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.

Letter from Jung Bahadur Kunwar Rana to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he acknowledges Hodgson's letter sent from Darjeeling (Dārjiling) on VE 05/01/1912 (March, 1855), and asks for help with arrangements for English lessons and essential military education in Darjeeling for Jang's son-in-law, GajrajsingThapa. He promises to send descriptions of different ethnic languages and new specimens of birds and deer which were not included in the earlier drawings by Rajmansing Chitrakari. He reports on the causes and progress of the war with Tibet and mentions Minister Bambahadur, brother of JungBahadur. Letter has accompanying addressed and stamped envelope. Handwritten in Nepali, one side, dated VE 15/01/1912 (CE April 1855)

Letter from Jang Bahadur to Brian Houghton Hodgson acknowledging receipt of Hodgson's second letter sent from Darjeeling the previous month and giving information on Gajarajsing Thapa's preliminary arrangements for his study, early progress, general well-being. He reports on the ongoing Nepal-Tibet War and history of the dispute and apologises for not being able to send specimens of unique birds and animals because of the pressure of war. Hodgson's title note on the top and date of receipt (September 1, 1855) on the back. Handwritten in Nepali, 1 piece, dated VE 30/04/1912 (CE Aug. 1855).

Letter from Jung Bahadur to Brian Houghton Hodgson acknowledging the receipt of Hodgson's letter sent from Darjeeling on VE 14/02/1913. He sends a further report on Nepal-Tibet War and expresses his thanks to Hodgson for his arrangements for Gajaraja's education and training, happiness at the news of Gajaraja's good progress. He is making arrangements for drawing and painting of Buddhist deities by appointing Munshi Laxmidas and Ghananda (Shakya) Banda. He apologises for not being able to send the specimens of birds and animals again because of the spread of disease immediately after the end of war with Tibet but gives his assurance that he will send as many as can be found. Letter has accompanying stamped envelope addressed to Hodgson. Handwritten in Nepali, 1 side, dated VE 13/03/1913 (CE Jul. 1856).

Letter from Jung Bahadur to Brian Houghton Hodgson with thanks to Hodgson for his letter dated 5th November giving news of Gajaraj Thapa and for taking good care of him. Letter also covers Gajaraj Thapa's education and training, Bahadur's desire to make Gajaraj fluent in spoken and written English, a promise to defray all and every expense incurred on account of Gajara's training, a description of the war with Tibet and his confidence of getting victory over the Tibetans if the Chinese army do not intervene in support of Tibet. The letter appears to have been written most probably by an Englishman for Jung Bahadur, following Jung's verbal dictation in Nepali, but it is signed by Jung Bahadur in Nepali. There is also an accompanying postscript to inform Hodgson that he has received the portrait of his son-in-law and to thank Hodgson for sending it. Handwritten in English with signature in Nepali, 4 sides + 1 side, dated 23 November 1855.

Letter from Bambahadur Kunwar Rana (though headed in autograph book as from Jung Bahadur) to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he acknowledges the receipt of Hodgson's letter of VE 08/06/1912 with thanks. He writes about the robbery and recovery of the specimens and drawings of birds sent from Nepal for Hodgson and gives assurance of sending more specimens of unique birds if found. He also sends news of settlement and the final official verdict in the case relating to rights over property between Rabir Chitrakari and Bhajumacha Chitrkar, and of Rajbir Chitrakari's appeal to leave Darjeeling because of the prolonged conflicts between those two artists; and acknowledges Hodgson's request for the prompt and timely official verdict in this prolonged case. Handwritten in Nepali, 1 piece with accompanying address and seal cut from envelope, dated VE 11/06/1912 (1855).

Three Letters from Dr. Hermann Schlagintweit, Sakünlünski, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to report on a field expedition in the hills of Nepal, including information on climate, rain, thunder, hail, beautiful and clear mornings. He sends copies of drawings and field information to Hodgson with a promise to send more. He thanks Hodgson for his assistance in sending his people for the expedition and for writing a letter to the king of Nepal and other people in Kathmandu. He also thanks Hodgson's staff in Darjeeling (Dārjiling) for their cooperation and help. He sends his best regards to Mrs. Hodgson with appreciation of her help and assistance. Handwritten, 4 sides, 1 side, 2 sides, dated [1855] (Exploration undertaken between 1854-1857)

Letter from Sir Frederick Halliday to Brian Houghton Hodgson concerning Hodgson's work on Darjeeling - whether to print it and circulate, or put as an article in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Handwritten, 3 sides, dated 25 March 1857.

Letter from George Cotton, Bishop of Calcutta, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for his gift of his library to St. Paul's School, Darjeeling. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 6 September 1864.