Celebrating 150 years of the Royal Commonwealth Society (1868-2018)
The depth and richness of the images in the Royal Commonwealth Society collection is truly amazing. Through the Cambridge Digital Library, we are proud to share this incredible historical resource with a global audience" Dr Jessica Gardner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and the 25th anniversary of the RCS library and archives becoming part of Cambridge University Library, we have digitised over one hundred treasures not previously available in digital form. The RCS collections contain stunning visual records – art-work, photographs, maps and artefacts, as well as illustrated manuscripts and printed sources relating to the Commonwealth and Britain’s former colonial territories. We have selected items which showcase the international breadth and visual richness of the archives. Some document important events in the history of the Society, others significant architectural or engineering achievements. Many record incredible changes to natural environments or urban landscapes. Others tell very personal stories, record every-day life, document journeys across continents or capture the horrors of war. Together and individually the records form an invaluable heritage resource which we are delighted to be able to share in this way.
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The Power Screen (ORCS 1.02)
Arnold Danvers Power (1875-1959), bookseller and philanthropist, made three trips around the world. During 1937-39, he commissioned … more -
Asante small balance scale, scoop, gold-weights and boxes for storing gold dust (ORCS.4.05)
Natural deposits of gold in the region between the Senegal and Niger rivers of Africa conferred wealth and influence upon … more -
Macao (RCMS 6/1)
This sepia drawing is from an album of coastal profiles. It was created on board the East India Company ship Ponsborne, during … more -
The Bogue, or Mouth of Canton [Pearl] River (RCMS 6/2)
This sepia drawing is from an album of coastal profiles. It was created on board the East India Company ship Ponsborne, during … more -
Portrait of Mr. Mercieca, a typical Maltese gentleman (RCMS 10 BOX 15/17)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial Office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) to … more -
View from the lawn at the back of Réduit, Mauritius 1854 (RCMS 40/3/1)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Rochebois, residence of Captain Kelly, Mauritius 1853 (RCMS 40/3/2)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
The Moka church, Mauritius, Peterbotte mountain in the distance 1855 (RCMS 40/3/3)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Réduit from the terrace walk at the back of the house 1855 (RCMS 40/3/4)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
New mole, Gibraltar, from First Rosin Battery (RCMS 40/4/86)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Willis and Farrington's mortar batteries, from store magazine No. 9 (RCMS 40/4/87)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Old mole and St Rogree in the distance from above Artillery Guard House (RCMS 40/4/88)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Moorish tannery from the window of the Victoria Hotel, Tangier, 1865-66 (RCMS 40/5/144)
Edward Charles Frome was born in Gibraltar, where his father was a military chaplain. He entered the Royal Military Academy … more -
Qıùa’āt-ı Nuãrat (Calligraphies of Nusrat) (RCMS 89/56)
This 48 x 34 cm volume titled Qıùa’āt-ı Nuãrat (“Calligraphies of Nusrat”) represents the work of Sayyid Muhammad Nusrat … more -
Second encampment on road to Uganda (RCMS 158/31)
In 1900 Annie Emma Allen (1853-1942) travelled to Uganda where she began her career as an honorary missionary with the Church … more -
Molo camp (RCMS 158/42)
In 1900 Annie Emma Allen (1853-1942) travelled to Uganda where she began her career as an honorary missionary with the Church … more -
Kongoni camp: fourteenth encampment; three zariba round huts (RCMS 158/57)
In 1900 Annie Emma Allen (1853-1942) travelled to Uganda where she began her career as an honorary missionary with the Church … more -
Second landing on the shores of Victoria (RCMS 158/62)
In 1900 Annie Emma Allen (1853-1942) travelled to Uganda where she began her career as an honorary missionary with the Church … more -
Zulu warrior, Banganoma, Zululand (RCMS 211/4)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Zulu matron, Melmoth area, Zululand (RCMS 211/9)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Swazi girl, Mbabane, Swaziland (RCMS 211/28)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Swazi dandy, Gollel area, Swaziland (RCMS 211/30)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Xosa motherhood, Grahamstown (RCMS 211/38)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Fingo witch doctor, Peddie, Ciskei (RCMS 211/43)
Barbara Eleanor Harcourt Tyrrell was born in 1912 in Durban and grew up in Zululand. Her father was an assistant magistrate … more -
Map of the Mackenzie River (RCMS 253)
This map is one of the earliest depictions of the Mackenzie River, Canada’s longest river system, which became a major route … more -
Letter from Charles Sparke to his brother Arthur (RCMS 261)
Letter from Charles Sparke, formerly ‘citizen and fishmonger of London,’ who had travelled to Barbados in the late 1640s … more -
1 year of settlement 1844-5 (RCMS 273/1)
A watercolour of the new capital, Port Stanley, looking north-west. A flag flies from a flagpole on a raised mound to the … more -
Sulivan House, June 1849 (RCMS 273/4)
A watercolour of Sulivan House in June 1849, so named as the house was built for Captain Sulivan, later Admiral Sir Bartholomew … more -
Port Stanley (RCMS 273/5)
A watercolour of Port Stanley looking east-north-east along the channel, with ships at anchor in the harbour, a few warehouses … more -
Like Philomel 1842-1846 (RCMS 273/6)
A watercolour of a brig similar to H.M.S. Philomel, probably painted in the Falkland Islands by Georgena Maria Hamond.Georgena’s … more -
Wreck of the Mission ship Allan [sic] Gardiner (RCMS 273/13)
A watercolour of the battered shell of the Allen Gardiner, a schooner named after the missionary Allen Francis Gardiner. … more -
[Sulphur crested cockatoo] (RCMS 278/2/5)
This is a collection of 53 watercolour bookmarks sold by John Sands of Sydney, one of Australia’s pioneering printing and … more -
[Blue mountain lowry] (RCMS 278/2/17)
This is a collection of 53 watercolour bookmarks sold by John Sands of Sydney, one of Australia’s pioneering printing and … more -
[Spinebill honeyeaters] (RCMS 278/2/37)
This is a collection of 53 watercolour bookmarks sold by John Sands of Sydney, one of Australia’s pioneering printing and … more -
[Superb lyrebird] (RCMS 278/2/53)
This is a collection of 53 watercolour bookmarks sold by John Sands of Sydney, one of Australia’s pioneering printing and … more -
Dacelo gigas [Laughing kookaburra] (RCMS 278/7/1)
John Mitchell Cantle (1849-1919) was a Sydney native who was employed as an architectural draughtsman and railway surveyor. … more -
Myzomela sanguinolenta [Scarlet honeyeater] (RCMS 278/7/4)
John Mitchell Cantle (1849-1919) was a Sydney native who was employed as an architectural draughtsman and railway surveyor. … more -
Malurus cyaneus [Superb fairywren] (RCMS 278/7/10)
John Mitchell Cantle (1849-1919) was a Sydney native who was employed as an architectural draughtsman and railway surveyor. … more -
Parotia Lawesii, Golden Bird of Paradise (RCMS 278/7/15)
John Mitchell Cantle (1849-1919) was a Sydney native who was employed as an architectural draughtsman and railway surveyor. … more -
Address from the women of Ballarat and Ballarat East in the colony of Victoria to the women of England (RCMS 299)
In 1863, there were recommendations to increase the number of convicts transported to Western Australia, and the proposal … more -
Anzac Cove (RCMS 305/1)
Horace Moore-Jones (1868-1922) emigrated from England to Auckland, New Zealand, with his family, probably in 1885, where … more -
Monash Gully (RCMS 305/2)
Horace Moore-Jones (1868-1922) emigrated from England to Auckland, New Zealand, with his family, probably in 1885, where … more -
Jamaican ants (RCMS 354)
Simeon Albert Shaw (1856-1944) was a farmer of Hampton, New Hampshire, who served as the town’s first public librarian from … more -
Planter asleep on his rope bed (RCMS 365/5/12)
This pencil drawing dramatically portrays the ingenuity, enterprise and endurance of the pioneering planters, who confronted … more -
Chilka in Colombo Harbour (RCMS 365/5/14)
This pencil sketch shows a section of Colombo harbour as it would have appeared before 1950. The landing jetty is in the … more -
The early stages of the Assam Company’s headquarters at Nazira (RCMS 365/5/16/1)
This watercolour by Sidney Fever recreates the pioneering working and living conditions of the tea company’s headquarters … more -
On arrival, Calcutta (RCMS 365/5/18)
The Assam Company obtained a monopoly over India’s early tea industry when it purchased the East India Company’s experimental … more -
Talipot palm shelter (RCMS 365/5/20)
This watercolour represents the great trials faced by the intrepid superintendents who opened the first coffee estates in … more -
Gauhati, Assam (RCMS 365/5/21)
This watercolour depicts one of the Assam Company’s tea storehouses at Gauhati as it would have appeared during the early … more -
Ceylon [Sri Lankan] tea estate (RCMS 365/5/22)
This watercolour portrays a typical Ceylon tea factory during the 1890s. Ceylon’s first major plantation crop, however, had … more -
The Tweed in Colombo Harbour, 1888 (RCMS 365/5/24)
This beautiful oil on canvas painting by the marine artist Sidney Fever depicts the tea clipper The Tweed about to sail from … more -
Gold rush watercolours (RCMS 391)
These small painted figures, animals and scenes illustrating the Australian gold rushes were created by an unknown artist. … more -
The Whistle (RCMS 396)
The RCS holds the archives of two Second World War civilian internment camps established by the Japanese at Singapore, Changi … more -
Group of shark fishers cutting up sharks (Fisher 17/4132)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial Office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) to … more -
Landing horses at Valetta, Malta (Fisher 23/6091)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) … more -
A classroom, Infants’ Department (Girls) Elementary Schools, Valetta (Fisher 23/6111A)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) … more -
Boys of Elementary School doing physical drill: The Granaries, Valetta (Fisher 23/6112)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) … more -
The dinner hour (Fisher 24/6519)
The British artist Alfred Hugh Fisher (1867-1945) was hired by the Colonial office Visual Instruction Committee (COVIC) … more -
The Docks, Bombay (QM 12/49)
The photograph is mounted in a presentation album half bound in red leather, with the Prince of Wales’ crest on the cover. … more -
Bhendi Bazaar, Bombay (QM 12/50)
The photograph is mounted in a presentation album half bound in red leather, with the Prince of Wales’ crest on the cover. … more -
Bathing Ghat, Indore (QM 12/100)
The photograph is mounted in a presentation album half bound in red leather, with the Prince of Wales’ crest on the cover. … more -
Selling bread (Y3018A/8)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
Native Group, Nicosia (Y3018A/17)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
A dwelling on the highlands of Kalopanagiotissa [i.e. Kalopanayiotis] (Y3018B/4)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
Women at a well, Levka [i.e. Lefka] (Y3018B/6)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
A village group, Trashibiola (Y3018B/12)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
A Cypriote boy (Y3018B/27)
John Thomson (1837-1921) was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he studied chemistry and took up photography. He moved … more -
Empire Clock, Entrance Hall (RCS/IIh/6)
This spectacular clock, known as the 'Empire Clock', was designed by Sir Herbert Baker for the entrance hall of the Royal … more -
Ladies’ Drawing Room (RCS/IIh/16)
This elegantly furnished room in the Society’s new Northumberland Avenue building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and … more -
The Dining Room (RCS/IIh/17)
The Dining Room at the Society’s new Northumberland Avenue headquarters was also known as the Canada Room. It was panelled … more -
Sydney Branch (RCS/IIh/21)
The Society’s first overseas branch was established in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1913. Later that year it was decided … more -
The Library, Northumberland Avenue (RCS/IIh/28)
A library has been at the heart of the Society since its inception, and a room was set aside for it at 15, The Strand (its … more -
Exterior of Headquarters showing sandbags (RCS/IIIa/1)
Large piles of sandbags are stacked up outside the Royal Empire Society’s London headquarters in Northumberland Avenue in … more -
Exterior of building after being hit by a 4,000 lb. bomb on the night of April 16-17, 1941 (RCS/IIIa/2)
Exterior of the Royal Empire Society’s Northumberland Avenue headquarters building in London after being hit by a 4,000 … more -
A fireman with the head of a bomb (RCS/IIIa/3)
Inspecting the nose of a two-ton high explosive bomb which landed in the Society’s Northumberland Avenue headquarters on … more -
Boogie-woogiers in the Assembly Hall (RCS/IIIa/11)
Servicemen and women dancing the Palais Glide at a special Empire Day dance for overseas troops held in the Assembly Hall … more -
From New South Wales to old South Wales (RCS/IIIa/16)
As part of the war effort, in 1942 school girls in Sydney, New South Wales presented a mobile canteen to the Royal Empire … more -
The 45th consignment of clothing from Sydney (RCS/IIIa/18)
The photograph was taken in London at a ceremony at the Royal School of Needlework in South Kensington in 1944. It shows … more -
The Mole in Bombay, where passengers to & from Europe, embark & disembark (Y3022X/2)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. Its … more -
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway looping the loop (Y3022X/6)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
A street in Peshawar City (Y3022X/8)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
Mica mine (Y3022X/25)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
Mica cutting (Y3022X/26)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
Fishing nets, southern India (Y3022X/28)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. Its … more -
Ploughing by motor tractor (Y3022X/31)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. Its … more -
Spinning coconut fibre (Y3022X/33)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
Port of Rangoon [Yangon] (Y3022X/45)
This album was given to the Royal Colonial Institute by India’s High Commissioner, Atul C. Chatterjee, on behalf of his government. … more -
Current St. Mary at Isle Ronde (Y3062B/2)
Alexander Henderson (1831-1913) was born in Edinburgh and emigrated to Canada in 1855, settling in Montreal, where from 1859 … more -
Bow River Horse Ranch, Cochrane, Alberta (Y3062C/5)
William Notman (1826-1891) was born in Paisley, Scotland, and joined his family’s woollen cloth business, but emigrated to … more -
Great Cedar Tree, Stanley Park, Vancouver (Y3062C/11)
William Notman (1826-1891) was born in Paisley, Scotland, and joined his family’s woollen cloth business, but emigrated to … more -
In the Indian Reservation, near Calgary, Alberta (Y3062D/17)
This print shows an indigenous woman standing on a hillside, with tepees in the distance. It is from a small collection of … more -
Fish market (Y3062E/14)
This print shows workers carrying wooden trays of fish to waiting lorries.. … more -
Pulp and paper mill (Y3062E/18)
A view of a giant log boom on the Saint John River with the pulp mill beyond.See Janus record here … more -
Magnetic Hill (Y3062E/43)
Magnetic Hill is a road at the foot of Lutes Mountain near Moncton, New Brunswick. Unique slopes and grades at the foot of … more -
Ottertail bridge CPR [Canadian Pacific Railway] (Y3062R/4)
Richard H. Trueman (1856-1911) had worked as a photographer in Brampton, Ontario, during the 1880s, before moving to British … more -
Portion of Revelstoke, BC and Eagle Pass, CPR [Canadian Pacific Railway] (Y3062R/9)
Richard H. Trueman (1856-1911) had worked as a photographer in Brampton, Ontario, during the 1880s, before moving to British … more -
Crow Eagle (Maesto Petah), Chief of the North Piegan Indians, 1895 (Y3062R/13)
Frederick Steele was born to Canadian parents in Iowa, who returned to the country shortly after the outbreak of the American … more -
First detachment of North West Mounted Police sent into the Yukon (Y3062S/114)
John Howard Arthur Chapman (1861-1942) was born in Wiltshire and emigrated to Victoria, British Columbia in 1891. He was … more -
Smoke Lake Lumber Hut, Algonquin Park, Ontario, taken at 5 o'clock a.m. in fog (Y3067A/1)
Algonquin is a provincial park in Ontario, Canada, located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River. It was founded in 1893 … more -
Orchard Tunnel (Y3069A/17)
This photograph is part of an album which documents the completion of the most challenging final section of the Canadian … more -
Wright and Leamys' R.R. Camp, Eagle Pass (Y3069B/3)
This photograph is part of an album which documents the completion of the most challenging final section of the Canadian … more -
View of Port Darwin (Y3083A/1)
Paul Foelsche (1831-1914) was born at Moorburg, near Hamburg, Germany. After serving in a German cavalry regiment, he emigrated … more -
The Wharf at Port Darwin (Y3083A/2)
Paul Foelsche (1831-1914) was born at Moorburg, near Hamburg, Germany. After serving in a German cavalry regiment, he emigrated … more -
Gold-mining District, Darwin (Y3083A/8)
Paul Foelsche (1831-1914) was born at Moorburg, near Hamburg, Germany. After serving in a German cavalry regiment, he emigrated … more -
[Winnipeg Fur Company warehouse] (Y30681A/3)
This photograph illustrates damage caused by a fire in the Canadian city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, which broke out on the night … more -
Part of Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Edmonton 25 years ago this was little more than an Indian trail (Y306186A/1)
Percy Byron worked as partner in the photograph studio, Byron Company, New York, founded by his father Joseph Byron (1847-1923). … more -
Edmonton is the centre of Canada's largest coal area, 87 mines are in operation (December 1912) in Edmonton Territory (Y306861A/7)
Percy Byron worked as partner in the photograph studio, Byron Company, New York, founded by his father Joseph Byron (1847-1923). … more -
Part of potato field on property of Mr. John Gorden, M.P. for Brighton, at Edmonton, Alberta. Acres yielded 1486 bushels (Y306861A/21)
Percy Byron worked as partner in the photograph studio, Byron Company, New York, founded by his father Joseph Byron (1847-1923). … more -
Victoria, B.C. Canada Inner Harbour (Y30695A/1)
A crowded scene in the Inner Harbour at Victoria, with small boats moored in the foreground and steamers and ferry boats … more -
Wheat fields near Victoria. Vancouver Island, Canada (Y30695A/4)
Farm workers load harvested wheat onto a wagon.See Janus record here … more -
Lumber mills and docks, Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada (Y30695A/9)
A lumber yard stacked with piles of sawn timber, with the mill in the background and a sailing ship moored in the harbour … more -
A Vancouver Island coal mine, South Wellington, B.C. Canada (Y30695A/12)
A party of visitors (unidentified) underground in a coal mine, with a face of coal behind them and wooden supporting props … more -
Jamaica Gazette (RCS.Per.1311a)
A page of advertisements from this rare periodical for 4 October 1788 listing the sale of imported items.. … more -
Our Allies, the Colonies (RCMS 22/57/1)
British propaganda poster from the Second World War, printed in England by A.C. Ltd, listing Britain’s 49 colonies. A soldier … more -
Panorama of Freetown (RCMS 113/94)
This detailed five part printed panorama of Freetown, Sierra Leone, was created in 1847 by Mrs Terry, the wife of the Assistant … more -
A view of the island of St Helena (RCMS 190/1)
This is a coloured etching and aquatint after George Hutchins Bellasis (1778-1822) portraying the port of Jamestown on the … more -
Geographical map of the island and forts of Saint Helena (RCMS 190/7)
A coloured engraving of a drawing by Lieutenant R.P. Read recording the topographical features of the island of Saint Helena. … more -
View of James Town and the harbour, Saint Helena (RCMS 190/10)
This lithograph from a sketch by the soldier Frederick Rice Stack, captures a dramatic natural disaster when the South Atlantic … more -
Te Mutu, with his sons Patuone and Te Kuri (Plate XVI ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more -
A native feast at Moto-ta, Mount Edgecumbe in the distance and Throwing the spear, the mode of salutation (Plate XXXVI ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more -
Entrance to a dwelling-house at Raroera Pah (Plate XXXVIII ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more -
Canoe heads, paddles, &c. (Plate XLII ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more -
Te Whero-Whero or Patuatu, the principal chief of all Waikato; and Te Waro and Te Pakaru (Plate XLIV ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more -
Weapons and implements of war: warriors preparing for a fight (Plate LVIII ‘The New Zealanders illustrated’ (1847); RCS.FL.89.1.OS)
George French Angas (1822-1886) had trained as an artist and developed an interest in natural history. Angas’s father held … more
