With the foundation of Dulwich College came Alleyn’s extensive archive of historical materials which have been significantly added to over the years. Among the items held are medieval manuscripts, ancient muniments, works of art and a rare first folio of Shakespeare. It was a part of Alleyn’s vision that the boys should have access to their heritage and thus to a sense of history and their place within it. The archive materials are regularly made available within the teaching curriculum. A study of Shakespeare, for example, can refer to the oldest surviving text while an exploration into the history of the Great War allows the boys to read actual letters sent home from the front. The study of geography, meanwhile, is enhanced by following the many explorers among Old Alleynians as they traverse the globe.
Among the most important manuscripts held in the collection are probably the Henslowe and Alleyn papers relating to the Elizabethan and Stuart theatres, the Reading collection of manuscript music of the eighteenth century, Court Rolls from 1314, the papers of Dulwich College Estate from 1605 until recent times, manuscripts and letters of P G Wodehouse, and materials connected with Shackleton and other famous Old Alleynians.
The Archive is open to researchers by prior arrangement. Appointments are available in term time only at the following time:
Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Please contact Mrs C Lucy to make a booking. You can visit the display
of PG Wodehouse’s Study or the James Caird without an appointment. But
you will need to collect a visitor’s pass from Reception.
Mrs C M Lucy
Keeper of the Archives
The Common Room
Dulwich College
London SE21 7LD
T: 020 8299 9201
F: 020 8299 901
archives@dulwich.org.uk
NB While research may be undertaken for enquirers a charge will be made. Photography can be arranged but its cost must be paid in advance. Visiting hours and days are likely to vary from year to year. Half-term holidays are normally closures.