Please note that the Archives are now closed until Spring/Summer 2022 while much needed building work takes place. There will be no access to the collections during this time. You can continue to send in enquiries but please note this service will be limited.

Visit the archive website
Visit the archive exhibition

About our archive

The archives (formerly known as Archivum Britannicum Societatis Iesu: ABSI) primarily hold records relating to the Jesuits in Britain. The British Jesuit Archives collection contains:

- papers relating to the administration of the British Province by the Provincial Curia as well as personal papers and correspondence of dead members of the Province.

- records of Jesuit communities, of Province works, and material relating to the overseas missionary work of the Province including South Africa and Guyana.

- a few deposited collections such as The Cause of the English and Welsh Martyrs; records relating to the Jesuit Chaplains at New Hall, Chelmsford donated by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre and the Plater College (formerly Social Worker’s College) archives.

- a collection of antiquarian books consisting of works by members of the Province and those defined as being important for the post-Reformation history of Catholicism in Britain and/or the history and spirituality of the Society.  

Historically the archives have been catalogued using an index card system, and the Archives still relies on this as the main finding aid for the collections. At present, we are working to catalogue its collection more fully. The Archives are part of the Network of Archives & Libraries of the Catholic Church and as the material is catalogued it will be made available online through the Catholic Heritage project.

The British Jesuit Archives are a private archive and access is by appointment only and at the discretion of the Archivist. Researchers are asked to apply in writing to visit the Archives, providing details of their research topic. Staff are unable to undertake detailed research on behalf of enquirers other than in exceptional circumstances, in which case a fee will apply. Limited research enquiries can be carried out free of charge.

How to visit or contact us

To arrange a visit or to make an enquiry please contact the British Jesuit Archives by one of the following methods:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 7499 0285
Address: 114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH
Twitter: @JesuitArchives
Website: www.jesuitarchives.co.uk

There are also significant archival holdings relating to the Jesuits in Britain held by:

Stonyhurst College Archives
Email: [email protected]
Address: Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 9PZ
Instagram: @stonyhurst_collections
Website: Stonyhurst: Museum, Archives & Historic Libraries

The Archives at Campion Hall
Email: [email protected]
Address: Campion Hall, Brewer St, Oxford, OX1 1QS
Website: The Archives at Campion Hall