A large proportion of the records in this category - Records relating to the interactions of the town and University of Cambridge - relate to the exercise until the mid-nineteenth century of the University's extensive jurisdiction over licensing. A smaller amount covers joint University/town activity in environmental improvements. More modern papers relate to local planning issues.

The archives comprise a wide range of operational records, covering the management and development of premises and grounds, garden planting, gardening advice within and without the University, visitors and Friends, accounts, bequests (including that by Reginald Cory) and staff, as well as papers concerning interaction with the Botany School and botanical research in general.