| Discrete Collections | Politics, economics and social science collections |
| Title | National Peace Council |
| Ref No | NATIONAL PEACE COUNCIL |
| Level | Collection |
| Date | 1868-1991 |
| Extent | 54 boxes |
| Admin Biographical History | The National Peace Council (NPC) was founded in 1908 and disbanded in 2000. It originated in 1904 as the National Council of Peace Societies but was permanently established as the National Peace Council after the 17th Universal Peace Conference took place in London in 1908. The NPC acted as a co-ordinating body for almost 200 groups across Britain with a common interest in peace, disarmament and international relations. The primary functions of the NPC were to provide opportunities for consultation and joint activities between its affiliated members, to help create an informed public opinion on the issues of the day and to convey to the government of the day the views of the substantial section of British life represented by its affiliated members. Carl Heath was appointed General Secretary and was succeeded in 1919 by Francis E. Pollard who served until 1921 when J. H. Hudson took on the role. Later secretaries included Rennie Smith and Gerald Bailey and between 1941 and 1943 Arthur Stanley Eddington served as Chair. In 1923 the NPC began using the name the National Council for Prevention of War but reverted back to their original name in 1931. |
| Custodial History | Further deposits of material were received in 1980-1993 and have been added to the database. |
| Description | Papers of the National Peace Council (1908-1991) consisting of National Council minutes; Executive Committee minutes; annual reports; papers relating to the United World Education and Research Trust and the National Council for Prevention of War; papers relating to the International Year of Co-operation 1965; material relating to conferences, events, projects and visits; papers of various working groups and commissions and NPC print material including pamphlets and "The Peace Year Book". |
| Access Status | Open |
| Copyright Type | Copyright is held by the creator. |