College Archives: Enquiries

Archive Enquiries

Explore Magdalene College Archives for research, history, and historic alumni records.

We welcome enquiries about our collections. The College Archivist can be reached via:

  • Email: archives@magd.cam.ac.uk
  • Post: The Archivist, Magdalene College, Cambridge, CB3 0AG
  • Telephone: 01223 337785

While we are happy to assist with general queries, we are unable to offer a full research service. For in-depth investigations, researchers may need to visit in person.

Online Catalogue and Research Access

We are in the process of developing an online catalogue for the College Archives. In the meantime, researchers can access the AC Benson Diaries Index. Consultation of the diaries is by prior application and subject to the Archivist’s approval.

Researching Former Students and Fellows

For enquiries about former students and Fellows before 1900, we recommend consulting A Cambridge Alumni Database (ACAD), which contains biographical records dating from 1200 to 1900. This database is based on John Venn’s Alumni Cantabrigienses, a comprehensive list of University of Cambridge members from its earliest days to 1751.

Researching the History of Magdalene College

For those exploring Magdalene’s history, the following publications provide valuable insights:

  • A History of Magdalene College Cambridge: 1428–1988, by Peter Cunich, David Hoyle, Eamon Duffy, and Ronald Hyam (1994).
  • Magdalene Described: A Guide to the Buildings of Magdalene College Cambridge (1982).

Donating to the College Archives

We welcome new donations that align with our Collection Policy. If you have materials related to Magdalene College, please contact the Archivist to discuss your contribution.

We are particularly interested in:

  • May Ball memorabilia.
  • Matriculation photographs pre-1948.
  • Records of College Clubs and Societies.