Science and Technology Collections at Churchill Archives Centre
Extract from the Churchill Archives Centre Guide to Holdings on our website: https://archives.chu.cam.ac.uk/collections/guide-holdings/
Sections on Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Military, Nuclear, Physics and Social Sciences
We are continuously improving our catalogues and adding new collections. Please visit https://archives.chu.cam.ac.uk/collections/ for the most up-to-date information, and email archives@chu.cam.ac.uk with any queries.
-
Astronomy
Collection highlights include one of the original charts documenting the detected signal from pulsar CP 1919 on 6 August 1967 (Hewish Papers). Pulsars (rapidly spinning neutron stars) were discovered by Jocelyn Bell Burnell, one of Hewish’s research students.
BERRY, Christopher (b c.1991)
See Physics section
BONDI, Professor Sir Hermann (1919-2005)
See Engineering section
ELSMORE, Bruce
Physicist.
Memoir of working in the radio astronomy group at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, 1948-89, particularly with Martin Ryle.
MISC 95 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch.
HEWISH, Professor Antony (1924-2021)
Professor of Radio-Astronomy, University of Cambridge, 1971-89; Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, 1962-.
Winner (joint) of Nobel Prize for physics, 1974.
Papers comprising pulsar discovery charts, lecture notes, laboratory notebooks and logbooks, and correspondence and memorabilia, mainly about the award of the Nobel Prize, 1949-2013.
HWSH 9 boxes and 1 file
A more detailed description of the collection is available on ArchiveSearch.
MACKAY, Professor Craig (b 1944)
Astronomer.
Notes, overlays, photographs for optical counterparts to pulsars, c1968-69.
MISC 109 1 box
A more detailed description of is available on ArchiveSearch and there is a research guide about this collection on the Churchill Archives Centre website.
RATCLIFFE, John (Jack) Ashworth (1902-87)
See Physics section
RYLE, Sir Martin (1918-84)
Professor of Radio Astronomy, Cambridge, 1959-82; Astronomer Royal, 1972-82.
Winner (joint) of Nobel Prize for physics, 1974.
Scientific correspondence and papers, 1924-98.
RYLE 125 boxes
A summary catalogue of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, while a pdf of the catalogue is also available.
-
Biology
Collection highlights include the papers of crystallographer Rosalind Franklin (famous for her contribution to the discovery of the structure of DNA) and the papers of IVF pioneer Robert Edwards.
BRETSCHER, Dr Mark (b 1940)
Research fellow, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge 1964-70 (research student 1961-64); Head, Division of Cell Biology MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Cambridge, 1984-95 (member Scientific Staff 1965-2005); FRS 1985.
Working scientific papers of Mark Bretscher 1961-2009, starting from his early work on the genetic code and protein biosynthesis, then moving into his work on cell membranes and cell movement. Also includes some correspondence and photographs.
BRTS 12 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CRICK, Francis Harry Compton (1916-2004)
Molecular biologist.
Papers on protein synthesis and the genetic code for proteins, produced while Crick was working at the Medical Research Council Unit for the Study of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, c 1953-69.
MISC 90 5 files
A more detailed description is available on ArchiveSearch.
EDWARDS, Robert (1925-2013)
Professor of Human Reproduction, IVF pioneer
Personal and scientific papers relating to Edwards’s work on in vitro fertilisation.
EDWS, 141 boxes
A more detailed description is available on ArchiveSearch. See also the Edwards Associated Papers, and the Papers of Barbara Rankin. There is a research guide to the Edwards Papers available on the Churchill Archives Centre website, and an online exhibition about the Edwards papers on the Archive Centre’s exhibition website.
FRANKLIN, Rosalind Elsie (1920-58)
Crystallographer.
Scientific correspondence and papers, 1927-58.
FRKN 27 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available ArchiveSearch, and there is an online exhibition about the papers and Franklin’s work on virus structures.
Most of Franklin's papers are digitised and available online on the Wellcome Library's website, using the 'see the rest of this archive' button and working down through the catalogue until the 'View Online' button appears and you reach the digitised content.
GLAUERT, Audrey Marion (1925-2015)
Electron Microscopy Scientist.
Publications, correspondence, pocket diaries, photographs and lab books.
GLRT 17 boxes (uncatalogued, closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available ArchiveSearch.
HILL, Professor Archibald Vivian (1886-1977)
See Military section
KEYNES, Professor Richard Darwin (1919-2010)
Professor of Physiology, University of Cambridge, and Fellow of Churchill College.
Correspondence, 1950s-2000s, with some papers relating to the Anti-Submarine Experimental Establishment (1942) and naval radar research (1944-45); volumes of notes on experiments, 1947-79; research papers and data files, late 1970s-1990s.
KEYN 161 boxes (uncatalogued, mostly open)
A summary description of the collection is available on ArchiveSearch and box lists are available on request
KLUG, Sir Aaron (1926-2018)
Biophysicist.
Papers.
KLUG 348 boxes
A more detailed description of the collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MILSTEIN, César (1927-2002)
Molecular biologist.
Papers including correspondence and research notes, ca. 1952-2002.
MSTN 129 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, while a full catalogue is available on the National Archives Discovery catalogue and a pdf of the catalogue is also available.
See also this online exhibition on Milstein, from the What is Biotechnology web site.
PERUTZ, Doctor Max Ferdinand (1914-2002)
Molecular biologist.
Correspondence, photographs and literary papers.
PRTZ 45 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch.
PITT-RIVERS, George Henry Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers (1890-1966)
Anthropologist and Member of Council of the Eugenics Society, Second World War internee
Correspondence and papers
PIRI 49 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RABEL, Dr Gabriele (1880-1963)
See Physics section
RANDALL, Sir John Turton (1905-84)
See Physics section
RANKIN, Barbara (b 1933)
Secretary to Professor Robert Edwards.
Series of scrapbooks recording the work on human embryology carried out by Edwards and his colleagues, 1955-2009.
BARA 11 volumes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch. See also the Papers of Robert Edwards and the Edwards Associated Papers.
STEVEN, George Alexander (1900-1958)
Marine biologist
Daily engagement calendar as navigation officer of HMS St Wistan 1940-43, report on sea fisheries of Sierra Leone
DSTV 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WIGGLESWORTH, Professor Sir Vincent Brian (1899-1994)
Entomologist; Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
Scientific papers, diaries, photographs and correspondence covering his research into disease and insect physiology, 1923-90.
WIGG 50 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch.
-
Chemistry
Collection highlights include papers relating to gas and electrical industries in the papers of Harold Hartley and Kenneth Hutchison.
HARTLEY, Brigadier-General Sir Harold (1878-1972)
Chemist; Controller of Chemical Warfare, 1918-19; Government Adviser.
Personal, official and scientific papers, c1890-1978.
HART 385 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a box list is available on request.
HUTCHISON, Sir (William) Kenneth (1903-89)
Chemical Engineer; Chairman, South Eastern Gas Board, 1948-59; Deputy Chairman of the Gas Council, 1960-6.
Papers, mainly on the production of autobiography, High Speed Gas, 1987.
HTSN 12 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, and there is a research guide on the Hutchison Papers available on the Churchill Archives Centre website.
MADDOCK, Dr Alfred
See Nuclear section
THOMAS, Sir John Meurig (1932-2020)
Professor of Chemistry
Correspondence and papers
MEUR 92 boxes (uncatalogued, closed until catalogued)
A brief description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
TODD, Alexander Robertus, Baron (1907-97)
Scientist.
Papers relating to his career as Professor of Organic Chemistry at Cambridge, 1944-71, Master of Christ's College, 1963-78, and Scientific Adviser to various Governments.
TODD 245 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and box lists are available on request.
ZVEGINTZOV, Michael (1904-78)
Deputy Director-General of Chemical Branch of British Control Commission in Germany.
Papers on political intelligence, 1940-6, and Control Commission (Chemical Branch); Political and Economic Planning and Royal Institute for International Affairs.
ZVEG 14 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
-
Engineering
Collection highlights include the papers of Ove Arup (founder of Ove Arup and Partners, the firm’s projects include the Sydney Opera House) and Frank Whittle (inventor of the jet engine).
AGAR, Alan
Papers on the history of the Electron Microscope, 1945-98.
AGAR 13 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
ALBU, Austen Harry (1903-94)
Engineer; Labour MP, 1948-74; Minister of State, Department of Economic Affairs, 1965-7.
Correspondence and papers.
ALBU 36 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a copy of the box list is available on request
ARUP, Sir Ove Nyquist (1895-1988)
Consulting engineer.
Personal and professional papers including housing and shelter projects during the World War II and major post-war engineering projects, 1923-1988.
ARUP 90 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
ARUP ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Interviews with architects and engineers who worked with or knew Ove Arup, audio tapes and typescript summaries
AROH 71 cassettes (digital access copies available)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BACON, Francis Thomas (1904-92)
Engineer.
Papers on the development of the Fuel Cell, 1940-90.
BACN 150 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BAILEY, W
Member of team at Royal Aircraft Establishment researching axial jet engines, 1940-45.
Paper "The Early Development of the Aircraft Jet Engine", April 1995.
MISC 67 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
BAKER, John Fleetwood Baker, Baron (Baron Baker of Windrush) (1901-1985)
Professor of Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge, 1943-68.
Papers on engineering, World War II air raid precautions, and the University Grants Committee, 1925-85.
LDBA 202 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BANKS, Air Commodore Francis Rodwell (1898-1985)
Papers relating to Banks's career in aviation, including an autobiography I Kept No Diary, 1983.
FROB 7 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BARLOW, Professor Harold Everard Monteagle (1899-1989)
Electrical Engineer; Member of Telecommunications Research Establishment, Air Ministry, 1939; Superintendent, Radio Department, RAE, 1943-5; Member of Radar and Signals Advisory Board, Ministry of Supply, 1947.
Papers on development of radar and microwaves.
BRLW 19 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BONDI, Professor Sir Hermann (1919-2005)
Mathematician and Master of Churchill College, 1983-90.
Correspondence and papers, including papers relating to Churchill College and video cassettes of television interviews, 1982 and 1987.
BOND 109 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BRAMSON, Mogens (1895-1981)
Engineer, influential in the development of the jet engine and the heart-lung machine.
Personal papers and photographs.
BRMN 4 boxes (closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BRAY, Dr Jeremy William (1930-2002)
Labour MP, 1962-70, 1974-97; Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Power 1966-7, Ministry of Technology 1967-8, Opposition spokesman on science and technology, 1983-92.
Papers re Parliamentary Committees on Nationalised Industries, Science and Technology etc, and other political, economic, mathematical and constituency papers, 1953-97.
BRAY 474 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and box lists are available on request.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY, Department of Engineering
Exhibition material on the history and development of the Whittle Jet Propulsion Gas Turbine
MISC 40 3 boxes and 1 outsize item
A more detailed description is available on>ArchiveSearch
CLAUSEN, Hugh (1888-1972)
Naval armaments engineer.
Technical papers and lectures, 1938-69.
CLSN 7 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
COLQUHOUN, Cecil Brian Hugh (1902-77)
Resident Engineer, Mersey Tunnel, 1930 and Resident Engineer-in-Charge, 1933-1936; Director General of Aircraft Production Factories, 1941-4; Engineering Adviser to World Bank, 1954-7 and to Parliamentary Channel Tunnel Committee, 1956-7.
Papers, photographs and plans, mainly relating to Colquhoun's work on the Mersey Road Tunnel, but also on the Channel Tunnel and other engineering projects.
COLQ 8 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
DRACONE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
Photographs, press cuttings and promotional material on the work of the Dracones oil barges during the oil crisis, 1957-75.
DRAS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
EASTWOOD, Sir Eric (1910-81)
Research Engineer.
Papers including material relating to the development of radar.
EAST 66 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of the collection is available on ArchiveSearch and the box list is available on request
FARREN, Sir William Scott (1892-1970)
Aeronautical engineer; Director of Technical Development, Ministry of Aircraft Production, 1940-1.
Papers and photographs, 1915-68.
FREN 5 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
GOLLIN, Geoffrey J (1901-92)
Engineer.
Papers and photographs of experiments on rockets and power jets, 1938-42.
GOLN 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
HALDANE, Thomas Graeme Nelson (1897-1981)
Scientist.
Papers and diaries on service in Royal Navy during World War I and subsequent career as consultant on electrical and other power supplies, 1914-1975.
TGNH 14 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
HARDINGHAM, Sir Robert Ernest (1903-91)
Aeronautical Engineer; Chief Executive, Air Registration Board, 1947-68.
Correspondence and papers, 1921-91.
HRDM 4 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
HAWTHORNE, Professor Sir William Rede (1913-2011)
Master of Churchill College, 1968-83; Professor of Applied Thermodynamics, 1951-80; Head of Department of Engineering, 1968-73.
Personal and professional papers, 1910-1999.
HATN 241 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a full catalogue is available on request
HINDSON, Donald
Coalmining engineer.
Copy of Hindson's article in the Colliery Guardian, "The Future of Coalface Mechanization", 1966.
MISC 66 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
HINTON OF BANKSIDE, Baron, Christopher Hinton (1901-83)
See Nuclear section
HOOKER, Sir Stanley George (1907-1984)
Engineer.
Copies of papers by Hooker on the historical development of gas turbines and jet propulsion, 1980.
STHO 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
HURREN, Bernard J
Notes and unpublished biography of Sir Barnes Wallis; and The British Aircraft Industry 1939 produced by Society of British Aircraft Constructors.
HREN 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
HUTCHISON, Sir (William) Kenneth (1903-89)
See Chemistry section
JONES, Sydney (1911-90)
Engineer.
Papers on the conformable wheel, 1980-90.
JNES 3 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
KELLY, Professor Anthony (1929-2014)
See Physics section
LANSING BAGNALL
Illustrative material on Fork Lift Trucks produced by the company and their factories.
LABA 59 Boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and the basic box list is available on request
LE BAILLY, Vice-Admiral Sir Louis (b.1915)
See Military section
LLOYD, John (1888-1978)
Aircraft designer.
Papers and photographs relating to aircraft design.
JOLD 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MACLEAN, of Pennycross, Rear-Admiral Iain Gilleasbuig (1902-88)
See Military section
MACRAE, Colonel R S (c 1900-c 1980)
See Military section
MARSHALL, Sir Arthur (1903-2007)
Aviator, engineer, businessman. Chairman of Marshall Aerospace, 1942-1989.
Personal papers and correspondence
MSHL c.100 boxes (closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
OATLEY, Sir Charles (1904-1996)
Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Cambridge, 1960-71.
Account of Oatley's wartime work in the development of radar; papers and correspondence on the development of the Scanning Electron Microscope at the University of Cambridge Engineering Department; papers on Oatley's development of the Electrical Sciences Tripos at Cambridge.
OATL 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PEARSON, Sir James Denning (1908-92)
Engineer; Chairman and Chief Executive, Rolls Royce Limited, 1969-70.
Papers, 1932-92
PRSN 10 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
POLLEN, Arthur Joseph Hungerford (1886-1937)
Inventor, naval engineer and journalist.
Papers comprising articles and press cuttings about naval gunnery, 1901-36.
PLLN 59 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PRESTON, Professor Joseph Henry (1911-85)
Aeronautical engineer. Consultant to Royal Aircraft Establishment and Admiralty Research Laboratory, 1940-68, and Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Liverpool, 1955-76.
Scientific reprints, working papers and personal papers, 1930-76.
PRES 8 boxes and 1 roll
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PROBERT, Rhys (1921-80)
Aeronautical Engineer. Royal Aircraft Establishment, 1942-44; Power Jets Ltd, 1944-46; National Gas Turbine Establishment, 1947-63; Director- General, Scientific Research/Air, Min. of Aviation, 1963-68; Dep. Controller of Aircraft A, Ministry of Technology, later MoD, 1968-72; Director Royal Aircraft Establishment, 1973-80. Director Royal Aircraft Establishment, 1973-80.
Papers, 1943-80.
PROB 12 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RATCLIFFE, John (Jack) Ashworth (1902-87)
See Physics section
SEDDON, John (1915-91)
Aeronautical Engineer, Royal Aircraft Establishment, 1939-66.
Papers 1939-1981.
SDDN 11 boxes and 2 rolls of plans
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
SMITH, J Philip
Aeronautical Engineer.
Papers on the European Airbus and other aircraft, 1965-1980.
SMTH 7 boxes plus 4 rolls
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
STANTON-JONES, Richard (1926-91)
Engineer.
Papers on development of the hovercraft, 1959-84.
STJN 12 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WALLIS, Sir Barnes Neville (1887-1979)
Inventor of bouncing bombs which destroyed Möhne and Eder Dams, and penetration bombs, 1940-5; Chief of Aeronautical Research and Development, British Aircraft Corporation Limited, Weybridge, 1945-71.
Aeronautical research reports, 1940-63.
WLIS 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WEISSENBERG, Dr Karl (1893-1982)
Physicist.
Papers, 1938-70.
WEIS 21 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a box list is available on request
WHITTLE, Air Commodore Sir Frank (1907-96)
Aeronautical Engineer. Inventor of the Jet engine.
Personal and research papers
WHTL 97 boxes & 12 rolls (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch while a pdf of the full catalogue is also available.
WHITTLE ASSOCIATED
Material relating to Whittle or to the work carried out at Power Jets Limited during WWII.
WHTL AS 10 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WILSON, William Lawrence (1912-93)
Civil Servant and Engineer. Office of Works (later the Department of the Environment), 1936-73.
Papers comprising a memoir, a history of engineering in the Office of Works and lectures, 1952-92.
WLSN 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WOODWARD-NUTT, Arthur E (1902-80)
Aeronautical engineer.
Papers on aeronautical research and Institution of Production Engineers, 1926-79.
WONU 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
-
Military
Collection highlights include the papers of Ralph Bagnold (desert explorer and founder of the Second World War Long Range Desert Group), and R V Jones who played a key role in identifying and counteracting German weapons development during the Second World War.
BAGNOLD, Brigadier Ralph Alger (1896-1990)
Explorer, soldier and scientist.
Personal, scientific and military papers, including material on expeditions and research in the Middle East and North Africa, 1924-90, and on the Long Range Desert Group, 1940-1.
BGND 10 archive boxes, 188 maps and 16 boxes of negatives
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, and there is a research guide to the Bagnold papers available via the Churchill Archives Centre website
BAGNOLD ASSOCIATED
Copy of a diary kept by Ronald Peel during an expedition to the Libyan Desert led by Brigadier Ralph Bagnold, 1938.
BGND AS 1 microfilm
A more detailed description of the diary is available on ArchiveSearch
BAKER, John Fleetwood Baker, Baron (Baron Baker of Windrush) (1901-1985)
See Engineering section
BANKS, Air Commodore Francis Rodwell (1898-1985)
See Engineering section
BARLOW, Professor Harold Everard Monteagle (1899-1989)
See Engineering section
BOWEN, Edward George (1911-1991)
See Physics section
BRUNDRETT, Sir Frederick (1894-1974)
Scientific Adviser to Ministry of Defence and Chairman of Defence Research Policy Committee, 1954-9; Chairman, Air Traffic Control Board; member of the White Fish Authority, 1961-73.
Lectures on the use of science in defence, 1951-63; papers relating to the White Fish Authority and marine research and development, 1963-71; letters and papers of the Air Traffic Control Board, 1971-72.
BRUN 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BULLARD, Sir Edward Crisp (1907-80)
See Physics section
CLAUSEN, Hugh (1888-1972)
See Engineering section
COCKBURN, Sir Robert (1909-94)
Scientist; Scientific Adviser to the Air Ministry, 1948-53.
Papers relating to research in radar, atomic energy and guided weapons, 1939-59.
ROCO 4 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CONDREN, William Joseph "Con" (1900-1975)
Government photographer, Secret Weapons Establishment, Woolwich, 1939-45, UKAEA, Harwell, 1945-60.
Photographs and papers, 1939-54
CNDN 3 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
EASTWOOD, Sir Eric (1910-81)
See Engineering section
FARREN, Sir William Scott (1892-1970)
See Engineering section
GOODEVE, Sir Charles Frederick (1904-80)
Chemist. Deputy Director of the Department of Miscellaneous Weapon Development, 1940-2, and Deputy Controller of Research and Development, 1942-5, at the Admiralty.
Papers comprising articles, lectures, correspondence, a diary, research notes, press cuttings, photographs and microfilm, 1920-80.
GOEV 40 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
HARTLEY, Brigadier-General Sir Harold (1878-1972)
See Chemistry section
HILL, Professor Archibald Vivian (1886-1977)
Physiologist; Independent MP, 1940-5.
Personal and scientific papers.
AVHL 71 boxes
A more detailed description of the collection is available on ArchiveSearch.
HURREN, Bernard J
See Engineering section
JONES, Reginald Victor (1911-1998)
Scientific Officer, Air Ministry, 1936; Assistant Director of Intelligence, 1941; Director of Intelligence, 1946; Director of Scientific Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, 1952-3; Professor of Natural Philosophy, University of Aberdeen, 1946-1981.
Papers, 1911-1998
RVJO 229 boxes
A summary catalogue of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch while a pdf of the full catalogue is also available.
KEYNES, Professor Richard Darwin (1919-2010)
See Biology section
LE BAILLY, Vice-Admiral Sir Louis (b.1915)
Papers on naval engineering and intelligence issues, 1930-92; includes some papers of R.F. Le Bailly and W.F.G. Le Bailly, 1885-1914, 1885-92.
LEBY 20 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
LENNARD-JONES, Sir John Edward (1894-1954)
See Physics section
MACLEAN, of Pennycross, Rear-Admiral Iain Gilleasbuig (1902-88)
Deputy Engineer in Chief of the Fleet, 1952-5.
Papers on British naval and marine engineering after World War II.
MCLN 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MACRAE, Colonel R S (c 1900-c 1980)
Mechanical engineer and second-in-command of the Second World War weapons research establishment, M.D.1.
Correspondence and papers on the development of unconventional weapons in "Winston Churchill's Toyshop", 1920-71.
MCRA 17 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MADDOCK, Dr Alfred
See Nuclear section
NAVAL RADAR TRUST
Papers on the Development of Naval Radar, 1928-97, including the papers of the physicist Eric Megaw.
NVRT 91 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a box list is available on request
NAVAL RADAR TRUST ASSOCIATED
Other deposited collections relating to the history of Naval Radar, including JDS Rawlinson, c.1928-1988
NVRT AS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
POLLEN, Arthur Joseph Hungerford (1886-1937)
See Engineering section
PONTECORVO, Bruno (1913-1993)
See Nuclear section
PRESTON, Professor Joseph Henry (1911-85)
See Engineering section
PROBERT, Rhys (1921-80)
See Engineering section
RANDALL, Sir John Turton (1905-84)
See Physics section
RATCLIFFE, John (Jack) Ashworth (1902-87)
See Physics section
SEDDON, John (1915-91)
See Engineering section
SHIRE, Edward Samuel (1908-1978)
See Physics section
TAIT, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Victor Hubert (1892-1988)
Director of Radar and Director General of Signals, Air Ministry, 1942-5.
Personal and Service Papers, 1920-47.
TAIT 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
TOMLIN, Donald M
Articles on work of Air Defence Experimental Establishment, Army Radar Defence Establishment and Radar Research and Development Establishment in wartime army radar research, 1939-45.
MISC 28 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
WALLIS, Sir Barnes Neville (1887-1979)
See Engineering section
WEISSENBERG, Dr Karl (1893-1982)
See Engineering section
WHITTLE, Air Commodore Sir Frank (1907-96)
See Engineering section
WHITTLE ASSOCIATED
See Engineering section
WILKINS, Arnold Frederic (1907-85)
Physicist.
Typescript of The Early Days of Radar in Great Britain.
AWLK 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WILSON, Professor Charles Thomson Rees (1869-1959)
See Physics section
WOODWARD-NUTT, Arthur E (1902-80)
See Engineering section
ZVEGINTZOV, Michael (1904-78)
See Chemistry section
-
Nuclear
Collection highlights include photographs of the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos in the papers of Egon Bretscher; the papers of nuclear physicist Lise Meitner (joint discoverer of nuclear fission); and the papers of Joseph Rotblat who worked on early development of an atomic weapon and the Manhattan Project (and left for ethical reasons), then became a campaigner against atomic weapons.
BOYCE, Professor Joseph Canon (b.1903)
See Physics section
BRETSCHER, Dr Egon (1901-73)
Clerk Maxwell Scholar, 1936-9, and Lecturer, 1939-44, Cambridge University; Manhattan Project, Los Alamos, 1944-6; Head of Chemistry Division, 1947-8, and Head of Nuclear Physics Division, 1948-66, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell.
Papers comprising diaries, correspondence, notebooks, official reports, articles, lectures, press cuttings and photographs, 1918-73.
BRER 34 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BURCHAM, William Ernest (b.1913)
Undergraduate and Research Student, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, 1931-39.
Notes and papers on Sir John Cockcroft and the Cavendish Laboratory.
BCHM 6 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CHADWICK, Sir James (1891-1974)
Nuclear Physicist; awarded Nobel Prize for Physics, 1935.
Scientific and personal papers.
CHAD 68 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
COCKBURN, Sir Robert (1909-94)
See Military section
COCKCROFT, Sir John Douglas (1897-1967)
Nuclear physicist; awarded Nobel Prize for Physics, 1951; Master of Churchill College, 1959-67.
Personal and scientific papers, 1921-66.
CKFT 124 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
COCKCROFT ASSOCIATED
Other material relating to Sir John Cockcroft.
CKFT AS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CONDREN, William Joseph "Con" (1900-1975)
See Military section
FEATHER, Professor Norman (1904-78)
Physicist.
Papers on nuclear physics and radioactivity, 1915-1978.
FEAT 72 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
FUSION, History of
Papers on the early days of controlled thermonuclear fusion research in the UK, 1945-60, compiled by Dr J D Lawson, FRS.
HIFU 5 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, and a box list is available on request.
HALDANE, T G N (1897-1981)
See Engineering section
HILL, Sir John McGregor (1921-2008)
Physicist; Chairman, UK Atomic Energy Authority, 1967-81.
Scientific correspondence and papers, mainly on nuclear power, 1946-1994.
HILL 11 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch while a pdf of the full catalogue is also available.
HINTON OF BANKSIDE, Baron, Christopher Hinton (1901-83)
Engineer; Government adviser on atomic energy.
Lectures 1950s, 1960s; papers and autobiography.
HINT 6 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
IVANENKO, Professor D
See Physics section
KAPITZA, Piotr Leonidovich (1894-1984)
See Physics section
LAWSON, John David (1923-2008)
Physicist in government laboratories including at the General Physics Division of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell. Researched high power microwaves, nuclear fusion, and particle accelerators.
Papers and correspondence on Lawson's scientific work, 1948-2009.
LWSN 7 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch, and a full catalogue is available on request
MADDOCK, Dr Alfred
Papers relating to his work on the "Tube Alloys" project in Canada during World War II.
MADD 2 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MARSHALL, Walter Charles, Lord Marshall of Goring (1932-1996)
Worked at AERE, Harwell, 1954-57 & 1959-75, serving as Deputy Director, 1966-68, and Director, 1966-75; at the Department of Energy, as Chief Scientist, 1974-77; at UKAEA, 1969-82, serving as Deputy Chairman, 1975-81, and as Chairman, 1981-82; and at the CEGB, as Chairman, 1982-89. He was a member of NRDC, 1969-75, and NEDC, 1984-86.
Scientific and other papers.
MRSL 77 archive boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a pdf of the catalogue is also available.
MEITNER, Professor Lise (1878-1968)
Nuclear physicist.
Scientific, personal and family papers and photographs, 1862-1968.
MTNR 91 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
MEITNER ASSOCIATED
Other material relating to Professor Lise Meitner, mainly correspondence.
MTNR AS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PILGRIM, Roy
Armament Research Department, Ministry of Supply.
Roy Pilgrim was a veteran of Los Alamos and Operation Crossroads, he was the first Superintendent of the Foulness Range and in April 1954, he became trials director for the Operation Grapple H-bomb tests.
Mr Pilgrim's notes on Operation Crossroads.
PLGM 1 folder
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PLOWDEN, Edwin Noel, Baron (1907-2001)
Civil servant. Chief Planning Officer, Treasury, 1947-53; Adviser on Atomic Energy Organization, 1953-54; Chairman, Atomic Energy Authority, 1954-59.
Political and personal correspondence, correspondence with the Opinion Research Centre, 1976-88, speeches, diaries, literary papers and papers relating to Plowden's various political groups and committees on subjects including atomic energy, the aircraft industry, enquiries into the police, the Common Market and United States of Europe, 1947-94.
PLDN 76 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PONTECORVO, Bruno (1913-1993)
Nuclear physicist. Worked on British nuclear reactor programme in Canada (1943-45) then at the Atomic Energy Establishment at Harwell (1948). Defected to the Soviet Union in 1950.
Family papers and correspondence, 1917-2004.
PNVO 3 boxes plus 1 video
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PRICE, Terence (1921-2013)
AERE, Harwell, 1947-59; AEA, Winfrith, 1959-60; Chief Scientific Officer, MoD, 1960-63; Asst Chief Scientific Adviser (Studies), MoD, 1963-65; Director, Defence Operational Analysis Establishment, MoD, 1965-68; Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Transport, 1968-71; Director of Planning/Development, Vickers Ltd, 1971-73; Secretary-General, Uranium Institute, 1974-86.
Papers relating to Price’s interest in politics/economics in the 1970s and 1980s
PRCE 6 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RABEL, Dr Gabriele (1880-1963)
See Physics section
ROTBLAT, Professor Sir Joseph (1908-2005)
Physicist and peace campaigner.
Papers comprising working papers, notebooks, correspondence and photographs, 1934-2005.
RTBT 490 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RUTHERFORD, Ernest, Baron (1871-1937)
See Physics section
SCHONLAND, Sir Basil Ferdinand Jamieson (1896-1972)
Nuclear physicist.
Atomic Energy Research Establishment papers, 1954-60.
SCHO 5 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
STRAUSS, George Russell, Baron (1901-93)
Labour MP, 1929-79; Minister of Supply, 1947-51.
Unpublished autobiography.
STRS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
THOMSON, Sir George Paget (1892-1975)
Nuclear physicist.
MAUD Committee papers and correspondence.
TMSN 8 files (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WALTON, Ernest Thomas Sinton (1903-95)
Physicist. Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics, 1951, (with Sir John Cockcroft).
Cavendish Laboratory notebooks and papers, with correspondence and miscellaneous items, 1927-2005.
WLTN 3 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WILKINSON, Sir Denys (1922-2016)
Member of Governing Board of National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science, 1957-65; Professor of Experimental Physics, Oxford University, 1959-76.
Papers and correspondence relating to development of nuclear physics in UK and particularly at Oxford during 1960s.
WILN 13 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
WILSON, William Lawrence (1912-93)
See Engineering section
-
Physics
Collection highlights include the papers of the first Master of Churchill College John Cockcroft (nuclear physicist who, with Ernest Walton, first split atomic nuclei), and the papers of Piotr Kapitza (Russian physicist who worked with Ernest Rutherford until he was refused permission to return from a holiday in Russia in 1935, after which he played as important role in the Sputnik satellite programme)
ALLIBONE, Thomas Edward (1903-2003)
Physicist. In charge of High-Voltage Laboratory, Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company, Manchester, 1930-46; Director: Research Laboratory, AEI, Aldermaston, 1946-63; AEI (Woolwich) Ltd, 1948-63; Scientific Adviser, AEI, 1963; Chief Scientist, Central Electricity Generating Board, 1963-70
ALIB c.25 boxes (uncatalogued, closed until catalogued)
A brief summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BACON, Francis Thomas (1904-92)
See Engineering section
BERRY, Christopher (b c.1991)
Physicist and Astronomer.
Papers on detection of gravitational waves.
MISC 110 1 box (closed until 14 Sep 2025)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BORN, Professor Max (1882-1970)
Physicist. Professor at: Berlin, 1915; Frankfurt, 1919; Göttingen, 1921; fled Nazi Germany to Cambridge, 1933; Tait Professor of Natural Philosophy, Edinburgh, 1936-53 and Professor Emeritus, 1953-70; joint Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1954.
Papers and correspondence of Professor Max Born and his immediate family.
BORN 84 boxes and 3 items
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BOWEN, Edward George (1911-1991)
Scientist; Member of the Radar Development Team, 1935; Air Ministry Research Station, Bawdsey, 1936-40; British Air Commission, Washington, 1940-2; Radiation Laboratory, MIT, 1943; Chief, Division of Radiophysics, CSIRO, 1946-71.
Papers on the development of radar, 1935-78.
EGBN 11 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BOYCE, Professor Joseph Canon (b.1903)
Physicist.
3 letters from Sir John Cockcroft 1938-40.
MISC 13 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
BRETSCHER, Dr Egon (1901-73)
See Nuclear section
BROWNE, B. C.
Geodesy and Geophysics Department, Cambridge University.
Correspondence with Sir John Cockcroft with proposals for a geophysical survey of oceans, 1949.
MISC 5 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
BUDDEN, Kenneth George (1915-2005)
Physicist. Cambridge University Emeritus Reader in Physics. Previously worked at Telecommunications Research Establishment, 1939-41; British Air Commission, Washington, DC, 1941-44; Air Command, SE Asia, 1945.
Unpublished memoir, lecture notes, laboratory notebooks and other papers, circa 1933-1985
BDDN 59 boxes (uncatalogued, closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BULLARD, Sir Edward Crisp (1907-80)
Geophysicist; Assistant Director of Naval Operational Research, 1944-5; Director of National Physical Laboratory, 1950-5.
Scientific and personal papers.
BLRD 117 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BURCHAM, William Ernest (1913-2008)
See Nuclear section
CASSELS, James Macdonald (1924-94)
Professor of Physics, University of Liverpool, 1956-82.
Scientific Correspondence and Papers
CASS 5 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CHADWICK, Sir James (1891-1974)
See Nuclear section
COCKCROFT, Sir John Douglas (1897-1967)
See Nuclear section
COCKCROFT ASSOCIATED
See Nuclear section
COSSLETT, Dr Vernon Ellis (1908-90)
Scientist.
Correspondence and papers concerning the development of the Electron Microscope.
COSS 127 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
COSSLETT ASSOCIATED
Drawings relating to the construction of the first UK high voltage transmission electron microscope at the Cavendish Laboratory, 1960-1964.
COSS AS 89 plans
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a more detailed list of some of the plans is available on request
DIRAC, Professor Paul Adrien Maurice (1902-84)
Physicist. Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics, 1933.
Photocopies of correspondence and papers, 1924-71.
DRAC 9 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
DONALD, Dame Athene (b.1953)
Physicist. Educated at Camden school for Girls and University of Cambridge. Postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University, 1977-81, then University of Cambridge where she became Professor of Experimental Physics in 1998. Director of the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative, 2007-14, and Gender Equality Champion, 2010-14. Master of Churchill College, Cambridge from 2014.
Personal and scientific papers, c1970-2016.
DNLD 126 archive boxes (uncatalogued, closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
ELSMORE, Bruce
See Astronomy section
FEATHER, Professor Norman (1904-78)
See Nuclear section
FUSION, History of
See Nuclear section
HILL, Sir John McGregor (1921-2008)
See Nuclear section
IVANENKO, Professor D
Photographs of prominent physicists, 1934-61.
MISC 16 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
JONES, Reginald Victor (1911-1998)
See Military section
RV JONES ASSOCIATED PAPERS
Other material relating to Reginald Victor Jones, correspondence discussing UFOs
RVJO AS 1 file
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
KAPITZA, Piotr Leonidovich (1894-1984)
Soviet scientist.
Papers, offprints collected by Professor David Shoenberg in writing his Royal Society obituary of Kapitza.
KPZA 6 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
KELLY, Professor Anthony (1929-2014)
Materials Scientist and founding Fellow of Churchill College.
Personal and professional papers.
KLLY c125 boxes (closed pending cataloguing)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
KEMMER, Professor Nicholas (1911-1998)
Professor of Mathematical Physics, Edinburgh University, 1953-79.
Personal and scientific papers, 1938-1988.
KEMM 6 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
LAWSON, John David (1923-2008)
See Nuclear section
LENNARD-JONES, Sir John Edward (1894-1954)
Physicist; Chief Superintendent of Armament and Research, Ministry of Supply, 1940-5.
Personal and scientific papers.
LEJO 4 boxes
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and the full catalogue is available as a PDF and on the National Archives Discovery catalogue.
MEITNER, Professor Lise (1878-1968)
See Nuclear section
MEITNER ASSOCIATED
See Nuclear section
PETROPHYSICAL INSTITUTE COMMITTEE (1919)
Minutes of meetings of the Petrophysical Institute Committee, reports and correspondence, 1919.
WWWS 1 box
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RABEL, Dr Gabriele (1880-1963)
Diaries, writings and correspondence as a pupil of Richard Wettstein, Max Planck and Albert Einstein and follower of Rudolph Steiner and Count Hermann Keyserling, 1893-1961.
RABL 12 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and there is a research guide about Gabriele Rabel’s diaries available on the Churchill Archive Centre website.
RANDALL, Sir John Turton (1905-84)
Biophysicist.
Papers on cavity magnetron and biophysics, 1920-83.
RNDL 19 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
RATCLIFFE, John (Jack) Ashworth (1902-87)
Physicist.
Articles, lectures, research notes and correspondence, 1920-86.
RACL 32 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
ROTBLAT, Professor Sir Joseph (1908-2005)
See Nuclear section
RUTHERFORD, Ernest, Baron (1871-1937)
Physicist.
Letters (photocopies), 1915-16, from physicist Henry Moseley - originals in the Oxford Museum for the History of Science.
MISC 2 1 file
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
SCHONLAND, Sir Basil Ferdinand Jamieson (1896-1972)
See Nuclear section
SHIRE, Edward Samuel (1908-1978)
Reader in Physics, Cambridge University. Air Defence Experimental Establishment, 1939-44, and scientific adviser on Civil Defence for the Home Office.
Papers, 1927-78, including work on atomic physics, radar and the proximity fuze.
SHRE 9 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
STANSFIELD, Ronald G
Physicist.
Copy of report on his work at the Cavendish Laboratory supervised by Lord Rutherford, 1936-7, and correspondence with and about Rutherford.
MISC 47 3 files
A more detailed description of these files is available on ArchiveSearch
THOMSON, Sir George Paget (1892-1975)
See Nuclear section
WALTON, Ernest Thomas Sinton (1903-95)
See Nuclear section
WILKINS, Arnold Frederic (1907-85)
See Military section
WILKINSON, Sir Denys (1922-2016)
See Nuclear section
WILSON, Professor Charles Thomson Rees (1869-1959)
Physicist.
Studies of effects of thunderstorms on balloons and airships, 1918-40; reprints of scientific papers and correspondence.
CTRW 18 boxes
A more summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch and a more detailed catalogue is available on request
-
Social Sciences
Collection highlights include market research and social survey data in the papers of Mark Abrams, and the diaries of Phyllis Willmott covering 1938-1999 (1938-72 are open to researchers)
ABRAMS, Mark Alexander (1906-1994)
Social Scientist; founder, Research Services Ltd.
Papers on social, political and market research, 1946-94, and on work of the BBC Propaganda Research Unit, 1939-41
ABMS 106 boxes (special conditions/some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BARKER, Paul (1935-2019)
Writer, editor and broadcaster, editor of New Society 1968-86.
Draft articles and lectures, press cuttings and subject files, 1959-2009
PBRK 94 boxes (closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
BRIGGS, Asa, Baron Briggs of Lewes (1921-2016)
Historian.
Papers relating to a biography of Michael Young, comprising drafts, notes and correspondence.
BRIG 18 boxes (closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
CORNFORD, James (1935-2011)
Academic and social reformer
Papers, 1960s-1990s
CNFD 23 boxes (closed until catalogued)
A summary description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
PITT-RIVERS, George Henry Lane-Fox (1890-1966)
See Biology section
WALKER, Martin J (b. 1947)
Writer, graphic designer, and political activist
Letters from Sasha Moorsom, undated, 1972-80
MISC 85 1 file (closed)
A more detailed description of this file is available on ArchiveSearch
WILLMOTT, Peter (1923-2000) and Phyllis (1922-2013)
Sociologists and writers.
Papers, including Phyllis Willmott’s diaries, 1938-2006.
WLMT 45 boxes (some closures or restrictions)
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
YOUNG, Michael Dunlop, Baron Young of Dartington (1915-2002)
Sociologist. Director, Institute of Community Studies, 1953-2001
Papers, 1928-2002
YUNG 126 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch
YOUNG, Ruth Sasha, nee Moorsom, Lady Young of Dartington (1931-93)
Papers, 1946-93
YONG 20 boxes
A more detailed description of this collection is available on ArchiveSearch