The RCOG holds significant historical material. Our heritage collections are a unique and important resource that cover the history of women’s healthcare, and of key practitioners of obstetrics and gynaecology.
These include the original notebooks of Robert Barnes, the very first examples of obstetric forceps, created by the Chamberlen family c.1600, and examples of Rosslin’s early 16th century Rosengarten – the first printed book on the subject of midwifery.
Find out more about our library collections.
Archives
The College Archives holds a range of information about the RCOG and the specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology.
RCOG museum
We maintain a museum of obstetric, midwifery, surgical and gynaecological instruments and artefacts spanning 500 years.
Find out more about the museum, including how to visit
Resources for family historians
If your ancestor was an obstetrician or midwife, information in the RCOG Library and Archives could help you find out more about their life and work.
Read our information for family historians looking to trace an ancestor
Volunteer with RCOG Heritage
We’re always looking for volunteers to assist us in our work.
Find out what’s involved and how to apply
Contact us
To contact the Heritage team, please email heritage@rcog.org.uk.
Elsewhere on the site
The history of the RCOG and the development of the specialty of O&G
Find out about the RCOG’s current work to improve women’s health care worldwide