The Archive

The Dulwich College Archive exists to protect, collect and share items relating to the history of the College and surrounding area. Pupils and staff are encouraged to use the resources in lessons and societies, and researchers are welcome to study the holdings.

Research

We are happy to help with enquiries, but please note that College teaching commitments are our priority and more in-depth research may incur a fee or require you to book an appointment instead. Appointments are limited to Wednesdays from 10:00 to 4:00 depending upon availability, but please note that the Archive is closed to visitors until September 2025.
Research visits can be booked by emailing archives@dulwich.org.uk

Examples of the archival holdings

• Henslowe-Alleyn Papers: one of the most important surviving sets of records about Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre. The theatrical records can be viewed online through the Henslowe-Alleyn Digitisation Project website.
• Fellows’ Library: the College’s collection of books printed before 1800. Highlights include a Nuremberg Chronicle, Mercator’s Atlas, numerous Civil War pamphlets, and a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, which can be viewed alongside similar examples at First Folios Compared.
• History of Dulwich: various records relating to the history of the Dulwich Estate. Images of early Maps and Court Rolls with transcriptions and translations are hosted by the Dulwich Society. My Dulwich History also contains useful resources connected with our holdings, compiled by local historian Patrick Darby.
• Records of OAs: we hold records of former pupils which may be useful for family research, particularly those in attendance between 1619-1926, but please note that we are unable to share information about those who are still alive.
• The James Caird