Bringing alive, and preserving for future generations, the essence of Bedford College

The 175th anniversary of the foundation of Bedford College marks a pivotal moment in our shared history. Now is the time to conserve our heritage so that future generations may appreciate the College's pioneering ethos and lasting impact. As part of the anniversary celebrations we are asking Bedfordians to consider leaving a gift in their Will to help fund a Project Archivist to work on the Bedford College collection. 

The Bedford Archive

Carefully stored on Royal Holloway and Bedford New College's Egham campus is an extensive archive that spans every era of Bedford College. Seven rows of sturdy shelves are filled with boxes of photographs, letters, documents and books that provide a record of Bedford College since its earliest days. Alongside items of historic and academic importance are a huge variety of materials that showcase the student experience in living memory and every decade in between.

Appointment of a Project Archivist

Rich resources related to the history of the College remain under-explored so your support for this role will be transformative for the Bedford College Archive, it’s visibility and accessibility. The post-holder's remit will include: 

• Digitisation to enable archival material to be explored by new audiences and bring to light items of interest that have previously remained hidden within the archive
• Transcription and oral history projects
• Identifying material from the archive to be shared in Bedford Society communications, a bi-weekly blog series, emails and social media
• Outreach work and teaching in relation to the Bedford College archive, including promoting the archives and special collections via talks and workshops

“The post would offer the opportunity to record our memories in oral histories but also bring to attention the richness of the written and photographic material.  Bedford College was pioneering in so many areas and the archival record makes that clear. I can say that for certain because I have used the archive. It’s something of which we can be very proud and certainly something well worth supporting. This post will help ensure that not just the name but the essence of the college, which we experienced, lives on. Financial support from our Bedford community will make this possible.”

Dr Claire Gobbi Daunton, Chair of the Bedford Society

Including a donation in your Will

If you live in England and Wales you can write a Will online, free of charge, with Octopus Legacy.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your gift, please contact: development@rhbnc.ac.uk