Welcome to the Archives of Magdalen College, which contain over nine centuries of history about the College, its estates, and its members. The following pages will tell you more about what we hold here, and how to contact us or arrange a visit.
In most instances, enquiries sent to archives@magd.ox.ac.uk will be handled by the Archivist and Records Manager, Dr Richard Allen, or the Assistant Archivist and Records Manager, Dr Emily Jennings. Readers/researchers should be aware of the following, however:
Wilson archive (p450)
Requests relating to the Wilson Archive may take longer to process than normal, as the collection is stored off-site due to its size. Those wishing to consult material in person should therefore take into account any such delay when booking a reader’s slot.
Manuscripts
Enquiries relating to the College’s collection of Western manuscripts and incunables (MSS 1-221, plus MSS 223, 225-226, 228, 231, 248, 251-272, 343, 405-406, 776-777, and 927) should be sent to the College Library at library@magd.ox.ac.uk
Objects
The College has a large collection of paintings and associated objects (known as Chattels). Please contact Rachel Mehtar for any enquiries relating to the chattels, including image requests and enquiries relating to permission to publish, at rachel.mehtar@magd.ox.ac.uk
Reprographic requests
The Archives team are able to fulfil small reprographic requests at no charge for images needed for private research or publication. Readers wishing to request images should complete the online form. Please note that it may not be possible to fulfil all such requests, if the items concerned are in a large format or fragile state.
Magdalen’s Muniment Room
Magdalen’s Muniment Room is one of Britain’s archival wonders. Built in the 1480s, it still houses the College’s collection of over 13,000 medieval charters, dating from around 1110 to the early 16th century, with its fixtures and fittings essentially unchanged for over 540 years.