Our history and archive

As first the British Paediatric Association and, since 1996, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, we have a rich heritage of collaboration and innovation in child health. Find out about our history, explore our extensive historical archives, get subject archive guides on key topics and read our blogs!
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In 1928, six paediatricians attended the first meeting of the British Paediatric Association "to advance, for the benefit of the public, education in child health and paediatrics...". Learn about our history as first the BPA and now RCPCH.
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We preserve and enable access to records of our history as the BPA and Royal College, and to the history of child health. We welcome enquiries from our members and the general public. We are also pleased to discuss donations to our archive.
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Our archive includes 5,000 records and may be of interest to those researching the history of medicine, health and social policy, and medical education. These are all searchable on our easy-to-use online catalogue.
Documents of the RCPCH archive

Our subject guides on a range of child health topics are for researchers interested in child health and the history of paediatrics. They cover subjects as diverse as nutrition, HIV/AIDs, vaccination and children's health during the second world war.

Blogs and news about our history and archive

Staff article

Looking back at our journey to becoming a Royal College

Today is 28 years since the College received its Charter, on 23 August 1996. The road to becoming a Royal College was a long and winding one, beginning in the early years of our predecessor organisation, the British Paediatric Association (BPA). This blog explores how we got there.
President's update

RSV vaccination starting line - President’s update

As the RSV vaccination programme roll-out starts across the UK, Steve highlights the benefits it will bring, as well as the winter challenges that lie ahead. Also in this update, a spotlight on workforce e-rostering, a call out for a new Youth Trustee and your chance to complete a snapshot survey on...
Staff article

Our new and improved online RCPCH Archive Catalogue is here

Our historical archive catalogue has been upgraded! Including all College archive records that are publicly accessible, this online tool now has a clearer layout and new ways of searching. We give a taster of what you can find.
Staff article

Looking back... and beyond the UK

RCPCH has a long heritage of looking beyond the UK. In this history blog, we look at our international links over the years.
Staff article

Looking back at members' experiences during the two world wars

Today people across the country are commemorating Remembrance Day. Before founding the British Paediatric Association, many of our early members saw military action during the First World War. During the Second World War some members were on the front line and others continued treating children even...