.cam.ac.uk
all other enquiries: mss@lib.cam.ac.uk