Papers, c1940-1990, created and accumulated by P D Coates as part of the research for his book The China Consuls. They include correspondence with former consular staff, notes taken whilst researching materials in the Public Record Office and notes from printed and non-printed sources (1841-1938). A list of the China Consuls 1843-1939 is also included.

Papers, c1830-1925, of Major-General Sir Henry Marion Durand and Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, giving a good picture of their work, particularly Henry Mortimer Durand. These include a set of Henry Mortimer Durand's diaries (1870-1907); a large selection of correspondence (1872-1922) (correspondents include Lord Lansdowne, Grey, Curzon and Roberts); and a collection of press cuttings (1902-1908) relating to the period when he was Ambassador in America. Henry Mortimer Durand also wrote a number of literary works, some of which are present in this collection. Also of interest are a number of family photograph albums, depicting scenes of India, Europe and America.

Papers, 1924-c1958, of James Philip Mills, comprising correspondence, diaries, reports, lecture notes and articles, relating to his experiences in North East India, and his later teaching and research on the area.

Papers, 1898-1948, of Frederick Migeod, comprising notebooks and other manuscript material relating to West Africa. Topics covered include natural history and botany in addition to language materials.

Papers, 1870-1914, of Roland Lyon Nosworthy Michell, including his diaries, 1872, 1873, 1878, journals, 1870-1872, 1874-1876, and correspondence, 1878-1914, together with research material for his publications, including notes on the Dervish sects, of which he had a first hand knowledge.