The records include: diaries, field books, scrapbooks and subject files containing notes and correspondence covering Swannell's career as a surveyor in Northern British Columbia, his army service in the First World War in Europe and Russia and his later travels in British Columbia, Europe and Asia. The diaries and field books are profusely illustrated with photos.

Diary of R.G. Grey, 1879-1881, giving account of two voyages from London to Melbourne, typescript extracts from diary, 1906-1913, diary 1923-1932, papers on family history, re Josephine Butler (aunt), drafts of essays and letters to editors on world affairs, socialism; reminiscences of Winnifred Grey, 1895-1946, mainly re life on South Pender and Samuel Islands, school exercise books; letter to Evelyn (Grey) Smith, 1917, from army officer.

Diaries containing daily entries re weather, works projects, Freemason Lodges, Oak Bay municipal and church affairs, domestic and family affairs.

Diary kept by Ada (Pemberton) Beaven in 1897, recording her life in Victoria, trip to England in April and life in England and Europe during the remainder of the year. Letters to Ada from her sister Sophia describing her life and travels in England and Europe as well as family matters and finances. Letters (3) from her brother Willie, 1895 and undated, written from London and Cambridge; letter from Katherine Emily (Beaven), Viscountess Churchill to Hugo Beaven (n.d.), re. finances. Pictures transferred to Visual Records, accession 198906-2.

The fonds conists of four notebook diaries kept by Thomas Frederick Seldon between May 12, 1898 and November 10, 1899 recording his experiences while travelling to the Yukon Territory via the Teslin Route, including the Stikine River, and mining and living in northwestern BC. Also included is a photocopy of a transcript of the diaries and Seldon's letters to his parents in England. This transcript was made in 1996 by Betty and George Seldon.