Archives
Our history
The earliest surviving reference to the College ‘Archivium’ is contained in a manuscript by Fr Henry More SJ, dating from the early 17th century. The entry briefly describes the types of record which would be retained there, including the founding documents of the school. The College Archives have continued to collect in this tradition, laid down three centuries ago. While fires, expulsions, suppressions, and wars caused numerous records of the school to be destroyed or dispersed, many documents and manuscripts have survived or returned to the Archives. These College records form the core of the holdings today, and have been increased over later centuries, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries at Stonyhurst. In addition, the Archives have acquired a nationally-significant and varied manuscripts collection, often donated by former pupils and Jesuit priests, with items dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
More information and introductions to all of these collections can be found in the documents linked below. These will be periodically updated, as catalogues and lists are reviewed in the future.
If you wish to contact us, please complete the form below.
Archives Guide
Introduction to the Archives - A brief guide to the records held in the Stonyhurst Archives.
MSS Index
Index of MSS - An Index of Known Authors, Subjects, Translators, Compilers, and Scribes of Manuscript Volumes at Stonyhurst.
Boardman Manuscripts
Boardman Collection Catalogue - The Catalogue of the Boardman Collection of Mediaeval Manuscripts at Stonyhurst.
Visit
If you would like to visit the Archives, see information about visiting here. Please note, appointments must be made in writing with the Archives Manager in advance of a visit.
Submit an enquiry to the Archives
Please note: if your enquiry to the Archives is submitted during College term time, due to ongoing educational activities there will be a delay in receiving a response.
