We are currently undertaking a significant project to relocate the College Archives to a new site and are now closed to researchers and enquiries. Access to the collections will resume upon our re-opening in early 2027.
During this closure we will be unable to reply directly to most correspondence, although our email will continue to be monitored. We are still accepting deposits into the archive, but ask you to be patient if you do not receive an immediate response. We will be unable to retain general enquires for answer following our re-opening, and as such we would ask that any requests that remain relevant are submitted again once we resume service.
Our online catalogue will remain accessible for consultation throughout this period, and with many digitised records available can often aid research without the need to visit us in-person.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we carry out this vital work to ensure the ongoing preservation of the College's history.
The historic collections held at Jesus College contain a wide variety of records, manuscripts, artwork and objects, illustrative of the College's history from 1496 to the present day.
The College Archives contain documents which represent the development and growth of the College from its foundation to the present day and include records relating to the administration, benefactions, finances, property and estates. These same documents also shed light on the people, property and occupations of Cambridge and the surrounding area. Documents relating to students, the academic and social side of College life are also cared for by the Archives as are the personal papers of alumni and individuals connected to the College that have been deposited. In addition some property deeds and financial records of the Priory of St Mary and St Radegund, the nunnery that existed on the site of the College prior to its foundation, are also held.
The College's Works of Art collection contains a diverse range of artworks from many different periods and in various mediums.
The College's Silver collection covers a wide period, including some rare examples of 15th and 16th century craftsmanship.
The College's Old Library contains a fine collection of medieval and later manuscripts and a small collection of oriental manuscripts.
Cataloguing the collections is an ongoing process, with items of various ages and types being added to the catalogue on a regular basis, so please check back regularly.
Enquiries
Enquiries and requests for research visits should be made to the relevant person as follows:
Enquiries to the College Archives are currently closed until early 2027.
For enquiries about members of the College from recent years, researchers should contact the Development Office at development@jesus.cam.ac.uk.
For enquiries concerning College Works of Art, researchers should contact Dr. Jonathan Tenney, Curator of the Works of Art.
For enquiries concerning College Silver, researchers should contact Prof. Peter Williamson, Keeper of the Plate.
For enquiries concerning manuscripts held in the College's Old Library, researchers should contact Dr. Michael Edwards, Keeper of the Old Library at old-library@jesus.cam.ac.uk
E-mail enquiries are preferred, although postal enquiries can be sent to the relevant person at Jesus College, Cambridge CB5 8BL.