Abbey National Building Society, records from 192- - 1985 including:

General meeting minutes, 1944-1982; board meeting minutes, 1944-1978; finance committee minutes containing customer account details and cases, 1944-1962; mortgage accounts committee minutes, 1953-1954; instruments of union, rules and memorandum 1943-1985; annual returns, 1944-1974; mortgage account register, 1946-1948; deposit account register, 1939-1949; no main series of staff records: employee rules and magazines, 1944-1977 and records for individual named staff only (1928-1976); press adverts, leaflets and photographs 1944-1970, with history display 192- -194-; premises plans, 1965-1975.

National Permanent Mutual Building Society (see LMA/4575/G - K), records from 1852-1943, with some letters to 1945 including:

Members' annual general meeting minutes, 1862-1943; finance committee meeting minutes containing customer account details and cases, 1933-1941; property committee minutes, 1852-1854; merger meeting minutes, 1942-1943 with some letters to 1945; balance sheets, 1931-1943; general ledger, 1914-1929; deposit accounts decisions book, 1937-1940; no main series of staff records, except staff newsletters, 1935-1943; 'Freeholders' Circular', 1852-1943 including plans and details of estates for purchase by members, and proceedings of annual general meetings. No records of subsidiary British Land Company are held although references appear in minutes and circulars prior to 1878.

Abbey Road Building Society (see LMA/4575/L - R), records from 1875-1944 (includes personal share account record booklets to 1979):

General meeting minutes, 1929-1940; board meeting minutes, 1883-1943; advertising/finance committee meeting minutes containing customer account details and cases, 1921-1939; premises committee meeting minutes, 1938-1941; publicity committee meeting minutes, 1938-1943; mortgage accounts committee minutes, 1937-1940; survey and arrears committee meeting minutes, 1920-1927; correspondence relating to Josiah Stamp (President), 1924-1942; correspondence, minutes and other papers related to merger, 1942-1944; balance sheets, 1905-1943; annual reports and accounts, 1875-1942; no main series of staff records except salary books for two branches, staff rules and newsletters, 1930-1943; 'Abbey Road Journal', 1932-1939.

Documents relating to the merger of Abbey Road and National Building Societies and impact of wartime can be found in both the National (LMA/4575/G/05) and the Abbey Road (LMA/4575/L/10) sections of the catalogue.

Building Society Association, records from 1904-1986: London section co-operation group meeting minutes, 1930-1933; correspondence, 1931-1941, subscription papers and printed material 1904-1986.

ACCESS: note there is a 100 year closure concerning records containing information on staff and customers. London Metropolitan Archives has interpreted this as a closure of 85 years from the end date of each document, given the likely minimum age of 16 years for most staff and customers.

The Accepting Houses Committee did not keep minutes of its meetings until 1920 "owing to the secrecy of many of the matters dealt with" (Ms 29295/1). Business was mainly carried out by the executive committee (Ms 29295), although annual general meetings were held for a short time, from 1939 to 1944 (Ms 29294). A number of standing and sub-committees were set up subsequently. The earliest was the Technical or Experts sub-committee in 1940 (Ms 29298); other committees, concerning such matters as export finance and computers, were established in the 1970s (Mss 29298-305).

Apart from minutes and associated papers, the main series of records of the Committee comprise reports and accounts (Mss 29306-7), circulars (Mss 29308-9) and membership files (Ms 29310). Among the remaining records (Mss 29311-327) there are a number of files relating to the role and future of the Committee at various points in its existence, and discussions about the criteria for membership.

Access to records less than 30 years old should be sought from the London Investment Banking Association (contact details may be obtained from staff).

Account book of a private bank, probably that of Messrs James Montagu of Chippenham, Wiltshire, May 1792-Nov 1799. Many of the entries record subscriptions to the Berkshire and Wiltshire Canal and the 'Western Canal'. People and families frequently mentioned include the Fludyers of Chippenham, Robert Ashe, the Gabys of Chippenham, Matthew Humphreys, Messrs Whitehead and Howard [of Shipston-on-Stow, Warwickshire], and William Knight.

Papers, 1881-1945, of Sir Charles Stewart Addis, comprising diaries kept by Addis, 1881-1945; correspondence with his family, colleagues and friends including Alexander Michie, 1886-1902, and Montagu Norman, 1921-1943; business papers, 1886-1945; speeches and articles, 1880-1941; newspaper cuttings, c1860-1949; and photographs. In addition to documenting Charles Stewart Addis's role as a leading financial adviser and negotiator, the collection gives an important insight into the development of international finance and monetary policy.

Records of the African Banking Corporation comprising financial accounts, agreements, correspondence and scrapbooks.

Access to records less than 45 years old should be sought from the depositor (contact details may be obtained from a member of staff). 24 hours notice is required for access to these records.

Manuscript volume containing the rules of the Agreeable United Fair (Friendly Society), a women's society intended to provide relief in the event of sickness or old age. The Society was held near Fetter Lane, Holborn, London. The rules are signed by fifteen members, six of whom give a mark in place of a signature, c 1785.

Records of the Amalgamated Engineering Union. The collection has large gaps in the records. However, most of the material contains valuable details on engineers who were members of the union, and on those receiving benefits, for reasons including illness, accidents and deaths.

Certificate of Ancient Order of Foresters membership for Edward Papsworth of the Widows and Orphans branch (court number 1840), Jun 1863.

Records of the Anglo-Portuguese Bank Limited, including memorandum and articles of association; Board minutes; annual reports and accounts; correspondence; financial records; manager's files; some staff files; and communications with headquarters in Portugal.

Records of Antony Gibbs and Sons Limited, merchants and foreign bankers, and their branches and subsidiaries. Records include papers relating to the Gibbs family; correspondence, letters and letter books; ledgers and other financial records; papers and correspondence of branches in Peru, Chile, Australia, the West Indies, New York, Bristol and Liverpool; memoranda; trading agreements; minutes and reports; papers relating to the guano business and papers relating to the iodine industry.

Correspondence with foreign branches will be found in a number of different points in the catalogue. A keyword search of the online catalogue by the name of the branch and 'Gibbs' is the easiest access to branch correspondence.

Records of the Artists' Annuity and Benevolent Fund, including records relating to the establishment of the fund, and joint records of both branches; records of the Annuity Fund; records of the Benevolent Fund; and records relating to John Pye, a founder member of the fund.

Records of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, as follows:-

Ms 17363 - Articles of association;
Mss 17364-7 - Affiliated chambers, United Kingdom and overseas;
Mss 14476-7 - Executive council;
Mss 14478-9, 14485, 17394-5 - Standing, advisory and special committees;
Mss 17368-72 - General purposes committee;
Mss 17373-83 - Internal organisation, personnel and visitors;
Mss 17384-6 - Circulars and out-letter files;
Mss 17387 - Meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Finance and taxation division:-
Mss 14480 -1 - committee minutes;
Ms 17388 - circulars;
Mss 17389-93 - press releases and newsletters;
Mss 17394-475 - subject files, listed alphabetically;
Ms 17476 - printed booklets.

Home affairs division:-
Mss 14482-4 - committee minutes;
Ms 17477 - circulars;
Mss 14485 and Ms 17478-94 - education committee papers and education subject files;
Mss 14488 and Ms 17495-9 - post office services committee papers and postal subject files;
Mss 17500-1 - power committee papers and power and fuel subject file;
Mss 14485-6 and Ms 17502-37 - transport committee papers and transport subject files;
Mss 17538-50 - other subject files, listed alphabetically;
Ms 17551 - printed booklets.

Overseas division:-
Mss 14487 and 17552 - committee minutes and papers;
Ms 17553 - circulars;
Mss 17554-63 - subject files, listed alphabetically;
Mss 17564-83 - correspondence and papers relating to outside bodies and other trade organisations;
Ms 17584 - files labelled miscellaneous;
Mss 17585-8 - printed booklets;
Mss 17589-93 - Association of Secretaries of British Chambers of Commerce.
Mss 17593/A-C Statistics and report.

In addition to the committee minutes, the five series of circulars (Mss 17384, 17388, 17477, 17553 and 17592) will be found to supplement the subject files which form the bulk of the Association's archives.

Also papers of the National Chamber of Trade, including minutes, register of members, circulars, press cuttings and handbooks.

Records of the Association of Investment Trusts, later the Association of Investment Trust Companies and then the Association of Investment Companies. The records comprise some constitutional documents, minutes of the various committees, annual reports and accounts and supporting papers, financial material, along with many files of correspondence on particular topics, as well as a large serie of files relating to members of the Association. These records are all held off-site and require 24 hours notice for access.

Records of the Bank of British West Africa including administrative, staff, financial and publicity records and photographs.

Contains details concerning the bank's constitution and rates, c1683.

Letter books and accounting records of the Bank of London and South America and its constituent banks, c1862-1956. Letters relate especially to Uruguay from 1864, Argentina from 1865, Brazil from 1868 and Chile from 1888.

Records of the Bank of Nigeria, comprising specimen signatures book and agenda book.

Records of the Bankers Guarantee and Trust Fund, comprising Trustees minute books.

Papers relating to banking, comprising:

1. A legal opinion concerning the Bank of England monopoly and the exclusion of Scottish banks, with particular reference to the act of 1833 (3 & 4 Will.IV c.98), [1874]. A partially erased endorsement in pencil appears to read 'Mr.Backhouse - Please table this corrected copy... J.S.'
2. Printed circular with manuscript additions from John Dun of Warrington to Edmund Backhouse, 25 Nov 1875. The circular contains tables of the assets and liabilities of the banks of the United Kingdom, with an explanation of the methods used in obtaining the results. The writer hopes for information from Backhouse.
3. Manuscript lists of failed private banks, with names of their owners; Joint Stock Banks that had closed; and private banks, with names of their owners, that had 'ceased to issue through amalgamation or otherwise'. Each entry has a figure beside it, possibly showing assets at time of closure. Each leaf is initialled 'E.B.' (Edmund Backhouse).
4. 'Speeches made in the debate on the renewal of the Bank of England Charter, 1833', reprinted from Hansard, 3rd series, vol.20, pp.469, 496-7, 499.

Collection of banknotes, 1898-1947, comprising:
State credit notes from Gosudarstvennii Bank of Russia, 1898-1918, (10 items, from 1 Rouble - 1000 Roubles); Polish banknotes, c 1919, (2 items, 5 Marks, 100 Marks; German/German Occupied Territory banknotes,1906-1916 (3 items, 10 Marks, 20 Marks, 100 Roubles); Soviet Union banknote (5 Roubles), 1947

Records of the Bassishaw Friendly Association, later known as Bassishaw Ward Club, comprising rules, minutes, correspondence and accounts. They were catalogued by members of Guildhall Library staff in 1989 and 1991.

Legal documents, acquired by the solicitor's office in the course of their work, relating to the Manor of Stanwell, including: abstract of title for the Manor of Stanwell, parties: Lucius Cary, Viscount Falkland and John, Earl of Dunmore, 1576-1725; abstract of title for lands in the parish of Stanwell, parties: Richard Willshaw and Lord Dunmore, 1677-1726; abstract of title for arable lands in the common fields of Stanmore, parties: Richard Blunt and the Earl of Dunmore, 1714-1737; abstract of tithe for copyhold lands in Stanwell, some belonging to the Earl of Dunmore, 1712-1780; and memorial of release for lands in the parish of Stanwell, 1736.

Also deed of company to establish a bank, to be called the 'Middlesex and Surrey Bank' at Staines, 1810; marriage settlement for lands in Staines, Highgate, Hornsey and Shenley Bury (Hertfordshire), 1844; copy of probate of will, regarding a house at Stamford Hill belonging to Thomas Gudgeon and copy of information at the Exchequer relating to a prosecution for evasion of stamp duty on bottles of soda water, 1813.

The Laws and Regulations of the Beneficent Society of Tinwald, 1800.

A wives' certificate book of the Benevolent Company of Dublin, from the period 1771 to 1801.

Microfilm minutes relating to the Birmingham Provident Dispensary, 1877-1948.

Records of the Boot Trade Benevolent Society comprising: minutes, 1853-1959; financial records, 1836-1977; and news cutting books, 1932-1937. Access to records less than 30 years old should be sought from the Footwear Benevolent Society (contact details may be obtained from staff).

Records of the Borneo Company, as follows:
1.Deed of settlement; memorandum and articles of association: Ms 27174-7;

2. Board, AGM and committee minutes; annual reports and accounts: Ms 27178-90;
3. Secretary's papers: Ms 27191-8;
4. Accounts: Ms 27199-231;
5. Overseas operations records:-
   Agency and general agreements-Ms 27232-43;
   Java and Sumatra-Ms 27244-58;
   Malaya and Singapore-Ms 27259-76;
   Philippines-Ms 27277;
   Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei-Ms 27278-304;
   Siam-Ms 27305-29;
6. Investments, takeovers and subsidiary company papers:-
   Australia-Ms 27330-45;
   Canada -Ms 27346-50;
   Hong Kong-Ms 27351;
   Colombia-Ms 27352;
   Cuba-Ms 27353;
   India-Ms 27354-5;
   Java and Sumatra-Ms 27356-9;
   Malaya and Singapore-Ms 27360-400;
   Netherlands-Ms 27401-2;
   Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei-Ms 27403-19;
   Siam-Ms 27420;
   United Kingdom-Ms 27421-3;
7. Publicity and sales material: Ms 27424-6;
8. Staff records: Ms 27427-43;
9. Property records (London only): Ms 27430-6;
10. Centenary celebrations and notes for centenary history: Ms 27437-43;
11. Photographs: Ms 27444-66;
12. Branch records:-
    Sarawak: Kuching-Ms 27467-70;
    Siam: Bangkok -Ms 27471-4.

Records of the Bowkett Benefit Building Society, 1864-1875, consisting of declaration by Secretary as to trustees and a mortgage of 89 Grove Road, Upper Islington.

Letter from John Ivatt Briscoe of Twickenham, [Middlesex] to an unknown recipient, 29 Apr 1828. Referring to the bill for better regulation of savings banks: making 3 points concerning security, liability of trustees, and the advantages of exact legal regulation. Autograph, with signature.

Records of the British Bankers' Association, including General Council, Executive Committee and Annual General Meeting minute books; annual reports; financial accounts; papers of Committees including the Foreign Exchange Committee and the Fiscal Committee; public relations papers including press releases and circulars; papers regarding bank employees; papers regarding the EEC Banking Federation; rules, regulations and other papers relating to membership; and papers relating to various matters of interest to the banking community including income tax, security, fraud, liquidity, clearing house payments, inter-bank cooperation, legislation, bankruptcy, credit, audits and taxation.

Restricted access to later records.

Records of the British Friendly Society, comprising accounts, annual reports and accounts, and receipts for money advanced to British citizens in need.

Minutes of the British Overseas and Commonwealth Banks Association.

Records of Brown, Shipley and Company Limited, merchant bankers. These archives relate to the Founders' Court and Pall Mall offices. They comprise some articles of partnership, minutes, correspondence, customer account records, financial material and some office plans.

Notes (handwritten) relating to a housing loan scheme proposed by the Church Benefit Society, including draft of charges and sample correspondence. Includes prospectuses and advertising pamphlets from existing building societies, presumably gathered for research, including the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, the Temperance Permanent Building Society, the Bradford Second Equitable Benefit Building Society, the Abbey Road Building Society and the Hearts of Oak Benefit Society.

Records of the Building Society Indemnities Committee, comprising minutes.

Records of Cazenove and Company, investment bankers. The records are especially strong for financial records (including partners' and staff ledgers), and the company's late 20th century history, particularly the period around "Big Bang" in the 1980s, and leading up to incorporation in 2001. As well as partnership deeds, minutes, accounts and financial records, they include the papers of a number of partners, including Mark Loveday who was Senior Partner 1994-2001 and retired on the point of incorporation, and a significant amount of material gathered in the course of research for the company's history. The archives include copy material dating from 1823.

The archives are subject to a 30 year closure rule and are on 24 hours call. Access to some of the correspondence is subject to special conditions. For further details about access, please enquire with staff.

Records of the Central Association of Bankers, a society promoting the interests of banks, comprising annual reports and accounts; minutes; circulars and reports.

Restricted access to later records.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, also known as Chartered Bank, including half-yearly head office and branch balance sheets 1858-1972; half-yearly returns from London and head office 1859-1976; staff records 1854-1960; schedules of bank premises, insurance and strongroom provision 1911-1979 and some miscellaneous papers 1863.

Access to the bank's archives is subject to a 45-year rule, with a 70-year rule for specifically personnel records.

These records are still being catalogued and the Archive holds around 75 linear yards of material dating from 1853 which does not appear in the catalogue and for which there is as yet no accurate list. This uncatalogued material is at present unavailable to readers.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874 - 1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900 - 1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863 - 1960).

This subfonds includes: general ledgers (1852-1960); Profit and Loss summaries (1895-1970); journals (1914-1965); Government and Other Securities (1891-1975); Head Office Branch and London records (1858-1973); subsidiary and affiliated banks (1928-1970); suspense accounts (1881-1965); Bad debts (1927-1942); World War Two and Aftermath (1939-1959); Records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant, 1917-1970); Annual Audit (Head Office, 1926-1941); reprints of circulars issued between 1909 and 1932; specimen cheques (1950s).

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874 - 1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900 - 1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863 - 1960).

Records in this sub-fonds include those generated by the Secretary's Department, General Manager's Department, Inspection Department, Overseas Personnel Department and the Birmingham Representative.

They include a series of files on Japanese occupation of the eastern branches during World War Two (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07), personal accounts from employees who were interned by the Japanese and the war damage claims brought by the bank in the Philippines (CLC/B/207/CH03/02/05) and against the Yokohama Specie Bank in Singapore (CLC/B/207/CH03/02/04) subsequent to the end of the war.

There are a series of research files for the official centenary publication of 1953, 'Realms of Silver' which contain a wealth of historical information regarding the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17), including personnel accounts from former staff members of their service with the bank and a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) containing information on a wide range of the banks work and operations. These are complemented by two series of country files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/06 and CLC/B/207/CH03/02/02).

In addition there are records of the Inspection department (CLC/B/207/CH03/03) which include details of some cases where bad debts to the bank led to the liquidation of customers' assets, reports following the inspection of branches and a file relating to a case of fraud perpetrated by a staff member.

There are also records of a court case brought by Gerald Gelberg regarding some Sarawak postage stamps (CLC/B/207/CH03/02/06) and the records of the Chartered Banks' first and only venture to Birmingham (CLC/B/207/CH03/05).

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

These records were kept at the individual branches and include circulars sent by head office, general instructions for transacting business, a cheque book and a number of copies of authorised signatures. Generally only head office records of branches and agencies are held.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of buffalo to move hemp and in Burma the use of elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16).

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

This sub-fonds includes printed copies of the 1853 charter and later supplemental and consolidating charters and an index to charters along with bye laws, rules and original and copy deeds of settlement and adhesion. There are also registers of directors and registers of documents sealed giving details of all documents sealed by the company seal and the signatures of directors authorising its use. In addition there are records relating to the ordinary and extraordinary annual meetings of directors and shareholders.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of buffalo to move hemp and in Burma the use of elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

This sub fonds includes a published 125th anniversary booklet, a proof for a bank publicity pamphlet, transcripts of two addresses given to the School of Oriental Studies to Head Office staff and a booklet produced by the Bank regarding general information about conditions and business prospects in Malaysia, including list of bank branches in the region.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863- 1960).

This sub-fonds includes correspondence between the bank and its solicitors, Linklaters and Paines, regarding customer accounts and legal dealings, and legal documents, such as powers of attorney, property deeds and other documents regarding specific legal cases contested by the bank.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874 - 1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900 - 1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863 - 1960).

This sub-fonds contains material related specifically to customer transactions, customer relations and services. Transactional documents appear to have been retained by the Bank for historical interest when no longer in current use rather than as active series. In most cases the creating department of these records is unknown, however the sub-fonds also contains a small amount of material from the 'organisation and methods' department which was in existence in the 1960s and which appears to have overseen changes to systems and processes within the Bank.

Includes: customer transactions, past due bills, customer securities and loans, customer liquidation cases, issue of notes, legal agreements and court cases, notes on clients and procedures, authorised personnel, correspondent banks, 'Organisation and Methods department', proforma and printed information.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

This sub fonds includes: premises registers, ledgers, insurance documents, a large series of files on Bank property kept by the premises department (arranged by town/city), plans (arranged by country) and a series of premises photographs.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16).

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

This sub-fonds includes records relating to the initial share issue including subscription contract, script registers, published prospectus and script certificates and paperwork.

Records of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, later known as the Chartered Bank. Records date from 1851, just prior to the foundation of the bank in 1853 and include reference to the operation and management of the business covering both branches, agencies and head office. There is information relating to premises and staff, inspection of branches and customer accounts, some records of legal actions as well as general administrative records created and maintained by the secretaries and general managers.

Highlights include records relating to the bank during times of War, from accounts of local rebellions and riots through to the Second World War which saw two thirds of the banks' branches occupied by the Japanese and over 100 of the banks' European officers interned. There is a series of letters within the records of the Secretary and a number of personal reminiscences recounting the courageous actions of trustworthy staff members trying to salvage bank records from being seized by the Japanese, from those in internment camps and accounts of conditions in occupied countries (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/07) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004).

There is a series of posterity files (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/09-13) consisting of over 1,300 documents which were retained by the Secretary as a research resource and for historical interest covering a remarkable range of subjects such as legal wrangles and reports on trading conditions in particular countries reflecting how the bank was responsive to early economic development and new trade when seeking to expand its network of branches.

The 'Realms of Silver' centenary publication research files are a valuable source on the history of the bank (CLC/B/207/CH03/01/14-17) covering a range of topics such as key commodities in particular areas, they show staff enduring disease, plague, famine and drought, rebellion and revolution, earthquakes, floods and fire and highlight how the activities of the Bank have touched upon events of world history as well as of local development, often reflecting creative solutions that the bank employed to overcome such problems and tribulations.

There is an extensive collection of premises records (CLC/B/207/CH09) including plans of the branches and often subsequent upgrades and developments of branches and agencies in response to growing business needs. There are also photographs which show not only bank premises but also create a pictorial history reflecting the international operations of the Chartered Bank as well as showing local flora, fauna and methods of trade, for example, in Cebu the use of Buffalo to move Hemp and in Burma the use of Elephants in the emerging logging trade. They also reflect local tragedies such as the effects of the Yokohama Earthquake in Japan in 1923 (CLC/B/207/CH09/08; CLC/B/207/CH08/04; CLC/B/207/CH03/01/16)

There is an extensive series of records relating to accounts and financial matters (CLC/B/207/CH04), including general ledgers; a comprehensive series of half yearly balance sheets from branches and records of the Taxation and Statistics Department (which appears to have fallen under the auspices of the Chief Accountant.

There are also records relating to staff (CLC/B/207/CH08), which give details on the bank's application and registration process, and progress and activities of named staff when they took up their posts. These records include registers of staff (1874-1920), some staff applications and employment agreements (1900-1930) and an extensive series of half-yearly schedules of staff in overseas branches (1863-1960).

This sub fonds includes registers of home and foreign staff containing personal details (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/001-003) and a register of employees interned in prisoner of war camps or killed during enemy action (CLC/B/207/CH08/01/004). Also consists of staff applications and employment agreements for individual staff members (CLC/B/207/CH08/02/001-005).

Records of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, comprising constitutional documents, minutes, correspondence (notably about International Banking summer schools), and photographs. Access to post 1980 material is restricted. The records are held off-site and require 24 hours notice for access.

Records, 1926-1951, of the Chinese Government Purchasing Commission (CGPC), including information on the state of Chinese communications; the workings of the Chinese Ministries of Communications, Railways and Industries; Chinese banking; construction and engineering technology and the work of British manufacturers; and some information on Chinese educational and cultural institutions in receipt of subsidies from the Board of Trustees for the Administration of the Indemnity Funds Remitted by the British Government.

Records, 1926-1951, relating to the foundation and constitution of the CGPC comprise printed report of the Anglo-Chinese Advisory Committee (China Indemnity Advisory Committee), 1926; correspondence, largely letters from the Board of Trustees to the CPGC, 1931-1950, concerning the constitution of the Commission, procedural issues, personnel and financial matters; file on procedure on appointment of a new member of the Commission, 1947-1948; correspondence concerning events preceding the winding-up of the Commission, 1951.

Financial records, 1931-1951, comprise papers on the Board Account, 1937-1950; papers on the Chin Fund (apparently a grant paid to Constance Chin, a patient of the Bethlem Royal Hospital), 1945-1951; summaries of expenses relating to purchase orders made by Chinese ministries, 1931-1951; Indemnity Fund cash books, 1937-1950; invoices and receipts relating to CGPC business, 1937-1951; financial statements and correspondence relating to banking matters with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, 1931-1951, the subjects including investments and tax.

Operational records, c1928-1951, relating to the administration of purchase orders, comprise register of tenders/purchase orders, 1942-1946; contract registers (not comprehensive), 1931-1949, recording the management of contracts for the supply and delivery in China of plant, machinery and other materials manufactured in the UK for the Chinese government, and over 1,000 related contract files for engineering companies and manufacturers for industrial, construction, railway and other projects; tender forms, 1934, issued to contractors by the CGPC; specifications and standards, c1928-1937 and undated, largely for the construction of railways and carriages; correspondence concerning administration of purchase orders, 1932-1951, relating especially to delivery of locomotive spare parts and related materials; registers of export licences issue to British manufacturers under wartime regulations, 1941-1946; applications for export licences, 1939-1945; registers of shipments, insurance, freight and inspection fees, 1931-1951; shipping letters, 1937-1950, issued for CGPC shipments; general correspondence concerning the administration of the CGPC, 1931-1951, including correspondence with solicitors and correspondence concerning the CGPC premises in Tothill Street, London.

Annual reports and accounts, 1931-1950, comprise typescript accounts and reports, 1931-1950, of the CGPC and published annual reports, 1931-1950, including summaries of receipts and payments; and annual reports of the Board of Trustees, 1931-1938.

Miscellaneous records, c1932-1950, comprise one file including papers on subjects including railways, training Chinese students, Japanese imperialism, and CGPC records, a photograph of ships in harbour, and maps of China and the Far East.

Records, 1939-1943, of the China Purchasing Agency Ltd comprise standing regulations of the Board of Directors, undated; correspondence, 1939-1943, concerning various purchase orders; miscellaneous items, c1939-1940, including list of tenders passed for acceptance, 1939, and an undated schedule of materials shipped.