Where can I undertake research using original documents?
The GNM Archive acquires and makes accessible the corporate records of the Guardian, as well as the papers of individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact on the history of the organisation, such as former employees and writers. Information about the Guardian Archive and personal collections of those associated with the paper can be found on our website and more details can be found on our online catalogue. If you wish to make an appointment to view any material from the Guardian Archive please email archives@theguardian.com.
Please note that the majority of the Guardian’s archive, dating from its foundation in 1821 up to its move to London in the 1960s, is held by The University of Manchester Library. An overview of the collection at UML, and links to finding aids for it, can be found on the UML website. The archive team at UML have also produced a number of guides for readers using their collections to research specific subjects:
Sources for the Boer War (PDF).
Sources for Womens Suffrage (PDF).
Guide to Foreign Correspondence (PDF).
Applications to undertake research using the Guardian archive at UML should be made to Karen Jacques, Collection Assistant, The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, The University of Manchester, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, email karen.jacques@manchester.ac.uk
What information is available online relating to the history of the Guardian?
The GNM Archive has a brief history of the Guardian newspaper on its website, as well as a timeline of key moments for the paper and information about changes in its design.
What books have been written on the history of the Guardian?
A number of books have been written on the history of the Guardian including:
Guardian, Biography of a Newspaper
David Ayerst (published by Collins (London) 1971, ISBN 000 211 3295)
CP Scott, 1846-1932, The Making of the Manchester Guardian
AP Wadsworth (ed) (published by Frederick Muller Ltd (London) 1946)
Guardian Years
Alastair Hetherington (published by Chatto & Windus (London) 1981, ISBN 070 112 5527)
Changing Faces, The History of the Guardian 1956-1988
Geoffrey Taylor (published by Fourth Estate (London) 1993, ISBN 185 702 1002)
Newsroom, The Guardian past and present Michael McNay (ed) (published by Guardian Newspapers Ltd (London) 2002)
These books should be available at local libraries via inter-library loan or are available for consultation in the archive reading room at Kings Place (appointment required).
