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 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 Institut de France to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for his gifts to the Society. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, dated 13 August 1858.

Letter from Institut de France to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for the two parcels which had arrived at the L'Academie des Inscriptions et Belle-lettres, and concerning a catalogue. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 2 sides, dated 26 October 1858.

Letter from Institut de France to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for his archives of the Government of Bengal concerning the colonisation, commerce, and physical geography. Printed letter with handwritten insertions in French, 1 side, dated 18 March 1858.

Letter from Julius von Mohl to Sir Graves Haughton regarding the publishing of manuscripts found in Nepal by Hodgson. Hodgson has added a postscript,"Recd in a letter from Sir Graves Haughton who himself adds that my researches have contributed largely to fill up a previously empty place in the history of philosophy". Handwritten in French, 1 side, postmarked 24 December 1834.

Letter from Franz Anton Schiefner to Brian Houghton Hodgson to say that he is researching the material Hodgson donated to the Institut de France in memory of Eugene Burnouf. Handwritten in German, dated 2 August, 1860. Accompanying envelope is on opposing page.

Letter from Institut de France to Brian Houghton Hodgson to inform Hodgson that his gift to the institute in 1857 has been beneficial to research and how highly it is esteemed. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 2 sides, dated 15 April 1864.

Letter from Léon Feer, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to acknowledge the sending of copies of the pamphlet containing a detailed account of Hodgson's official and other services. He praises Hodgson's contributions in the field of scientific knowledge; and gives information about the deposit of the pamphlet in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, and the Buddhist manuscripts sent earlier by Hodgson, now in the library of the Société Asiatique, Paris. Hodgson's title note with date of receipt is on the accompanying envelope. Letter, handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 4 December 1883.