Churchill College

The Churchill College archive contains material from and about every aspect of life at Churchill College, including administrative, student life, photographic and some artefacts. Highlights here include video from long-running series held by the College, and Oral History interviews from various people associated with the College.
Witness seminar on Freedom of Information
Reference Code:
CCAR/911/10/2
Date:
2006-11-24 (creation)
Description:
Audio recording (sessions 1-4 unedited).
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College



Symposium in honour of Michael Ashburner
Reference Code:
CCRF/118/5/4
Date:
2023-11-06 (creation)
Description:
A symposium held in honour of the late Michael Ashburner, Fellow of Churchill College.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Sir John Cockcroft: radio documentary
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/12
Date:
1969-2005 (creation)
Description:
Audio tape of, plus explanatory letter from Mark Goldie about the tape's content, a radio documentary (?BBC) about Sir John which includes the voices of Cockcroft, Sir Robert Cockburn, Kenneth McQuillen, and Richard Tizard.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording of lecture by Ian Whittle about his father, Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine.
Reference Code:
CCRF/118/2/10
Date:
2001-11-07 (creation)
Description:
Held in the Wolfson Hall.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 5
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/23/5
Date:
2016-09 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Tom Hitchens, Head Gardener 1963/68, and Albert Hayward, Gardener 1963/72. Audio recording and transcript.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 4
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/23/4
Date:
2016-05 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Prof John Killen; Prof Anthony Kelly, his views on religion, later years and final days; Lord Todd; Sir John Colville; Dr Richard Hey; Captain Stephen Roskill, the College’s wine cellar, and setting up Churchill College; Paris Exhibition April-July 2015; Tree Planting ceremony 17 October 1959; Major-General and Mrs Hamilton. Audio recording and transcript.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 4
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/27/4
Date:
2017-03-30 (creation)
Description:
Covers grounds and gardens: early impressions of site; siting of the College and proposed inner relief road; changes to the front of the College and planting of trees along Storey's Way; Storey's Way houses; admission of women and prickly hedges; private road, tennis courts and Dutch elm disease; changes to Sheila Haywood landscape masterplan; George Orr; William Mullins; unsuitability of site; extremes of weather; new buildings and memorials; daffodils in copse; Sir William Hawthorne's Golf Course; proposed swimming pool and lake; rabbits on mound and Victor Baffa; cricket square; Doug Ashman; Albert Richmond; Daphne Osborne; Edward Craig; Andrew Phillipson
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 3
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/23/3
Date:
2015-01 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Secrecy and confidentiality; wartime childhood in Paris; Liberation of Paris, radio during the Occupation; Learning English and London; Russian Lessons and appointment to JSLC; Meeting Peter and Peter’s first wife; Teaching for the JSLC; Michael Frayn; Sir Rodric Braithwaite; Getting married to Peter; interpreting and Pugwash Conference; Early days at Churchill; first members of staff inc. Pamela Tennant; Churchill and sense of belonging. Audio recording and transcript.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 3
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/27/3
Date:
2015-11-19 (creation)
Description:
Mastership elections; the Chapel and the Chaplains; origins of the 'Churchill Prayer'; the Moller Centre, Carlsberg Foundation and first contact with Mr Moller.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 2
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/27/2
Date:
2015-10-01 (creation)
Description:
Harold Pettitt and first staff; College accounts; other College staff; development of conference business; student discos; bomb scare; Sergei Kapitza; Hugh Lubbock; Tamas Liptak; Bernard Walker; Maha Yamani
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 2
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/23/2
Date:
2014-06 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Mary Soames; Peter’s role at Churchill; Tutor for Advanced students; Assassination of President Kennedy; difficult moments with Students; Dick Tizard; Noel Duckworth; John Rawlinson; Francis Crick and the Chapel Controversy; Kenneth McQuillen; Sir John Cockcroft; Lady Cockcroft; Sir William Hawthorne; Sir Hermann Bondi; Lord Broers; Sir John Boyd; Sir David Wallace; Traditions and Hospitality of Churchill. Audio recording and transcript.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 2
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/59/2
Date:
2021-04-06 (creation)
Description:
Interview includes: Dramatics at Churchill College; 'Pablo Naruda' (1973); Henry IV Part I (1975); 'The Resistable rise of Arturo Ui' (1974); performing 'The Trials of Brother Jero' in Nigeria (1976-7); Akin Euba's 'Chaka' (2000); Centre for Intercultural Musicology and 'Musical Mosaic' (2021); Visiting Fellowship scheme; undergraduate tutor (1994-2001); Tutor for Advanced Students [postgraduates] (2001-6); Churchill Fair (1973); draft Heritage Appraisal and Landscape (2000).
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 1
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/23/1
Date:
2014-05 (creation)
Description:
Includes: tree planting ceremony; Peter’s early career; Joint Services Language Courses and teaching in Paris; Coming to Churchill; Sheppard Flats and early days; Women at Churchill; Official opening of College and Menu and the Dessert, First Course, Main Course. Audio recording and transcript.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 1
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/27/1
Date:
2015-09-22 (creation)
Description:
Appointment as Bursar; early challenges inc. secretarial assistance for committees; appointment of Conference Manager; admission of women; financial pressures; opening of Archives Centre; centenary of the birth of Churchill; student representation; minuting of meetings.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Recording 1
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/59/1
Date:
2021-03-23 (creation)
Description:
Interview includes coming to Churchill College; early GODS; first directing role, teaching in English, and 'Pablo Naruda' (1973) play
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: interviews by Tamsin Palmer
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/9
Date:
1996 (creation)
Description:
Cambridge Audio Tapes: Churchill College, Cambridge: one of a series of tapes produced by the American Friends of Cambridge University, consisting of interviews recorded and presented by Tamsin Palmer. Includes interviews with George Steiner, Frank Hahn, Archie Howie, Dick Tizard, Tony Hewish, Mike Gregory, Mark Tester, Alec Broers (Master), Michael Allen (Bursar), Colin Fraser (Senior Tutor), Piers Brendon (Keeper of the Archives), Bethan Chatters (UG), Charles Gubser (PG), Joanna Lewis (JRF) and Lynsey Marsh (alumna).
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: alumni
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/6
Date:
1996 (creation)
Description:
"The Earliest Alumni Reminisce." Recorded on 6 July 1996 at the Reunion Dinner, in the Cockcroft Room, Churchill College. A collection of about two dozen alumni from the earliest years, 1960-64. Interviewed by Mark Goldie. Designed to evoke their recollections of student life. Two 45 minute tapes, recorded on one side only, the first tape full, the second nearly full. Sound quality not very good: a single microphone picking up talk from a large body of people in a large room, with a good deal of coming and going. Also written summary (7pp)
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: admission of women
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/8
Date:
1997 (creation)
Description:
25th Anniversary of the Admission of Women: tape recording of discussion session held with former women students before the celebration dinner. 13 Dec 1997. 3 tapes, together with 2 CDs of the same, produced by Belinda Brooks-Gordon, a brief summary of the main themes of discussion, and a full transcript of all 3 tapes
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Victor Brown
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/75
Date:
2024-01-29 (creation)
Description:
Recording and transcript of interview by Paula Laycock with Victor Brown. Includes: Conservation work and early experience/training; setting up the conservation workshop; VIP visits; special treatments and collections; early Archives staff, Edwin Welch and Dr Hoskin; Lord Hailsham's papers.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Thomas Boden
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/71
Date:
2023-08-29 (creation)
Description:
Oral history interview, including attraction of role and first impressions; Twentieth Century Society and Churchill architecture; heritage appraisal; expansion of role and impact of Covid pandemic; training and development of staff; environmental sustainability; solar panel installations, accessibility audit and waste disposal; Churchill Road project; achievements.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Sir John Boyd
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/53
Date:
2018-06-22 (creation)
Description:
Appointment to Mastership; Mastership interviewing process; The Fellowship, inc. Frank Hahn, Dick Tizard, and Boping Yuan; former Masters - Hawthorne, Bondi and Broers; Comparison with Embassy in Japan; Music, the ‘Hill’ colleges and the Colleges’ Committee; Modern Languages; Oriental Garden; the Master’s Lodge; Students; Relocation of office to Admin Corridor; Objectives as Master; Appointment of Director of the Moller Centre; Appointment of Vice-Chancellor; Visit of Speaker of the House of Commons (Betty Boothroyd); Workload; Student Disciplinary Appeals and Behaviour; Henry Moore; ‘Chaka’ and Akin Euba; Master’s Portrait; Vertical contact, integration and internationalism; Julia Boyd and her book ‘Travellers in the Third Reich’ (2017). Includes some references to staff members.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Sir David Wallace
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/55
Date:
2019-03-18 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Appointment to Mastership; Entertaining Scottish-based Alumni; Master’s Lodge: privacy, Dining Room, Visitors’ Book, Lodge Kitchen & fire safety; First Term (MT06); Mary Soames, Tony Kelly and smoking ban; Master’s Private Garden; College Feasts, Dining in College, hospitality; Hanging Committee; Wine Committee; Daughter’s Wedding; Sheppard Flats; Chairing Meetings; Charity Status; Officers; Role of the Master; Interest in Gardening; Sir Winston Churchill Border; Frank Maine’s Orchid House; Metasequoia; Xiaotian Fu Garden; The Churchill Rose; Wildlife Corridor and Mushrooms
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Sid Brown, Chief Maintenance Engineer
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/17
Date:
2012 (creation)
Description:
Transcript and digital recording of interview with Sid Brown, Chief Maintenance Engineer 1962-1989. Includes: early days of the College; recruitment of maintenance staff; family atmosphere; recollections of Denys Armstrong; his job interview; Sir William Hawthorne; early staff; George Steiner; advised Robinson College when setting up College; introduction of bonus changed atmosphere; Major-General Hamilton; Sir John Cockcroft’s funeral; opening of Wolfson Hall. Includes some comments from Alan Lampard.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Professor Dame Athene Donald
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/76
Date:
2024-01-31 (creation)
Description:
Includes appointment to the Mastership; Admission and chairing meetings; Master's Lodge and privacy; impact of Mastership on personal and professional life; the Covid-19 pandemic; Moller Institute; Development and Fundraising; Challenges; Looking ahead.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Patricia Ackerman
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/73
Date:
2023-12-15 (creation)
Description:
An oral history recording and transcript, which includes appointment to role; working in the Archives in the 1970s; Michael Hoskin and Bill Barnett; collecting papers, particularly those of Paul Einzig, Martin Gilbert, Lord Hailsham, Sir Edward Spears, Duncan Sandys, and Casper Swinley; women at Churchill College; relationship between the College and the Archives Centre in the 1970s.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Norman Villis
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/54
Date:
2018-08-09 (creation)
Description:
Includes: The Churchill Oak; Apple Trees in front of Master’s Lodge; Churchill Mulberry; Metasequoia glyptostroboides; Student Gardeners; John Gilmour and the development of the University Botanic Garden; Bob Younger and the Rock Garden (Cambridge Botanics); Early Career; Change in Churchill landscape; Search for Geranium ‘Winston Churchill’.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Mrs Win Goffin
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/10
Date:
1999 (creation)
Description:
Interview with Mrs Win Goffin, Bursar's Secretary 1961-64, made at her home in Forest Hill, London SE23, on April 19th 1999 by Joan Bullock-Anderson, College Archivist. 1 tape, together with written summary of interview (5pp) and handwritten anecdotes made by Mrs Goffin (9pp).
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Matthew Donald
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/78
Date:
2024-09-25 (creation)
Description:
This is one of a series of recordings with Master's spouses. Includes: first impressions; living and working in the Master's Lodge; supervising; the pandemic; College events; dinners, talks, postprandials and Burns' Night; MCR Conference on Everything; mentoring; Churchill Scholars; Churchill staff.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Marcial Echenique
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/52
Date:
2018-06-08 (creation)
Description:
Includes: First impressions; attraction of buildings to architecture students; College policy on buying houses along Storey’s Way; Projects designed by Marcial Echenique; Buttery Extension; Appointment of College Architect; Extension to Fellows’ Corridor; Study Centre/Music Rooms Extension; Moller Centre, first Development Director and Moller designs; Henning Larsen; Archives Centre Extension; Postgraduate Village; Cowan Court; Changes and the Buildings/Estates Committee; Dick Tizard; Bill Mullins, Richard Sheppard; growing importance of Service Road and plans for future; Maintaining integrity of design and adapting to new requirements
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Lady Mary Soames
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/11
Date:
2003-06-09 (creation)
Description:
Tape and summary transcript of interview with Lady Soames (the daughter of Winston Churchill), conducted by Dr Mark Goldie
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Judith Rolfe
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/58
Date:
2019-06-07 (creation)
Description:
Judith Rolfe (nee Harland), a newly-qualified architect, took up a position at Sheppard Robson and in c. 1962 worked on some of the detailed design drawings for the College. This is a recording of a walk around the College with Judith Rolfe and Professor Mark Goldie in 2019 and includes Mark's detailed commentary on the buildings and changes over the years. There are some references to Richard Sheppard and Bill Mullins under whose direction Judith worked.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Harold Pettit
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/3
Date:
1985 (creation)
Description:
Interview with Harold Pettit, 1st chief clerk, made as part of oral history project undertaken by Patricia Ackerman in 1985 for the Churchill Archives Centre. 1 copy tape (plus 1 master), with written summary of interview
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Graham Pledger, Deputy Head of Grounds and Gardens
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/16
Date:
2012-03-15 (creation)
Description:
Transcript and digital recording of interview with Graham Pledger, Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens 1964-present. Includes: watching College being built; interview with Major-General Hamilton; getting grounds ready for opening of College; early work; colleagues and working conditions; relationship with students and Fellows; staff social club and staff outings; Canon Duckworth; Kapitza House; Alec Broers: Kenneth McQuillen; helicopter landing in field; anecdotes; Revd Cain.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: George Dark
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/2
Date:
1985 (creation)
Description:
Interview with George Dark, one of the first porters, made as part of oral history project undertaken by Patricia Ackerman in 1985 for the Churchill Archives Centre. 1 copy tape (plus 1 master), with written summary of interview
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Edith George and daughters, Carol, Frances, and Tamara
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/77
Date:
2024-05-24 (creation)
Description:
An oral history recording with Hywel George's widow, Edith and their daughters, Carol, Tamara and Frances, which was recorded shortly after Hywel's death. Hywel andEdith lived with their daughters at 70 Storey's Way from 1971 until Hywel retired as Bursar in 1991. This recording captures some of their reminiscences about Hywel's life in College during this period, and of living in the house.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Dr Richard Hey
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/5
Date:
1996 (creation)
Description:
Interview with Dr Richard Hey, Founding Fellow, made by Dr Mark Goldie, 19 July 1996. 1 tape (about 80 minutes) and written summary (9pp)
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Dr Kenneth McQuillen
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/1
Date:
1985 (creation)
Description:
Interview with Dr Kenneth McQuillen, made as part of oral history project undertaken by Patricia Ackerman in 1985 for the Churchill Archives Centre. 6 copy tapes (and 6 masters, with written summary of interview).
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Douglas Gough
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/74
Date:
2023-12-18 (creation)
Description:
Includes coming to Cambridge; scholarship exam; student life; supervising; working in the United States of America; founding of the Institute of Astronomy and Sir Fred Hoyle; Fellowship at Churchill; Tutor for Rooms and Finance; Moller Institute; the Churchill community; reflections.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Colin Fraser (interview 2)
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/79/2
Date:
2024-11-06 (creation)
Description:
This recording covers the period of Colin Fraser's Senior Tutorship (1995-2000); addressing academic results; academic standards; the Baxter Tables and student attitudes. Includes reflections on the Hanging Committee in the 2000s, and the Anthony Caro and Jeppe Hein sculptures.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Colin Fraser (interview 1)
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/79/1
Date:
2024-09-27 (creation)
Description:
This recording focuses on Colin Fraser's first period on the Hanging Committee in the 1980s, and also on the circumstances leading to his appointment as Senior Tutor in 1995. Includes: Peter Lyon; the appointment of Dhruva Mistry as Artist By-Fellow and acquisition of sculpture; the Churchill College Art Foundation; and the Scientific Drawings Collection.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Cockcroft Centenary
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/7
Date:
1997 (creation)
Description:
Tape recording of a round table discussion entitled "Cockcroft Remembered" (part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sir John Cockcroft which were held in College 29 May 1997). 2 tapes, with full transcripts (also papers re other events held on the same day, including written personal reminiscences of Sir John)
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Archie Howie
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/56
Date:
2019-06-26 (creation)
Description:
Includes: (At end) Prof Howie reading two of his poems: ‘The Biological Journeys of Richard Keynes’ and ‘Fine Cooking and Gluttony’. Also included: Appointment to Churchill and Junior Research Fellowships; Governing Body meetings, Admission to Fellowship and Founder Fellows; Sir John Cockcroft, Building and Visiting Fellowships; Death of the Founder; John Morrison; Appointment of Fellows; Major-General Hamilton; Chapel Controversy and John Killen; College Council; Committees set up to consider the Admission of Women; Appointment as Dean; Women at High Table; Ladies’ Evenings; Events for wives of Fellows; Sir Edward Bullard and Mastership Elections; Sir Hermann Bondi; Lord Broers; President of the SCR and the participation of Fellows; Special Events and ‘Howie’ Poems; Richard Hey;
Visiting Fellowship Scheme and First French Government Fellow; Denys Armstrong and the Building of the College.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Anny King
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/57
Date:
2019-06-18 (creation)
Description:
Includes: Becoming a Fellow; first impressions (people, architecture, gardens); interaction with committees and staff; role of staff in pastoral care of students; Higher Education Role Analysis (HERA); Moller Institute; Editorship of 'Churchill Review'; resignation from College Council; students and alcohol; College support during illness; nurturing students, the Tutorial Committee and mental health; language projects in College; French Government Fellowship; women in the Fellowship and in the University; conduct of Governing Body meetings.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral history: Alison Walker
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/4
Date:
1985 (creation)
Description:
Interview with Alison Walker, 1st secretary to the Tutors for Advanced Students, made as part of oral history project undertaken by Patricia Ackerman in 1985 for the Churchill Archives Centre. 1 copy tape (plus 1 master), with written summary of interview
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral History: Xiaotian Fu
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/48
Date:
2017-10-05 (creation)
Description:
Includes: First impressions; community; Japanese (Oriental-themed) garden in Master's Lodge; gift to the College; the importance of gardens; the stones - 'Reading Gal' and 'The Screen'; first impressions of structure of new Xiaotian Fu Garden; hopes and aspirations for the garden.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral History: William Mullins
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/36
Date:
2016-06-06 (creation)
Description:
Discussion about Landscape Architect, Sheila Haywood; Planting of Oak and Mulberry Tree in 1959; impressions of the College in 2016; trees at the front of the College; Sir John Cockcroft planting Sumachs; Imperial College Hostels; Sheppard Robson team; working with the College on the design; Opening of the College in 1964; Jury Service 1964.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral History: Victor Brown, Conservator at Churchill Archives Centre
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/22
Date:
2014-03-19 (creation)
Description:
Recording and transcript of interview by Lesley Ackeroyd (former member of staff at Churchill Archives Centre) with Victor Brown. Includes: description of work at the Archives Centre and Victor's role; the Churchill papers and other collections; Edwin Welch, Michael Hoskin, Angela Raspin, Correlli Barnett; construction of the Archives Centre; the reading room; and VIP visits.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral History: Terry Ambrose
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/44
Date:
2017-04-21 (creation)
Description:
Includes: work on setting out and manufacture of the teak windows and progression to foreman; Canon Duckworth and first christenings; Wolfson and Sheppard Flats; working conditions on site, Alf Bailey and Lofty Parnell; access road, piling, the mound and general ground conditions; making the concrete beams; copper flashing; style of building; students (and women); Tom Hitchens; Sid Brown; minor incident; asbestos
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College


Oral History: Piers Brendon
Reference Code:
CCRF/141/14
Date:
1994-12-12 (creation)
Description:
Interview by Dr Mark Goldie before Dr Brendon became Keeper of the Archives.
Collection:
Official Archive of Churchill College