The BGS archives collections include the administrative and operational records of the Geological Survey such as 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 dating from around 1918.
View some examples of our 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.
In addition, field records dating back to the early pioneers of field geology are held in the BGS's National Geological Records Centre (also based at Keyworth). Both the library and NGRC contain public records material and Keyworth is recognised as a place of deposit by The National Archives.
If you wish to access any archival material, please enquire in advance to book a day to visit, and to give time for staff to identify and retrieve the material you require.
For BGS Archives collection at Keyworth, you can either telephone 0115 936 3205; fax 0115 936 3200; email us at BGS Library or contact our Enquiry Service 0115 936 3143
For BGS Archives collection at Edinburgh, you can either telephone 0131 6500 307; fax 0131 668 2683; email us at BGS Library Edinburgh or contact our Enquiry Service 0115 936 3143
