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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!

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.

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 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 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

Blog

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...
Staff article

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 ...
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.