RCPCH archive

We preserve and enable access to records of our history as the British Paediatric Association (BPA) and a Royal College, and to the history of child health. We have an online catalogue of our historical archives as well as a library collection of books and reports.
Documents of the RCPCH archive

Search our archive on our online catalogue

The RCPH archive is made up of over 5,000 records and may be of interest to those researching the history of medicine, health and social policy, and medical education.

These historical archives are from RCPCH and its predecessor the BPA from 1928 until present day, and include:

  • records of Annual General Meetings, Committees and RCPCH Council
  • records of Awards, Lectureships and Fellowships
  • records of historical College publications including annual reports, policy statements and research and clinical audit
  • legal and constitutional records
  • biographical information about paediatricians
  • records relating to specific child health cases.

You can search for any RCPCH historical archives that are publicly accessible on our online catalogue. You can download our guide on how to search the catalogue at the bottom of this page.

Search our historical archives catalogue

Access and contribute to our archive

We welcome enquiries from members of the College as well as the general public. Access to records is on an appointment only basis.

We have developed a series of subject archives guides for researchers, covering a range of topics on the history of paediatrics and child health such as nutrition, vaccination and World War Two.

We also welcome donations of material from members, individuals and organisations with an involvement in child health. Please see our archive collection policy for more information.

To request access, discuss a donation or to find out more, please contact the Information Governance Team at [email protected].

Library collection

We have a collection of books and reports relating to paediatrics. The collection includes historic books dating back to 1840 as well as more recent books from the 21st century. 

You can download our full list of the RCPCH library collection at the bottom of this page.

To request access or find out more, please contact [email protected].

Website

Previous versions of our website are preserved at the Internet Archive and as part of the UK Web Archive's Collection of UK Royal Colleges of Health and Medicine websites (currently unavailable due to ongoing disruption experienced by the British Library).