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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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Our history

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.
Our history
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Our archive

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.
Our archive
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Our catalogue

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.
Our catalogue
Documents of the RCPCH archive

Subject archive guides

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.

See all guides

Blogs and news about our history and archive

More related news
A painting showing Edward Jenner inoculating James Phipps against Smallpox, by Earnest Board,
Blog
24 April 2025

A brief history of vaccines

Globally, immunisation has saved six lives every minute since 1974, a total of over 154 million, including 101 million under-5s. It is thought that vaccines are responsible for a 40% reduction in childhood mortality. As World Immunisation Week begins, we are looking back on the history of vaccines a...
Group of BPA members, including Beryl Corner
Staff blog
8 March 2025

Celebrating pioneer paediatrician Beryl Corner on International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day so we’re looking back at the achievements of one of our earliest women members. From setting up the first special care baby unit in the UK to delivering the first quads to all survive birth by caesarean section to becoming the 'paediatrician' at Bristol Zoo, Beryl ...
Extract from BPA newsletter - 'Members vote for move to college'
Staff blog
23 August 2024

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.
Professor Steve Turner, RCPCH President
President's update
16 August 2024

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...
Screenshot of RCPCH Archive Catalogue
Staff blog
16 July 2024

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.