British Geological Survey archives collection

Sir Roderick Murchison, 1792–1871. Director-General of the Geological Survey of the United Kingdom. Original documents relating to his mapping expedition to Russia during the 1840s are held in the collection as are his medals and his personal correspondence papers when he was Director-General.

The BGS archives collection dates back to before the start of the Survey in 1835. It includes the administrative and operational records of the Geological Survey, including correspondence and minute books with details of staffing and survey practice, as well as many geologists' working papers and diaries. There are also large collections relating to the Overseas Geological Survey and to mineral resources.

View examples from the BGS archives.

The National Geological Records Centre is recognised as a Place of Deposit by The National Archives and maintains public records material including field records dating back to the early pioneers of field geology.

If you wish to access any archival material, contact enquiries to book a day to visit, and to give time for staff to identify and retrieve the material you require.

BGS Archive — personal papers and administrative records of survey directors and geologists
BGS Archives Deposit Procedure

Contact

Contact Rod Bowie (Records Manager) or Becky White (Data Collection Officer)

See also