British Online Archives

The United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) is a UK-based Anglican missionary organisation that operates around the world. During the 18^th, 19^th, and early-20^th centuries, the USPG went by the name of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG). This collection includes letters and supplementary material compiled by its Indian and Sri Lankan branches during the period 1770-1952.

The papers provide an invaluable insight into the spread of Christianity in South Asia, life under the British Raj, and the causes and impact of Partition.

Note: This collection is accompanied by an online guide written by Isobel Pridmore, formerly the archivist at the USPG, whose archives are now held at Rhodes House Library in Oxford.

Educational returns having lately been required by the local Govt, I enclose a copy of it, as far as relates to the schools connected with S.P.G.

Bishop Chapman; Nov 1856, E/PRE series reports, 1840-1861; Colombo, 1853-1858; img 2

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Insights

Copies of letters received' cover issues including sending their doctors to colonies, engaging with followers of other religions, and movements of personnel.

These items cover India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar; the series contain a variety of reports, copies of letters sent by the Society and copies of letters received by the Society from their missionaries in these countries.

The reports start in the E/PRE series in Sri Lanka from 1840 and India from 1852. Reports are summaries of a missionary's work in a set area which were written by that missionary.

Copies of letters sent' are handwritten or typed accounts of missionaries' in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Subjects covered tend to include the development of schools, budget updates and questions about progress.

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