Comprises:

(fols. 1-176) correspondence with David Astor, and other colleagues, 1955-1975, including: correspondence with job applicants including (fols. 59-61, 64) Gray Gowrie, (fols. 19-20) Michael Sissons and (fols. 57-58, 62-63) Claire Tomalin, 1956-1962.

(fols. 130-221) correspondence with colleagues, 1975-1982, particularly relating to Sampson's application for the post of editor after David Astor's resignation in 1975, including: (fols. 177-202) articles relating to the sale of the newspaper.

(fols. 222-239) correspondence relating to David Astor's Festchrift edited by Sampson, 1989-1992.

(fols. 240-253) correspondence relating to his obituary of David Astor, 2001.

(fols. 254-349) published material relating to the recent history of the newspaper.