GB 0120 SA/FPA - Family Planning Association

Identity area

Reference code

GB 0120 SA/FPA

Title

Family Planning Association

Date(s)

  • 1901-1976 (Creation)

Level of description

Extent and medium

696 boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 4 folders and posters

Context area

Name of creator

Biographical history

1877 Malthusian League founded; 1921 Society for Constructive Birth Control and Racial Progress (CBC), founded by Marie Stopes and Mothers' Clinic opened; 1922 Walworth Women's Welfare Centre opened; 1924 Society for Provision of Birth Control Clinics (SPBCC) founded; North Kensington Women's Welfare Centre opened (Walworth also run by SPBCC); Workers' Birth Control Group founded; May 1924 Deputation to John Wheatley, Minister of Health; 1927 Birth Control Investigation Committee (BCIC) founded [Chairman, Sir Humphrey Rolleston, Hon Medical Secretary, Dr C.P. Blacker] and established International Medical Group to investigate birth control in other countries; 1929 Birth Control International Information Centre (BCIIC) founded [President, Margaret Sanger]; Jul 1930 Ministry of Health Memorandum 153 MCW 'Birth Control' issued permitting contraceptive advice to be given in local authority maternal and infant welfare clinics to women for whom another pregnancy would be dangerous; National Birth Control Council (NBCC) founded. Premises at 26 Eccleston Street; Workers' Birth Control Group joined NBCC; 1931 Birth Control Investigation Committee joined NBCC; Jul 1931 NBCC changed name to National Birth Control Association (NBCA); 1933 Resignation of Dr Marie Stopes from Governing Body; 1934 Ministry of Health circular 1408 extends grounds on which local authority clinics can give advice; Feb 1937 Deputation to Sir Kingsley Wood, Minister of Health; 1938 Society for Provision of Birth Control Clinics and Birth Control International Information Centre amalgamated with NBCA; Feb 1938 NBCA moved to 69 Eccleston Square [HQ of Eugenics Society]; Feb 1939 Dissolution of BCIC. Replaced by Scientific Advisory Committee; May 1939 NBCA changed name to Family Planning Association (FPA) and introduces new constitution; 1947 FPA branches grouped into regional federations; Oct 1949 FPA moved to 64 Sloane Street; 1954 Death of Lady Denman, chairman; succeeded by Mrs Margaret Pyke; 1955 FPA Silver Jubilee, Lady Denman Memorial Fund established to provide clinics in rural areas, First official visit by Minister of Health [Iain Macleod]; Jul 1957 Oliver Bird Trust founded and established Council for Investigation of Fertility Control (CIFC); Oct 1957 Publication of The Human Sum [for FPA Silver Jubilee]; 1959 FPA Holdings Ltd incorporated, BBC Appeal by Bishop of Southwark, Birthright film premiere; 1960 Organisation Working Party established [Chairman, Professor François Lafitte, Birmingham University]; 1962 Family Planning International Campaign [later `Countdown'] launched; Feb 1963 FPA moved to 231 Tottenham Court Road; Sep 1963 Family Planning in the Sixties Report of Organisation Working Party published; 1965 Re-organisation of FPA branches. 500 clinics grouped into 52 branches, Press and Information Department established, Theodore Fox appointed as director; Oct 1965 Interim National Council established; 1966 FPA incorporated as a company, Margaret Pyke Memorial Trust established, 1967 National Health Service (Family Planning) Act extends conditions under which birth control can be provided, FPA Holdings Ltd disbanded; Jun 1967 National Council formally established; 1968 Caspar Brook appointed as director; Oct 1968 FPA moved to 27-35 Mortimer Street; Apr 1970 Oliver Bird Trust/CIFC wound up. Remaining funds to Margaret Pyke Memorial Trust to continue annual lectures; Jun 1970 1000th clinic opened at Thamesmead, London; 1974 NHS Act fully incorporates birth control services into the National Health Service; 1975 Most FPA clinics handed over to NHS Area Health Authorities.

Archival history

Beginning in 1970 the archives were brought together from storage in the basements of Margaret Pyke House, Mortimer St London W1 and Elsley House, Great Titchfield St, London W1, onto shelving in an open corridor in Elsley House, so that sorting and arrangement could be carried out. In 1975 there was another move to a secure basement seminar room in 23-25 Mortimer St. Following this sorting and listing, in 1976 the records were deposited in the David Owen Centre for Population Studies attached to Cardiff University. They were transferred to the Contemporary Medical Archives Centre at the Wellcome Institute from the Cardiff University Population Centre (formerly the David Owen Centre) in July 1988. A few items, found at the FPA national office in the course of a survey of later archives have also been incorporated. The papers of Caspar Brook, director of the FPA, 1968-1973, were stored in Cardiff with the FPA records and have been incorporated as the majority of the papers relate to his activities at the FPA. Additional papers of the Organisation Working Party, 1960-1964, were also located in the move and have been incorporated. Some files of individuals' correspondence were transferred to the CMAC from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in March 1989 and have been incorporated.
GB 0120 SA/FPA 1901-1976 Collection (fonds) 696 boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 4 folders and posters National Birth Control Committee
National Birth Control Association
Family Planning Association
Birth Control Investigation Committee
Birth Control International Information Centre
Society for the Provision of Birth Control Clinics
Workers' Birth Control Group
North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic
Walworth Women's Welfare Centre
Manchester and Salford Women's Welfare Clinic
Rice , Margery , Spring- , fl 1924-1969 , superintendent of the North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic

Brook , Caspar , 1920-1983 , Director of the Family Planning Association

1877 Malthusian League founded; 1921 Society for Constructive Birth Control and Racial Progress (CBC), founded by Marie Stopes and Mothers' Clinic opened; 1922 Walworth Women's Welfare Centre opened; 1924 Society for Provision of Birth Control Clinics (SPBCC) founded; North Kensington Women's Welfare Centre opened (Walworth also run by SPBCC); Workers' Birth Control Group founded; May 1924 Deputation to John Wheatley, Minister of Health; 1927 Birth Control Investigation Committee (BCIC) founded [Chairman, Sir Humphrey Rolleston, Hon Medical Secretary, Dr C.P. Blacker] and established International Medical Group to investigate birth control in other countries; 1929 Birth Control International Information Centre (BCIIC) founded [President, Margaret Sanger]; Jul 1930 Ministry of Health Memorandum 153 MCW 'Birth Control' issued permitting contraceptive advice to be given in local authority maternal and infant welfare clinics to women for whom another pregnancy would be dangerous; National Birth Control Council (NBCC) founded. Premises at 26 Eccleston Street; Workers' Birth Control Group joined NBCC; 1931 Birth Control Investigation Committee joined NBCC; Jul 1931 NBCC changed name to National Birth Control Association (NBCA); 1933 Resignation of Dr Marie Stopes from Governing Body; 1934 Ministry of Health circular 1408 extends grounds on which local authority clinics can give advice; Feb 1937 Deputation to Sir Kingsley Wood, Minister of Health; 1938 Society for Provision of Birth Control Clinics and Birth Control International Information Centre amalgamated with NBCA; Feb 1938 NBCA moved to 69 Eccleston Square [HQ of Eugenics Society]; Feb 1939 Dissolution of BCIC. Replaced by Scientific Advisory Committee; May 1939 NBCA changed name to Family Planning Association (FPA) and introduces new constitution; 1947 FPA branches grouped into regional federations; Oct 1949 FPA moved to 64 Sloane Street; 1954 Death of Lady Denman, chairman; succeeded by Mrs Margaret Pyke; 1955 FPA Silver Jubilee, Lady Denman Memorial Fund established to provide clinics in rural areas, First official visit by Minister of Health [Iain Macleod]; Jul 1957 Oliver Bird Trust founded and established Council for Investigation of Fertility Control (CIFC); Oct 1957 Publication of The Human Sum [for FPA Silver Jubilee]; 1959 FPA Holdings Ltd incorporated, BBC Appeal by Bishop of Southwark, Birthright film premiere; 1960 Organisation Working Party established [Chairman, Professor François Lafitte, Birmingham University]; 1962 Family Planning International Campaign [later `Countdown'] launched; Feb 1963 FPA moved to 231 Tottenham Court Road; Sep 1963 Family Planning in the Sixties Report of Organisation Working Party published; 1965 Re-organisation of FPA branches. 500 clinics grouped into 52 branches, Press and Information Department established, Theodore Fox appointed as director; Oct 1965 Interim National Council established; 1966 FPA incorporated as a company, Margaret Pyke Memorial Trust established, 1967 National Health Service (Family Planning) Act extends conditions under which birth control can be provided, FPA Holdings Ltd disbanded; Jun 1967 National Council formally established; 1968 Caspar Brook appointed as director; Oct 1968 FPA moved to 27-35 Mortimer Street; Apr 1970 Oliver Bird Trust/CIFC wound up. Remaining funds to Margaret Pyke Memorial Trust to continue annual lectures; Jun 1970 1000th clinic opened at Thamesmead, London; 1974 NHS Act fully incorporates birth control services into the National Health Service; 1975 Most FPA clinics handed over to NHS Area Health Authorities.

Beginning in 1970 the archives were brought together from storage in the basements of Margaret Pyke House, Mortimer St London W1 and Elsley House, Great Titchfield St, London W1, onto shelving in an open corridor in Elsley House, so that sorting and arrangement could be carried out. In 1975 there was another move to a secure basement seminar room in 23-25 Mortimer St. Following this sorting and listing, in 1976 the records were deposited in the David Owen Centre for Population Studies attached to Cardiff University. They were transferred to the Contemporary Medical Archives Centre at the Wellcome Institute from the Cardiff University Population Centre (formerly the David Owen Centre) in July 1988. A few items, found at the FPA national office in the course of a survey of later archives have also been incorporated. The papers of Caspar Brook, director of the FPA, 1968-1973, were stored in Cardiff with the FPA records and have been incorporated as the majority of the papers relate to his activities at the FPA. Additional papers of the Organisation Working Party, 1960-1964, were also located in the move and have been incorporated. Some files of individuals' correspondence were transferred to the CMAC from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in March 1989 and have been incorporated.

These records were given to the Wellcome Library by the Family Planning Association in July 1988 (Acc No 290); Mr Steve Kinsett, Assistant Director, Cardiff University Population Centre in July 1988 (Acc No 291); Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists March 1989 (Acc No 304).

Records of the Family Planning Association from its inception as National Birth Control Committee in 1930, until the major organisational changes following the 1974 NHS Act; records of predecessor bodies subsequently assimilated; records of affiliated clinics, including substantial collection of records of the North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic; papers of Margery Spring-Rice and of Caspar Brook; photographs, pamphlets, ephemera, posters

Additional accessions were received in Nov 1990 (Acc No 364) (box list only), March 1992 (Acc No 417), June 1992 (Acc No 428), January 1995 (Acc no 557) from Doreen Massey, retiring Director, April 1996 (Acc No 631), 162 boxes and box file in total. Uncatalogued (box lists).

By section as follows: A. Records 1930-c.1975: A1 Administration (including accounts); A2 Annual general meetings and conferences; A3 Ancillary services; A4 Branches and federations; A5 Committees and councils; A6 Conferences (not associated with AGMs); A7 Contraceptive testing; A8 Parliament and central government departments; A9 Regional Hospital Boards and teaching hospitals; A10 International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF); A11 Local Authorities; A12 Fundraising; A13 Organisations; A14 Correspondence with individuals; A15 Religious bodies; A16 Publications; A17 Publicity; A18 Royal Commissions; A19 Training and education; A20 Solicitors; A21 Foreign countries; A22 Research and surveys; A23 Miscellaneous, including photographs; B. Records 1965-1975: B1 Administration; B2 AGMs and national conferences; B4 Branches; B6 Conferences (non-AGMs); B8 General government; B10 Publicity (including press cuttings); B11 Accounts; B12 Population Countdown; [B16 publications to 1975 are in A16]; B17 Press Department; B19 Training; Misc published papers (non-FPA): X Regional files: X1-X6 Federations; X7-X58 Branches; NK North Kensington Women's Welfare Centre; SR [Margery] Spring Rice papers; CB Caspar Brook papers.

The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, by prior appointment with Archives and Manuscripts staff and after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking. Please note that access to several files (marked in the detailed list) is restricted. Readers wishing for access to such material may submit a formal application form to Archives and Manuscript staff.

Photocopies/photographs/microfilm are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds, and that photographs cannot be photocopied in any circumstances. Readers are restricted to 100 photocopies in twelve months. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.
English

Catalogued under the guidance of Margaret Howard, completed after her death by Sheila Himsworth, May 1976; catalogue revised by Penny Baker, CMAC, Wellcome Library, May 1992. Hard-copy catalogue index available in Wellcome Library.

Material held by Archives and Manuscripts, Wellcome Library: Marie Stopes papers PP/MCS, Edward Fyfe Griffith papers PP/EFG, Helena Wright papers PP/HRW, Carlos Paton Blacker papers PP/CPB, Eugenics Society archive SA/EUG, Birth Control Campaign SA/BCC.

Material held elsewhere: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: microfilms and indexes of FPA training certificates, as part of Joint Committee on Contraception records held at College. Glasgow University Archives: archives of Greater Glasgow Health Board; some files relating to Scottish branches

Description compiled by Lesley Hall Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. July 2001 Accounting Advertising Associations Birth control Birth Control International Information Centre Birth Control Investigation Committee Brook , Caspar , 1920-1983 , Director of the Family Planning Association Central government Communication process Conferences Contraception England Europe Family planning Finance Financial administration Government Government departments Government policy Group communication Health Health education Health policy International Planned Parenthood Federation Kensington Lancashire Local government London Manchester Manchester and Salford Women's Welfare Clinic Mass communication National Birth Control Committee x National Birth Control Association x Family Planning Association Newspaper press North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic Organizations Photographs Population education Press Press cuttings Public administration Public information Publicity Public relations Religious organizations Rice , Margery , Spring- , fl 1924-1969 , superintendent of the North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic x Spring-Rice , Margery Salford Society for the Provision of Birth Control Clinics UK Visual materials Walworth Women's Welfare Centre Western Europe Womens organizations Workers' Birth Control Group Kensington and Chelsea Religious institutions

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

These records were given to the Wellcome Library by the Family Planning Association in July 1988 (Acc No 290); Mr Steve Kinsett, Assistant Director, Cardiff University Population Centre in July 1988 (Acc No 291); Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists March 1989 (Acc No 304).

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Records of the Family Planning Association from its inception as National Birth Control Committee in 1930, until the major organisational changes following the 1974 NHS Act; records of predecessor bodies subsequently assimilated; records of affiliated clinics, including substantial collection of records of the North Kensington Women's Welfare Clinic; papers of Margery Spring-Rice and of Caspar Brook; photographs, pamphlets, ephemera, posters

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

Additional accessions were received in Nov 1990 (Acc No 364) (box list only), March 1992 (Acc No 417), June 1992 (Acc No 428), January 1995 (Acc no 557) from Doreen Massey, retiring Director, April 1996 (Acc No 631), 162 boxes and box file in total. Uncatalogued (box lists).

System of arrangement

By section as follows: A. Records 1930-c.1975: A1 Administration (including accounts); A2 Annual general meetings and conferences; A3 Ancillary services; A4 Branches and federations; A5 Committees and councils; A6 Conferences (not associated with AGMs); A7 Contraceptive testing; A8 Parliament and central government departments; A9 Regional Hospital Boards and teaching hospitals; A10 International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF); A11 Local Authorities; A12 Fundraising; A13 Organisations; A14 Correspondence with individuals; A15 Religious bodies; A16 Publications; A17 Publicity; A18 Royal Commissions; A19 Training and education; A20 Solicitors; A21 Foreign countries; A22 Research and surveys; A23 Miscellaneous, including photographs; B. Records 1965-1975: B1 Administration; B2 AGMs and national conferences; B4 Branches; B6 Conferences (non-AGMs); B8 General government; B10 Publicity (including press cuttings); B11 Accounts; B12 Population Countdown; [B16 publications to 1975 are in A16]; B17 Press Department; B19 Training; Misc published papers (non-FPA): X Regional files: X1-X6 Federations; X7-X58 Branches; NK North Kensington Women's Welfare Centre; SR [Margery] Spring Rice papers; CB Caspar Brook papers.

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, by prior appointment with Archives and Manuscripts staff and after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking. Please note that access to several files (marked in the detailed list) is restricted. Readers wishing for access to such material may submit a formal application form to Archives and Manuscript staff.

Conditions governing reproduction

Photocopies/photographs/microfilm are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds, and that photographs cannot be photocopied in any circumstances. Readers are restricted to 100 photocopies in twelve months. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

  • Latin

Language and script notes

English

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Material held by Archives and Manuscripts, Wellcome Library: Marie Stopes papers PP/MCS, Edward Fyfe Griffith papers PP/EFG, Helena Wright papers PP/HRW, Carlos Paton Blacker papers PP/CPB, Eugenics Society archive SA/EUG, Birth Control Campaign SA/BCC.

Finding aids

Catalogued under the guidance of Margaret Howard, completed after her death by Sheila Himsworth, May 1976; catalogue revised by Penny Baker, CMAC, Wellcome Library, May 1992. Hard-copy catalogue index available in Wellcome Library.

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

Material held elsewhere: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: microfilms and indexes of FPA training certificates, as part of Joint Committee on Contraception records held at College. Glasgow University Archives: archives of Greater Glasgow Health Board; some files relating to Scottish branches

Related descriptions

Publication note

Notes area

Note

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

Place access points

Name access points

Genre access points

Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Wellcome Library

Rules and/or conventions used

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

Status

Level of detail

Dates of creation revision deletion

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

    Sources

    Accession area