Archives
Archives Research Room
Our Research Room is open to anyone wishing to use the archive collections. Opening hours are 10 am to 4.30 pm, Wednesday and Thursday. Booking is essential and please allow at least 7 working days to arrange your visit so we can ensure material is available.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
You will need to book an appointment to view pre-ordered archive material. All appointments and item requests need to be booked at least 7 working days in advance by emailing us at archives@rcseng.ac.uk
We can accommodate 2 researchers per day. Due to demand, we may not be able to make you an appointment on the day(s) you request, in which case we will offer alternative dates.
PRE-ORDER DOCUMENTS USING OUR ONLINE CATALOGUE
You may view up to 10 files or items per day. To identify the document reference numbers of the archive material you would like to see, you can search our online catalogue.
You will need to identify ‘File or Item level’ document reference numbers before you book an appointment as you will need to submit these during the booking process. You can do by scrolling to the bottom of the catalogue page to the hierarchy browser and then navigating to the lower levels of the collection using the black crosses.
In the example below we have searched for letters from John Hunter to Edward Jenner, then scrolled to the bottom of the page where the Hierarchy Browser is shown. The reference MS0015 is for the fonds (the top level of the collection). By clicking on the cross next to MS0015, it opens the collection to item level.
If the information you provide is not sufficient for us to retrieve the items, we may have to cancel your appointment and ask you to re-book once you have the correct references. If you need any help identifying references, please email us at archives@rcseng.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.
USER REGISTRATION
We will ask you to complete a Research Registration Form and email it to us before your visit. We require all visitors to the Research Room to bring photo identification with them.
MAKING COPIES
Photography is permitted of most collections (please check when making your appointment) and a photography permit costs £7.50 per day or £10 per week.
Payment will be taken when you visit us via credit or debit card. We cannot accept contactless payments, American Express or cash. You will need to complete a copyright declaration stating that the images are for your personal use only. Do not worry if you are unsure whether you will need to make any copies before you visit, you will only be charged if you do on the day.
Our Members’ Library and Research Room are open
You can find all the latest information on using our Members’ Library and Research Room on our visit us page.
Institutional Archives
As well as documenting the aims, objectives, and achievements of the College, the institutional archives offer a unique glimpse into the people and events which have shaped the College’s history.
Deposited Collections
The College's collection of deposited archives and manuscripts contains a unique and diverse variety of material relating to medicine and surgery from the 16th to 20th century.
Upcoming events
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Search the catalogue
Archives, Library and Hunterian Museum results are available on Surgicat+ below.
Get in touch
To make an appointment, please contact us via the details below.
Email archives@rcseng.ac.uk
Thank you for contacting the Archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
We endeavour to acknowledge all enquiries within five working days. Please note that we require at least five full workings days’ notice to make an appointment and that sometimes it may not possible to make appointments on the day/s requested.
Any correspondence with us will be kept in a database to assist us in answering future enquiries. Please let us know if you would prefer your enquiry to be deleted from this record.
Telephone
Tel: (0)207 869 6520/6509