• Archives

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    An extraordinary and unrivalled record of the development of science that spans nearly 350 years, the archive collection is a unique resource for historians, particularly historians of science.

    Descriptions of the Society's archives are available to search or browse via our online archive catalogue. This does not contain full descriptions of our entire collection however, so if you would like more information about any particular items please contact us with the details.

    You can search for information about Fellows of the Society  using our Sackler Archive database. To find information relating to the location of archival material belonging to former presidents of the Royal Society, please see our Past Presidents page.

    The archives are made available in the Reading Rooms at the Royal Society. To find out about other available resources, please see our guide to finding aids.

    Summary of collections

    In addition to holding the Society's Charter Book, Charter and its administrative records, the Archives hold an unrivalled collection of correspondence and papers which depict the development not only of the Society, but also of natural philosophy and science.

    Recent acquisitions

    Additions to the archives in the last five years.

    Acquisitions policy

    What we collect into the archives, how it is held and how made available.

    If you have any enquiries about our services, please contact us via library@royalsociety.org

Catalogues

Explore 70,000 books, paintings, manuscripts, busts and artefacts

Collections

An overview of our libraries and archives and how to use them

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Researching the Royal Society's library and archive collections

The Royal Society's library and archives are open to the public. Joining is quick and simple. It takes just a few minutes to register and new readers are always welcome.

Before you visit the library and archives

  • New readers are encouraged to discuss your requirements in advance to ensure that you get the greatest benefit out of your visit.
  • Readers with disabilities: you are encouraged to identify needs in advance of your visit, so that every effort can be made to assist you. Although the Library is located on the first floor, it is accessible by wheelchair.
  • Please ensure you are aware of the reader rules.
  • New readers will be asked to register and produce proof of address and photographic identification, such as a passport. To save time, you can download our registration form and bring it with you.

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