Hodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.

"Autograph Book belonging to Susan Hodgson, Alderley Grange, Wotton under Edge" A leather bound autograph book belonging to Hodgson's wife, Susan, in which are placed certificates, diplomas, academic and personal correspondence, newspaper cuttings and extracts related to Brian Houghton Hodgson's life. Leather binding with metal clasp. The book's binding is broken and some pages are loose. Care must be taken when using this item.

Copy of a letter from Alexander Csoma de Koros to Brian Houghton Hodgson, with critical comments on Hodgson's Hodgson's newly written work, "Notices of the Languages, Literature and Religion of the Bauddhas of Nepal and Bhot", in Asiatic Researches vol. 16, 1828. Includes comments on Tibetan pronunciation, history of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhist texts of Kagyur and Tangyur, the content or Kar-chyag of which he had sent to Csoma for perusal. Handwritten, 4 sides, original letter dated 30 December 1829.

Letter from Alexander Csoma de Koros to Brian Houghton Hodgson acknowledging the receipt of a pamphlet sent by Hodgson. He writes to try to clarify some points on Buddhism and the Tibetan alphabet and language which the two men are disputing. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 29 April, 1830.

Letters from Sir Graves Haughton to Brian Houghton Hodgson: two letters on same folio. The first is from Haughton as Honorary Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society to state than Hodgson payment for Membership has been received from the Society's agents in Calcutta. The second concerns Haughton's pleasure at Hodgson joining the Society and his wish that he will send more Papers, as Hodgson's Papers on the Buddhists have delighted him. Both handwritten, 2 sides and 1 side, dated 18 January 1832.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf (1801-1852),Société Asiatique, Paris, France, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank Hodgson for his offer to purchase Sanskrit and Buddhist texts for the Society. He discusses various points concerning Buddhist literature. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 3 sides, dated 7 July 1834. On 4th side, with address, Hodgson has noted "Original letters to be read and returned to me."

Letter from Eugène Jacquet to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He writes about his neglect in corresponding and to enclose a small pamphlet about the Chinese. He wonders whether Hodgson can obtain texts about Buddhism and Sanskrit. Jacquet writes about his researches and publications. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, with attached postscript, dated 14 September 1835.

Letter from Eugène Jacquet to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he writes about Nepali Buddhist literature. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated [1835].

Letter from Eugène Jacquet to Brian Houghton Hodgson concerning matters of the Société Asiatique. He writes about Buddhist and Brahmin literature, about the Dalai Lama and about Sanskrit manuscripts. Appended is a list of 18 popular Hindu scriptures written in Nagari. Handwritten in French and Nagari script. 3 sides plus 1 appended, dated 15 July 1837.

Letter from Lancelot Wilkinson, Political Agent at Bhopal, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for his letter and the accompanying translation of the "Buddha disputation on Caste" which has amazed Wilkinson. The arguments expanded had angered Wilkinson's Pundit. He talks of other manuscripts and states that his own study has been guided by the principle of making them useful for the promotion of education and enquiry. He sends his [Shashces] Copy of the Jain inscription at Sanchees. He wishes to obtain a copy of Arya Bhats Siddhartha. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 11 May 1835.