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Introduction

Lucy Cavendish College Archive holds two distinct groups of records: those created by Lucy Cavendish College (and its pre-foundation entity, 'the Dining Group'), and special collections of personal papers of former members and individuals who have been associated with the College. The former reflect the history and development of the College, and its internal administration; these records begin with the early meetings in the 1950s of the Dining Group where the idea was first floated for a new college for women. Records have been kept consistently since the College's foundation in 1965. The second set - the collection of personal papers - document the lives and careers of women associated with the College and include scientists, philosophers and writers.

Overview of archival collections

Information about the scope and content of our collections is listed below. Some of the collections are available online through the ArchiveSearch | ArchiveSearch (cam.ac.uk) website, which provides access to catalogues of archives held at over thirty institutions within Cambridge.

Outline Guide

The classification scheme below is a guide to the contents of the Archive. The records are grouped into categories generally according to the organisation, office or person that created them.

LD - Dining Group

Records documenting the work and progress of the Dining Group in the 1950s and early-1960s as it sought to persuade the University to grant formal recognition to the Lucy Cavendish Collegiate Society and the establishment of a fourth women's college

LG - Governing Records

Includes the College's charter and statutes, ordinances and regulations, trust deed, papers of College Council, the Governing Body, and committees

LA - Administrative Records

Includes the papers of the offices of the President, Bursar, Domestic Bursar, Recorder, Registrar and Steward. It also includes papers relating to the College's finances, appeals & fundraising, and buildings

LC - Academic and Tutorial

Includes the papers of the Admissions and Tutorial Office, Fellows, Students, and the Library

LS - Clubs and Societies

Includes the papers of the Roll, Student Association, and the Boat Club

LR - Historical Reference Records

Includes records documenting special events, press cuttings and journal articles, memoirs and reminiscences, drawings, artworks, artefacts, and all College publications (including Annual Reports, appeal literature, information guides). It also includes records relating to the Cavendish family and to women's history

LH - Photographs

Includes individual students and student groups, Presidents, Fellows and staff, the College buildings and site, and special events

LP - Personal Papers

Kate Bertram (1912 - 1999)

Anna Bidder (1903 - 2001)

Margaret Braithwaite (1910 - 1986)

Marian Clegg (1902 - 1976)

Dorothy Emmet (1904 - 2000)

'J' Evans (1916 - 2001)

Phyllis Giles (1907 - 1996)

Viginia Graham (1910 - 1993)

Joyce Grenfell (1910 - 1979)

Phyllis Hetzel (1918 - 2011)

Ethel John Lindgren-Utsi (1905 - 1988)

Joyce Linfoot (1911 - 1993)

Joan Liversidge (1914 - 1984)

Lucy Masterman (1884 - 1977)

Access

Most of the College's catalogued collections are available for consultation by researchers, free-of-charge. Some personal papers which contain sensitive material are closed temporarily as a condition of bequest or in deference to the interests of concerned third parties. In addition, periods of closure are imposed on sensitive recent College records.

Researchers wishing to consult archival material must make an appointment with the Archivist before visiting Lucy Cavendish College, and should bring with them proof of identity. Reading room tables are fitted with power points for laptop computers which readers are welcome to bring with them provided their use does not disturb other readers. Pencils only may be used for writing by hand. A complete list of reading room regulations is available in the reading room.

Please read the information on copying and copyright.

The Archive is located in a building that has wheelchair access and toilet facilities for the disabled.

Contact Details

Archives
Lucy Cavendish College
Lady Margaret Road
Cambridge
CB3 0BU

Email: archives@lucy.cam.ac.uk

Click here to find us

Additional links to related collections and general information for researchers can be found on this webpage.