Old university calendars contain a wealth of information on people associated with the university as well as an insight into the courses of study offered and university life and culture generally.

A sample of the information included:

• Information on numerous people associated with the University from its foundation in 1850 to 1887
• Officers of the university
• Professors and lecturers
• Members of the university
• Graduates - with degrees awarded and year of graduation
• Undergraduates
• Those awarded scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, prizes etc
• Donors of prizes etc.
• Lectureships and fellowships
• Benefactors - private, stained glass windows, portrait and library
• Colleges of the university with staff, fellows, undergraduates, endowments and prizes
• Hospitals recognised by the university for study purposes
• Courses - timetables, subjects and details, recommended books, examination subjects and fees
• Various reports
• Examination papers December 1886 and March 1887 - over 150 pages of detail