1942 Sep 28-1969 Sep 15
Miscellaneous personal letters and papers from a variety of correspondents (colleagues in the Labour Party in the UK, fellow officials in the Sudan, etc) to Thomas, including H. Dalton, M. Foot M.P., Lord Huntingdon, H. Shawcross, M.W. Nichol and others on Thomas's campaign to stand as a Labour M.P. (SAD.316/1/7,15,18,21-28); A. Deakin, General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union, concerning the development of trade unionism in the Sudan (SAD.316/1/33-34); W. Padley on recent political developments in London (SAD.316/1/48); note by Thomas on a visit to Sayyid `Ali al-Mirghani (SAD.316/1/54-55); notes on Thomas's conversations with various people including Rt Hon J. Griffiths, Colonial Secretary, Rt. Hon. H. Marquand, Rt. Hon. J. Strachey, Rt. Hon. H. Wilson, F. Brockway M.P., and W. Padley (SAD.316/1/56); note by Thomas on his discussions with leaders of the Umma Party (SAD.316/1/60-61); F. Brockway, M. Nicholson, Ibrahim Ahmad, Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi and Muhammad `Ali Shawki regarding Sudanese independence (SAD.316/1/65,72,82,85,91); T. Driberg on Sudanisation (SAD.316/1/74); letters from Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi, mostly exchanges of greetings (SAD.316/1/85,88,92,97,99); N.R. Udal concerning the death of Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi (SAD.316/1/106); E. and H. Vasey regarding Blundell's New Kenya Group and hopes for rthe elections in Tanganyika (SAD.316/1/107,113); itinerary for the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Huntercombe Manor (SAD.316/1/120-121)

1949 Oct 12-1972 Oct 29
Personal letters from the Rt. Hon. Hugh Gaitskell, M.P. to Thomas, with one letter from Arthur Gaitskell, mostly arrangements for meetings, but with one letter concerning his political opinions on the role of Egypt in Sudanese independence (SAD.316/2/11-13)

1951 Jan 17-1983 May 8
Personal letters from Sir James Robertson to Thomas, with some earlier letters written during Robertson's time as Civil Secretary in Sudan, including a proposal to send trade union officials in the Sudan to Ruskin College for formal education (SAD.316//3/1-2); the timing of Robertson's departure from the Sudan (SAD.316/3/18); Sudanese independence (SAD.316/3/19-30,33-36,43); Robertson's role as Governor-General of Nigeria (SAD.316/3/41,48-49,51-52,53-54); letter from Thomas to Robertson on the political situation in Khartoum as observed during a visit there (SAD.316/3/45-47); the Queen's visit to Sudan (SAD.316/3/60-61); Thomas's involvement in trying to broker a peace agreement in Sudan (SAD.316/3/60-61,69); his opinion on the mistakes made by the British Goverment prior to Sudanese independence (SAD.316/3/90-91); his decision to decline an invitation to meet with Sadiq al-Mahdi (SAD.316/3/100-101); and opinions of the political situation in Sudan (SAD.316/3/102-103,107-108) These letters have been transcribed in full in Thomas, G.F. (ed.), The Last of the Proconsuls: Letters of Sir James Robertson (London & New York, 1999)

1951 Jun 13-1982 May 17
Personal letters from the Rt. Hon Harold Wilson M.P. to Thomas, referring to the Bevanite divisions within the Labour Party (SAD.316/4/1); Wilson's election to the National Executive Committee (SAD.316/4/3); his role in the selection of candidates for the 1964 general election (SAD.316/4/6); the attitude of the Sudanese towards the attendance of British ministers at the Anglo-Israel Association's Balfour dinner (SAD/316/4/9-10); as well as Thomas to M. Wiliams, Wilson's Personal Secretary, on Wilson's statement on the role of Egypt in sponsoring the terrorist attacks in Munich (SAD.316/4/18-19), with Wilson's reply (SAD.316/4/22)

1953 Oct 6-1955 Sep 15
Personal letters between the Rt. Hon. Clement Attlee, M.P. and Thomas. The Atlee letters are mostly short expressions of thanks. The two copy letters from Thomas to Atlee urge Atlee to take up the matter of Sudanese independence (SAD.316/5/7) and offer his support for Attlee's decision to expel Nye Bevan from the Party (SAD.316/5/10)

1970 Apr-1979 Dec
Miscellaneous personal letters from and to a variety of correspondents (prominent members of the Labour Party, former colleagues from Sudan, Sudanese leaders, etc), including a report of coversations between Thomas and members of the Egyptian Government and the Sudanese and British Embassies during a visit to Egypt (SAD.316/6/2-5); James Callaghan and D. Marquand to Thomas concerning the result of the recent election (SAD.316/6/10-11); Thomas to `Abd al-Gadir Hatim and Sayyid Mahmud Fahim on the death of President Nasser (SAD.316/6/13-14); Thomas to `Abd al-Gadir Hatim, the Rt. Hon. D. Healey, Sayyid Babiker Awadalla, Vice-President of Sudan, General Gaafar Nimeiry, President of Sudan, Rt. Hon. H. Wilson, M. Williams, Sayyid `Abdullahi al-Hassan, Sudanese Ambassador, and others, on the possibility of using his influence to help to resolve the situation in Southern Sudan (SAD.316/6/20-22,33,36,44-46,54,55-56,61-62,92,131); A. Douglas-Home to H. Wilson on the need to provide humanitarian aid for Southern Sudan (SAD.316/6/49-50); Thomas to E.A. Wood on the present situation with regard to masons in the Sudan (SAD.316/6/57-58); Thomas to Kamal Rifaat, Egyptian Ambassador, Thomas to M. Williams on Wilson's statement concerning Egyptian support for the Munich terrorist attacks (SAD.316/6/80,82-83); confidential note by Thomas for H. Wilson on his trip to Sudan and Egypt (SAD.316/6/94-109); E. Heath to Thomas concerning improvements in industrial relations in Britain (SAD.316/6/123-124); Thomas to F. Chappel, General Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, concerning the provision of assistance to Sudanese trade unions (SAD.316/6/130); Thomas to M. Roberts, M.P. and to the Rt. Hon. J. Thorpe, with reply from Thorpe, regarding Sadiq al-Mahdi's wish to meet with members of the British Government (SAD.316/6/132-136)

1972 Mar 3-1994 Jun 10
Personal letters between Thomas and members of the Mahdi family, chiefly Sadiq al-Mahdi, including Wali al-Din al-Mahdi, with reply from Thomas, on the difficulties of pursuing his studies in England owing to the difficult political situation involving his family in Sudan (SAD.316/7/1-4); Sadiq on his visit to the UK, the publication of his work on Islam in the modern world, and his views on British politics and the attitude of the political parties towards the Middle East (SAD.316/7/5-12); Sadiq concerning accusations made against him by the Sudan Embassy in Britain of mobilising Sudanese students against the political regime in Sudan (SAD.316/7/15-19); Sadiq on his agreement with Nimeiri and the economic situation in Sudan (SAD.316/7/21-23); and Sadiq on the rejuvenation of the Umma Party and negotiations in the peace process (SAD.316/7/43-48)

1980 Apr 30-1993 May 10
Miscellaneous personal letters from and to a variety of correspondents (prominent members of the Labour Party, former colleagues from Sudan, Sudanese leaders, etc), including Callaghan to Thomas concerning a meeting with Sadiq al-Mahdi (SAD.316/8/1); notes by Thomas on discussions with certain Sudanese leaders, 1984 (SAD.316/8/6-7); Thomas to the Guardian on the misrepresentation of Sudanese history (SAD.316/8/17-22); Mansour Khalid to Thomas thanking him for his support in organising the House of Commons meeting to protest against the hanging of Mahmud Muhammad Taha (SAD.316/8/23); Thomas to the Rt. Hon. M. Thatcher appealing for assistance in restoring democracy to the Sudan (SAD.316/8/50-53); letters from a number of politicians to Thomas concerning the overthrow and detention of Sadiq al-Mahdi (SAD.316/8/60-75)

[1980s]
Official statement from the Sudan Government concerning discussions on constitutional reform

1982 Feb
Handwritten report by Thomas, entitled “Report on the situation in the Sudan, February 1982”

1983 Nov 30
An open letter from the Islamic Sudanese Movement to the British Government and Members of Parliament entitled “Why Britain should not aid Nimeiry”

1983 Nov
Statement no. 1 from the Sudanese National Movement calling for the overthrow of President Nimeiri

1983 Nov
Open letter from the African Nationalists Front to President Nimeiri on the imposition of sharia law on non-Muslims in southern Sudan

1983 Nov
Petition submitted to the High Court in Sudan by two magistrates declaring sharia law unconstitutional

1984 Apr
Statement by the Sudan Patriotic Movement on the political situation in Sudan

1985 May
Copy of a pamphlet by the Republican Brothers, entitled “Political intrigue and the mock trial”

1986
Amnesty International report for Sudan, January-December 1985

1986 Feb
Memorandum by Amnesty International to the Government of the Republic of the Sudan concerning an Amnesty International mission to Sudan from 26 November to 5 December 1985

1986 Apr 8
English translation of the Commission of Relief and Rehabilitation Act, 1406 A.H.

1988 Jul 12
Policy statement by Dr John Garang, Chairman of the SPLM and Commander-in-Chief of SPLA

1989 Jul 27
Statement by the Sudanese Front for Defence of Freedom and Democracy condemning the military dictatorship in Sudan

1991 Nov 15
Press release from Amnesty International concerning the hanging of Ibrahim Dubara Mongho

1991 Dec 24
Report compiled by a special task force monitoring the activities of the NIF in the Horn of Africa, entitled “What the National Islamic Front (NIF) of the Sudan is doing in the Horn of Africa”

1950 Nov 16-1953 May 26
Original manuscript version of Ismay Thomas's Sudan journal, later published as Thomas, G.F. (ed) The Sudan Journal of Ismay Thomas (Lewes, 2000), covering the journey to Khartoum (SAD.323/1/1-6); impressions of Omdurman and the Girls' Training College (SAD.323/1/8-9); thoughts on female circumcision (SAD.323/1/9); insight into the lives of women (SAD.323/1/10v-11); watching a demonstration lesson by a student teacher (SAD323/1/12); meeting Sir James and Lady Robertson (SAD.323/1/12v-13); visit to the Blue Nile cinema (SAD.323/1/14); visit to Jabal Auliya dam (SAD.323/1/15v-17); visit to the Legislative Assembly (SAD.323/1/17v-19); celebrations for the birth of the Prophet (SAD.323/1/20-21); visit to the Coptic Church (SAD.323/1/23v-24v); sanitation (SAD.323/1/26v-27); picnic with Sudanese hosts (SAD.323/1/27-28); visit to a Sudanese farm (SAD.323/1/31); tea with Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi (SAD.323/1/32v-33); attending two weddings (SAD.323/1/33v-35,35v-36); trip to Egypt (SAD.323/1/37v-58); trip to Barakat with John Gaitskell, then on to the Sennar dam and Aba Island where they were guests of the Mahdi family (SAD.323/1/61v-72); visit to Sayyid `Ali al-Mirghani (SAD.323/1/74-74v); tea with S.A.R. (SAD.323/1/77-77v); results of the British general election (SAD.323/1/78v-79); Maulid al-Nabi celebrations (SAD.323/1/81v-83v); trip to Port Sudan and Suakin (SAD.323/1/84-89v); visit to the south (SAD.323/1/95v-105); home on leave (SAD.323/1/105v-109v); trip by S.A.R. to England and Egypt (SAD.323/1/109v-111); trip to Kassala (SAD.323/1/114-115); signing of he self-government agreement (SAD.323/1/115-115v); inspection trip to Gedaref (SAD.323/1/115v-117v); preparation of hand work exhibition (SAD.323/1/118-118v); departure of Sir James Robertson (SAD.323/1/119v-120v); inspection trip to Kassala (SAD.323/1/121v-123v); visit to Sayyid `Ali al-Mirghani (SAD.323/1/124); round of social engagements prior to departure from the Sudan on leave (SAD.323/1/124v-127); journey home through Egypt (SAD.323/1/127v-136)

1964-1969
Diary (Vol. I) by Thomas, kept during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly concerning eventsat the college, opinions on British politics and world affairs, and meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, including his appointment as First Warden (SAD.320/1/1); lunch with Princess Margaret, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other dignitaries (SAD.320/1/10-11); a visit by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to Huntercombe Manor (SAD.320/1/75-79); attendance at a party held by James Callaghan, Chancellor of the Exchequer (SAD.320/1/143-145); meetings with M.P.s and the Sudanese Prime Minister, Muhammad Ahmad Mahjub, concerning financial assistance for the Sudan (SAD.320/1/248-249)

1969 Oct 8-1972 Jul 31
Diary (Vol. II) by Thomas, kept during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly concerning events at the college, opinions on British politics and world affairs, and meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, including attendance at a party held by the Sudanese Ambassador and conversations with dignataries on the current political situation in the Sudan (SAD.320/2/3-4)

1972 Sep 8-1979 Jul 26
Diary (Vol. III) by Thomas, kept during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly concerning events at the college, opinions on British politics and world affairs, and meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, particularly members of the Mahdi family, including a meeting with the Sudanese Vice-President, General Muhammad al-Badir, on the political situation in Sudan (SAD.320/3/16-19); a private conversation with Dr Ahmad Amis, Director of the Arab League, concerning relations between Cairo and Khartoum (SAD.320/3/24-26); attendance at an Anglo-Sudanese reception for the Sudanese Prime Minister, Gafar Muhammad al-Nimayri (SAD.320/3/47-48); attendance at a dinner at 10 Downing Street (SAD.320/3/49-54); a conversation with Sadiq al-Mahdi on the situation in Sudan (SAD.320/3/155-159); Sadiq al-Mahdi's account of the failed coup d'??tat (SAD.320/3/235-239); memories of Tom Driberg who has just died (SAD.320/3/239-242); and Thomas's attempts to protect Sadiq from extradition following the failed coup d'??tat (SAD.320/3/243-246,252-253,254-255,259-264); assassination of David Holden (SAD.320/3/273-274); visit to Khartoum, December 1977 (SAD.320/3/274-280); Sadiq's increasing isolation (SAD.320/3/284-286); visit to Tangier (SAD.320/3/286-289); James Buxton's assessment of the situation in Khartoum (SAD.320/3/292); discussions with an intermediary from Nimayri, urging Sadiq al-Mahdi to return to Khartoum to join the Politbureau (SAD.320/3/296-304); floods in the Gezira (320/3/307); Thomas's meeting with Joseph Lagu (SAD.320/3/321-322); reports of discussions between Sadiq and Nimayri, including the proposal that Nimayri would eventually hand over power to Sadiq (SAD.320/3/335-339)

1977-[1980s]
Loose extracts of Thomas's diary entries, mostly involving Sadiq al-Mahdi, and including a note by Ismay Thomas on the reburial of Imam al-Hadi `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi, who had been killed in the attack on Aba Island in 1970 (SAD.320/4/28-29)

1980 Feb 6-1984 Mar 23
Diary (Vol. IV) by Thomas kept during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly containing family and personal news, opinions on British politics and world affairs, and descriptions of meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, including American pressure for Sadiq al-Mahdi to return to the Sudan (SAD.320/5/1-2); his involvement in the campaign to free Sadiq from imprisonment in Sudan (SAD.320/5/202-205,213-214,25v,4v); and news from Sara (Sadiq's wife) on the bombing of their house by Numeiri (SAD.320/5/247-249)

1984 Apr 6-1985 Sep 27
Diary (Vol. V) by Thomas kept during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly containing family and personal news, opinions on British politics and world affairs, and descriptions of meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, particularly members of the Mahdi family, including re the death of General Neguib and his memories of him (SAD.320/6/5757-60); a message from Sadiq in Kobar Prison (SAD.320/6/62-63); and the overthrow of Nimayri (SAD.320/6/133-137)

1985 Oct 3-1986 Oct 11
Diary (Vol. VI) by Thomas during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly containing family and personal news, opinions on British politics and world affairs and meetings with prominent Sudanese ministers.

1986 Oct 12-1987 Nov 14
Diary (Vol. VII) by Thomas during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly containing family and personal news, as well as opinions on British politics and world affairs and meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers, and including references to Sadiq's (now Prime Minister of Sudan) visit to England (SAD.321/1/1-6). Also includes attached press cuttings and invitations.

1987 Nov 12-1990 Dec 28
Diary (Vol. VIII) by Thomas during his time as First Warden of Huntercombe Manor Residential College, Taplow, mostly containing family and personal news, as well as opinions on British politics and world affairs and meetings with prominent British and Sudanese ministers. Also includes attached press cuttings.

[1960s]
Magnetic tape reel-to-reel recording of a speech by Sir J. Robertson delivered at Huntercombe Manor
Size: 7 inches

[1980s]
Dissertation by F. Ismay Thomas, probably for a Masters degree, entitled “Sudan society: a sociological study of the Sudan with special reference to education”

1981 Nov 29-Dec 2
Paper by Hassan Ahmad Ibrahim, Associate Professor of the Department of History in the University of Khartoum, entitled “`Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi: a master of manipulation 1900-1926”, presented to the International Conference on the History of the Mahdiyya, Khartoum

1983 Sep
Article by C. Legum entitled “Nimeiry's Islamic reforms open up uncertain future for Sudan”

1985
Two draft articles (handwritten) by G.F. Thomas entitled “A hundred years of Mahdism: the Mahdi and Mahdism today”

1985 Apr
Transcript of an address to the Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, by Dr. Mansour Khalid, entitled “What went wrong in the Sudan and the way ahead”

1986 Dec 6
Notes from a speech by Thomas to 200 members of the Mahdi family concerning the Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman a- Mahdi appeal fund

[1987]
Transcript of a broadcast by F. Nicoll for the BBC concerning Sadiq al-Mahdi

1988
Paper by M.K. Shawki, entitled “Desertification in the Sudan: what is being done and what should be done”, presented to the Royal Geographical Society / Royal Botanic Gardens / The Society for International Development conference on “Strategies for the arid lands”

1975 Nov-[1990s]
Papers relating to Sadiq al-Mahdi:

[ca. 1915-1917]
Contemporary copies of internal memoranda between government officials about the movements of `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi and members of his extended family, and his requests for plots of land

[1970s-1980s]
Family tree for the Mahdi family, with notes by G.F. Thomas on articles in Africa Analysis on Sadiq al-Mahdi

1986-1987
Research notes and typescript profiles by Thomas of notable Sudanese, many of them published in Al-Tadamon and including Muhammad Salah Shingitti (SAD.321/6/4-5); Sayyid `Ali al-Mirghani (SAD.321/6/6-21); Ismail al-Azahri (SAD.321/6/22-26); `Abdullah Bey Khalil (SAD.321/6/27-29); Muhammad Ahmad Mahjub (SAD.321/6/29-30); Mirghani Hamza (SAD.321/6/31-33); Mubarak Zarroug (SAD.321/6/34-35); Babiker Badri (SAD.321/6/36-38); Dr Ali Badri (SAD.321/6/39-42); Dardiri Muhammad Osman (SAD.321/6/43-45); Ga'far Muhammad Numeiri (SAD.321/6/46-61); Hassan al-Turabi (SAD.321/6/63-72); the Mahdi family (SAD.321/6/73-93); Sayyida Rahma al-Mahdi (SAD.321/6/94-97), with a draft introduction by Thomas to “Sudanese portraits” (SAD.321/6/98-102)

Flag of the Mahdiyyah. Inscription in Arabic reads:
In the name of the most compassionate and merciful
Thou living, Thou existing and most glorious
source of generosity
There is no God but God
Muhammad is the messenger of God
Muhammad al-Mahdi is the Khalifa of the messenger of God
Language: Arabic

[1880s-1890s]
Copy of a drawing of a Koranic school during the time of the Khalifa `Abd Allahi

1899 Nov 24
Body of a shaykh of the Kenana lying on the battlefield of Umm Debeikerat

1898 Sep 2
Captured amir after the Battle of Omdurman

1898 Sep 2
Captured Mahdist amirs wearing patched jibbahs after defeat in the Battle of Omdurman

1926
Amir `Uthman Diqnah, in captivity, shortly before his death

1898 Apr 8
Military policeman standing in front of a group of Hadanduwah men holding knives and sticks, after the battle of the Atbara

1898 Sep 4
Carriages and carts in the courtyard of the Khalifa's house after the Battle of Omdurman

[1898 Sep 4]
Door at the main entrance to the Mahdi's tomb after bombardment by British forces following the battle of Omdurman

1898 Sep 4
People gathered in front of the gallows around the body of the last man hanged by the Khalifa

1898 Sep 2
Two British soldiers resting on the battlefield at Karari after the battle of Omdurman, flags in background

1898 Sep 4
Trooper of the 21st Lancers and Private G. Barnfield, Queen's Company, Grenadier Guards, holding Gordon's telescope in the ruins of the old Governor-General's palace

1898 Sep 8
Grenadier Guards and Cameron Highlanders cheering Queen Victoria's telegram, read by Major-General Gatacre

1898 Sep 4
Sirdar's Egyptian aide-de-camp raising the Egyptian flag next to Lieutenant Staveley and Captain Watson raising the British flag over the ruins of government buildings, during a service in memory of General Gordon

1919-1959
Photographs of Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi:

1954
Egyptian Prime Minister, Muhammad Neguib, and Sayyid 'Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi coming down the steps of an aeroplane

1954
Sayyid 'Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi with Egyptian Prime Minister, Muhammad Neguib, in the background

[ca. 1971-1979]
Photographs of President Numayri:

[1960's]
Sayyid Sadiq al-Mahdi, grandson of Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman and Prime Minister of the Sudan 1966-67 and 1986-1989

1986-1989
Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi (far left), when P.M., in conversation with Ansar leaders (colour)

1930-1960
Mahbula, widow of the Mahdi and mother of Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman with three grand-daughters seated at her feet

1915-1939
Portrait of Sayyid 'Ali al-Mirghani, leader of the Khatmiya tariqa

[ca. 1947]
Portrait of Ibrahim Ahmad, Minister without Portfolio, 1947, Director of the Sudan Bank and later Vice-Chancellor, Khartoum University

1958-1969
'Abd al-Rahman Abdoun, Minister of Irrigation in the 1950s and later a member of the Supreme Council, receiving an honorary degree

1960-1969
Muhammad Nugaddala, Secretary-General Umma Party

1960-1971
Portrait of Amir al-Sawi, Sudanese ambassador to London, later head of the Cabinet Office

1971
H.E. Amir al-Sawi, Head of the Cabinet Office with G.F. Thomas during the latter's visit to Khartoum

1972
H.E. Amir al-Sawi, Head of the Cabinet Office with G.F. Thomas during the latter's visit to Khartoum

[ca. 1971]
General Muhammad al-Baghir, first Vice-President of Sudan, with G.F. Thomas

1965-1980
Portrait of Ustaz Mahmud Muhammad Taha, leader of the Republican Movement, who was imprisoned under the government of President Numayri and hanged at Kober Prison, Khartoum, 18 January 1985

1988
Ahmad Ali al-Mirghani, President fo Sudan 1986-1989

1989
Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, President of Sudan since 1989, at a press conference at the Salam Palace, Kuwait (copy of newspaper photograph)

[1980s]
Mahmud Fahim in Southern Sudan, surrounded by female dancers

[1980s-1990s]
Amnesty International photographs of political prisoners:

1990 Feb
Mubarak al-Mahdi and Col. Dr John Garang shaking hands after signing the agreement between the SPLM and the Umma Party. Also includes Ahmad Ogail, Umma Party M.P. and representative in London and Deng Alllour, SPLA Commander and representative in Addis Ababa (colour)

1951
Graham and Ismay Thomas, Omdurman

[ca. 1951-1952]
Rt. Hon. James Griffiths and his wife, with Ismay Thomas and Sir James Robertson (Civil Secretary) during the former's visit to the Sudan as Colonial Secretary (1951-52)

1950-1954
Graham and Ismay Thomas seated on the verandah of their house in Omdurman

[ca. 1950-1952]
G. F. Thomas conducting the first supervisory training course at the Labour Department, Civil Secretary's Office. Featuring Mahmud al-Faqi, a distinguished Arabic poet (to right of Thomas), and D. C. Scott (to immediate left of Thomas)

1930-1960
Ansar at prayer, with a mosque in the background

1950-1965
Ansar at a public gathering

1959 Mar
Ansar at the funeral of Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi

1965
Ansar gathered for `Id celebrations

1944
Northern Advisory Council, presided over by Sir Hubert Huddleston, Governor-General. Douglas Newbold seated to his right. Sayyid `Abd al-Rahman and Sayyid `Ali al-Mirghani seated in front row.

1947
The Executive Council, presided over by Sir Robert Howe, Governor-General

1948-1950
Sir Robert Howe, Governor-General addressing the Legislative Assembly

1952 Oct 29
Egyptian and Sudanese government officials and dignitaries at negotiations in Cairo. Featuring, seated, from left to right: Salah Salim; Muhammad Shingetti; unidentified; 'Abd Allahi al-Fadl al-Mahdi; President Neguib; 'Abd al-Rahman Ali Taha; A.R. Abdoun. Standing, second left: Muhammad Ahmad Mahjub, later the Sudanese Prime Minister.

1952
British troops leaving the Sudan

1953 Feb 20
Celebrations held by Sudanese political parties near the Mahdi's tomb and the Khalifa's mosque in Omdurman after the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement on 12 February

1953 Feb 14
Celebrations after the announcement of the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement on self-government and self-determination, 12 February 1953

1953 Feb 17
Front cover of Documents concerning constitutional development in the Sudan and the agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom ... and the Egyptian Government concerning self-government and self-determination for the Sudan. Egypt no 2 (1953) Cmd. 8767

1954 Jan
Sir Robert Howe inaugurating the first parliament

1954 Jan 1
Isma`il al-Azhari, Babikr Badri and other notables at the opening of the first Sudanese parliament

1954
First Sudanese parliament in session

1954
Sudanese Parliament in session. Featuring: Isma'il al-Azhari (left front bench, wearing a white suit); to his left, Muhammad Zaruq; and Sayyid Siddiq al-Mahdi (on right front bench, nearest camera)

1955 Dec 19
Copy of declaration of independence of the Sudan from Egypt and Britain

1956 Jan 1
Sayyid Isma'il al-Azhari, Prime Minister, and Sayyid Muhammad Ahmad Majhub, Leader of the Opposition, watching the lowering of the British and Egyptian flags outside the former Governor-General's palace, at a ceremony to mark the independence of Sudan from Britain

1956 Jan 1
Lowering of the British and Egyptian flags outside of the former Governor-General's palace, at a ceremony to mark the independence of Sudan from Britain

1956 Jan 1
Independence Day celebrations around Kitchener's statue

1956 Jan 1
Group of Sudanese dignitaries including Sayyid 'Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi and Sayyid 'Ali al-Mirghani outside the former Governor-General's palace, after a flag-raising ceremony to mark the independence of Sudan from Britain

1956
British troops at Khartoum central railway station, preparing to leave Sudan after independence

1956
British troops standing in front of the restored Mahdi's tomb watching a march past by the Sudanese army, prior to their departure after independence

1956-1958
Members of the Supreme Council L.to R. Ahmad Muhammad Salih, Ahmad Muhammad Yassin, Dardiri Muhammad Osman, `Abd al-Fatah Mograbi, Sersio Ito

1985 Apr 9
Sudanese people celebrating on the streets of Khartoum following the overthrow of President Nimayri

[1980s]
Members of the Electoral Commissioners (colour)

1951
Sudan Government steamer (in use since 1903), travelling between Wadi Halfa and Shellal

[1956?]
Sudanese and British soldiers standing guard at the entrance to the former Governor-General's palace

[1956?]
Sudanese soldiers standing guard at the entrance to the former Governor-General's palace, later the People's palace

1956-1960
Removal of Lord Kitchener's statue, Khartoum, after independence

[ca. 1960]
Sudanese pupils painting in an art class

[1960s]
Colour postcard of Gamhoria Avenue, Khartoum (G. Karakashian, no. 204)

1967 May 19
H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and G.F. Thomas during the Duke's visit to Huntercombe Manor

[1970-1988]
Tomb of the Mahdi, Omdurman, after restoration (colour)

1988
Destruction in Khartoum after the floods

1988
People wading through flood-damaged streets in Khartoum

1988
Carcass of cow during the 1988 famine

1970-1988
Prize bull

1973 Feb
Aerial view of Abu Simbel in Egypt (colour)

[ca. 1973]
Statue of Rameses II at Abu Simbel, Egypt (colour)

1951 Aug-1979
Cuttings from a variety of newspapers, covering the changing political landscape of the Sudan, by Tom Driberg (SAD.321/7/1); typescript copies of press articles by R. Russell entitled “Sudanese reactions to British proposals” (SAD.321/7/2-4) and “Sadat, Numeiri, and King Khalid” (SAD.321/7/6); G.F. Thomas article for Voice on the situation in the Sudan, 1973 (SAD.321/7/8); Daily Telegraph obituary of Percy Tottenham (SAD.321/7/10); the International Herald Tribune concerning the possibility of a Libyan-backed coup in Khartoum (SAD.321/7/11); the Voice on the situation in Egypt (SAD.321/7/12); “Nile journey” by Alan L. Beales, from unknown publication (SAD.321/7/14-15); the Guardian concerning negotiations between Sudan, Libya and Ethiopia (SAD.321/7/16); theVoice relating to the reception of Sadiq al-Mahdi on his return to Khartoum (SAD.321/7/17); handwritten copy of a newspaper article by Thomas on the political situation in Sudan after the government reshuffle (SAD.321/7/18-26); The Times, Financial Times and ABECOR Country Report on the economic possibilities in Sudan (SAD.321/7/27-31,38-39,41-43); Voice on Thomas's visit to the Sudan and interview with President Numayri (SAD.321/7/32-37); Thomas's profile of Sadiq al-Mahdi in the Voice (SAD.321/7/49); draft of an [edtorial] from Sadiq al-Mahdi on the Middle East peace process (SAD.32`/7/44-56); cuttings from the Guardian on the Sudan's relationship with Egypt, and the Sudan as a tourist destination and the dismissal of the Vice President (SAD.321/7/57-58); Guardian and Financial Times relating to the dismissal of Vice-President Major `Abd al-Gasim Muhammad Ibrahim (SAD.321/7/59-60); Thomas's tribute to Shaykh Babikir Badri (SAD.321/7/61)

1982-1985
Scrapbook with cuttings from a variety of newspapers, including The Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, mostly on the overthrow of President Numayri. Also includes two letters, one from David Owen, M.P. to I. Thomas concerning Sadiq al-Mahdi (SAD.322/1/1) and the other David Steel, M.P. to G.F. Thomas about the current situation in the Sudan (SAD.322/1/7)

1982 Nov-1988 Dec 3
Cuttings from a variety of newspapers, including Sudanow on Sudanese-Egyptian integration (SAD.322/2/1); obituary of Sir James Robertson fromThe Times (SAD.322/2/4); typescript copy of a broadcast for “Africa Network” on the public protest meeting in Britain for Mahmud Muhammud Taha (SAD.322/2/5-6); Observer News Service concerning the financial crisis in Sudan (SAD.322/2/7-13); Guardian, London Review of Books and The Times on the overthrow of President Numayri (SAD.322/2/14-16); the Observer regarding the Sudan elections (SAD.322/2/17-18,20); obituary of Makkawi Suliman Akrat from The Times (SAD.322/2/19); The Times, Sudan Times, Independent and the Observer on the civil war in Sudan and the peace negotiations (SAD.322/2/22-23,32,43,45,47); Sudan Times concerning the challenge of democracy for Sudan (SAD.322/2/24-25); Sudan Times regarding Sadiq al-Mahdi's view on Islam in the Sudan (SAD.322/2/26); letter from Thomas to the editor of the Financial Times concerning the number of human rights organisations in the Sudan (SAD.322/2/28); The Times relating to the collapse of the coalition government in Sudan (SAD.322/2/30); famine in Sudan (SAD.322/2/31); The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Observer and the Sunday Telegraph on the impact of flooding in the Sudan (SAD.322/2/33-42); Independent on the conflict in Ethiopia (SAD.322/2/46);

1985-1986
Scrapbook with cuttings from a variety of newspapers, including The Times, Independent, the Finanicial Times, and the Sunday Telegraph, mostly on the civil war and the political situation in Sudan. Also includes letters from Yusuf Badri to Thomas concerning current support for the different political parties, the recent meeting of the Umma Congress and discussions on constitutional amendments (SAD.322/3/7-8,31), correspondence between Thomas and Richard Luce, Denis Healey, David Owen, Roy Jenkins and Crispin Tickell on the situation in Sudan (SAD.322/7/10-17,21-26).

1986-1987
Copies of and cuttings from Al-Tadamon, containing articles on Sudan, particularly members of the Mahdi family, and including articles by and featuring Thomas
Language: Arabic

1989-[1990s]
Cuttings from a variety of newspapers, including The Times, the Independent, the Observer, the Daily Telegraph and the Sudan Times on the civil war in Sudan and the peace negotiations (SAD.322/5/1-3, 41, 72-74, 76-78); The Times, the GuardianThe Daily Telegraph, the Financial Times, and others, on the overthrow of Sadiq al-Mahdi (SAD.322/5/5-23,25-41); obituary of `Abd al Salaam al-Khalifa from The Times (SAD.322/5/47); letter to the Independent from Sir David Steel appealing for the Sudan Government to apply the Charter of Human Rights to all political detainees (SAD.322/5/49); the Independent, The Times and the Observer concerning famine in Sudan (SAD.322/5/52,78,82-90); `Umar al-Bashir's order for women to wear Islamic dress (SAD.322/5/71); Washington Post on Sudanese plans to sell beef to Iraq whiel receiving food aid (SAD.322/5/75); the Independent concerning the rise of Islamism in Sudan (SAD.322/5/79); and The Times relating to the arrest of Ilich Ramirez S??nchez ( “Carlos” ) in Khartoum (SAD.322/5/80)

[1950s]
Teachers' syllabus and record book for a Girls' Elementary School (no entries)

1967 May 10
Printed menu for a luncheon in honour of H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Huntercombe Manor

1967 Nov 7
Order of Service for the funeral of Earl Atlee, former Prime Minister (1945-1951)

1969 Jul 22-1990 Jan 31
Invitations to Thomas and his wife to attend social functions, mostly from Sudanese ministers and foreign ambassadors

1973 Mar 28
Printed menu card for a dinner at 10 Downing Street in honour of H.E. Major-General Gaafar Muhammad al-Numayri, President of Sudan

1983 Sep 30
Order of service for the funeral of Sir James Robertson

1984 Mar 22
Printed menu card for a Founders dinner at the Oriental Club

1985 Jun 26
Order of service for the funeral of Lord George-Brown (1914-1985)

[1980s]
Promotional leaflet for Khartoum Safari Tours

Printed material deposited with collection; now integrated into the library's printed collections and catalogued on the Open Public Access Catalogue


Thomas, G.F., Sayed Abd El Rahman Al Mahdi: a pictorial biography 1885-1959 Lama Publishing Ltd 1986 (second copy)
Thomas, G.F., Sudan 1950 - 1985: death of a dream (London, Darf, 1990)