Highlights of the Archive include:

Conservative Research Department papers – virtually complete back to its creation in 1929, these are of paramount importance to understanding Conservative Party policy formulation since that time. Of particular significance are the minutes and papers of the many policy groups it includes, particularly during periods when the party was in opposition, as well as the minutes and papers of committees of the Parliamentary Party, many of which survive only amongst its records.

Shadow Cabinet papers – a full set of minutes and reports presented to the Conservative shadow cabinets since 1945, as well as records of the Steering Committee (effectively an ‘inner shadow cabinet’), from 1959-79.

Speech drafts and transcripts – the text (and often earlier drafts) of thousands of speeches of Conservative prime ministers, leaders of the opposition, ministers and shadow ministers from the 1930s to the present, many of which are not available elsewhere or online in any form.

Party political posters – Conservative Party election posters from 1886 to the present day, now fully online. In addition, the Bodleian holds copies of Labour Party posters, 1930-74, and Liberal Party posters, 1951-74.

National Union of Conservative & Unionist Association’s records – the oldest and most complete part of the collection, the National Union records date back to the time of Disraeli and comprise the minutes and papers of grass-roots Conservativism.  It represents the opinion of local Conservative associations throughout the country as expressed in the records of the annual Conservative Conference (since 1867), the regional Area Offices (since 1886), and its various National Advisory Committees for women, trade unions, local government, and education (since 1945).

Library of printed and published material – an extensive collection of political pamphlets published by the Conservative Party, 1868-present; newsletters and magazines, 1886-present; leaflets, including election addresses from every candidate of every party contesting general elections (1922-1979), 1887-present; and Conservative Party election manifestos, 1923-present.

Audio-visual material – a growing collection of analogue video and audio cassettes and DVDs of annual Party conference speeches and Party Election Broadcasts since the 1970s; also gramophone recordings of Party Leaders’ speeches back to 1928.

Electronic archive – an increasingly significant part of the Archive, as more material is created and transferred in electronic form, now comprising some 84,000 files and rapidly expanding.

William Hague’s papers – an extensive collection on all aspects of Party activity during his period of leadership, 1997-2001.

Photographic collection – photographs of senior Party figures and events, 1903-present. 

Download the new CPA leaflet to find out more (754KB)>>

Access to the Archive
As part of the Bodleian Library, users of the Archive’s material must have a valid readers ticket www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/services/admissions.  Access to the Archive for those researching family history or engaged on short-term projects is available.  In such events please contact jeremy.mcilwaine@bodley.ox.ac.uk.  For information on reader access, opening times etc., please visit www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/bodley/library/specialcollections.