Archive
The Archive holds records relating to the College's history and administration, alongside collections connected with Unitarianism and Protestant Dissent. Our catalogue can be searched online
The College Archives preserve the history of the College from its foundation in Manchester in 1786, through its moves to York and London, and finally to Oxford. They also document the College's important contribution to the history of Protestant Dissent, particularly the Unitarian tradition.
The collections we have include a wide range of institutional records, from minute books and financial accounts to student records and building plans, providing a detailed picture of College life over more than two centuries.
Alongside these records, the Archives hold significant personal and family papers connected with the College's intellectual, religious, and social networks, including collections relating to James and Harriet Martineau, Joseph Blanco White, Joseph Estlin Carpenter, and other notable figures in Unitarian history.
Our online catalogue provides the most up-to-date information about archive holdings.
Selected digitised material is available through Digital Bodleian, and our guide on the Bloomberg Connects app highlights material relating to the College's role during the Second World War.
The Archives are open to researchers by appointment only. Please contact us to visit or discuss a research query.
The Archive actively collects material relating to the history of Harris Manchester College and student life. If you have documents, photographs, publications, or other material that may be of interest, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
To discuss a potential donation, please contact the College Archivist.