Special Collections and Archives homepage

An image of the text Holinshed's Chronicles, published 1587. From our pre-1700 collection.

Special Collections and Archives

Special Collections and Archives manages the University’s unique and distinctive collections so that they are preserved and accessible for the benefit of teaching, scholarship and society. Informed by the Institutional and Information Services Strategic Plans, Special Collections & Archives provides strategic direction to maximise the use, value and legacy of these collections.

Search our collections in LibrarySearch

Key links and information

  • book

    Reading Room hours

    Our reading room is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm by appointment only.

    If you'd like to view any of our collections please get in touch with us to make an appointment.  

  • envelope

    Contact us

    Special Collections and Archives
    Templeman Library
    University of Kent
    Canterbury, CT2 7NU

    specialcollections@kent.ac.uk
    cartoons@kent.ac.uk


    SC&A office number: +44 (0)1227 827138
    IT and Library Support: +44 (0)1227 824999

  • enter

    Accessibility

    Our staff can give you advice about any of our services, so please ask. We want you to have full and equal access to everything you need.  

    Accessibility guide
BSUCA/JL/1/4/10: Poster for Edinburgh Fringe shows, Josie Long, 2006.

British Stand-Up Comedy Archive

The British Stand-Up Comedy Archive celebrates, preserves, and provides access to the archives and records of British stand-up comedy and comedians.

Read more

British Cartoon Archive

The British Cartoon Archive is dedicated to the history of British cartooning over the last two hundred years.

Read more

Muggeridge Collections

The Muggeridge Collection was assembled by William and Donald Muggeridge, father and son. It is a unique collection of mill photographs dating from the early part of the 20th century onwards.

Read more

Papers of the Shirley Foundation

This archives contain papers relating to the projects funded by the Shirley Foundation, as well as material relating to the strategic direction, governance and administration of the Foundation, and includes both paper and digital files.

Read more

Pettingell Collection

This collection covers many popular writers for the stage, stretching in period from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Its strength lies in its concentration on the popular: melodramas, tragedies, farces, and burlesques.

Read more

Queen’s Own Buffs Collection

This collection was the Library of the Regimental Association of The Queen’s Own Buffs, The Royal Kent Regiment. This Regiment was formed in 1961 by an amalgamation of the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment.

Read more

University of Kent Archive

The University of Kent Archive (UKA) is the repository for records created by the University’s central administration and other constituent parts of the University.

Read more

Latest news

Filter

Our partners

 We work in partnership with both Canterbury and Rochester Cathedral to develop access to our collections, and encourage community engagement across these sites. 

We have a formal partnership agreement with Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library Service.