Breadcrumbs

College archives

Somerville College archives house the official records of the institution from its earliest times to the present day. It encompasses not only official minutes of the College meetings but also student records, academic staff records, selected correspondence, photographs, annual reports and ephemera.  Since the College was one of the first institutions in Oxford to accept women studying at degree level, the archives of the College provide amongst other things, a valuable insight into the early days of women's higher education. Researchers wishing to consult the archives should contact the librarian in the first instance to discuss materials and requirements. 

Those who have a general interest in the history of women's colleges at Oxford may want to consult the history of the College:

Somerville for Women by Pauline Adams (Oxford: OUP 1996)

...And visit the archives blog which features selected photos from 1879-1945.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm trying to trace my relative who may have gone to Somerville - can you help?
We have a directory of all women who attended Somerville from its earliest days.  Please email your query to the library enquiry address archives@some.ox.ac.uk. If we can't find your relative, you could try the other former women's colleges Lady Margaret Hall, St Hilda's, St Hugh's and St Anne's.

I attended Somerville as an undergraduate - can I have a copy of my matriculation photograph?
Although Somerville has group photographs of all years from 1930 onwards, the copyright belongs to the photographer Gilman and Soame.  Please contact them at enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk to order a copy (a fee will be payable).

I am having a clear-out and have found some old letters/diaries/photographs from my time at Somerville - would the College like them?
We are always very interested in Somerville memorabilia. Unfortunately space limitations means that we may have to limit what we can take - please contact the librarian who will be delighted to discuss this with you.