Introduction
The British Historical Society of Portugal as it is known today was founded in 1974, being the successor of the Historical Association, Lisbon Branch (or Portugal Branch as it became to be known), established in 1937. Its headquarters has jumped about from the British Council, the 'Inglesinhos' (English College) and the basement of the Manse of the Church of Scotland. At present, and by kind permission of St. Julian's School, the BHSP is to be found at the southern end of the library. Dr. Paulo Lowndes Marques, chairman of the Society, wrote in the 1997 report:
"It is... important for the British community in Portugal to have a body which preserves its 'memory' and... we supply this function by keeping and making available to researchers the archives and papers of many demised (and some still flourishing) British Institutions. Also... we have a small library of books of Anglo-Portuguese interest."
The Society is expanding and, in addition to its library, offers its membership each year a number of trips of historical interest including those lasting a half-day, full day or expeditions of a longer duration. Experts in their subjects hold talks on a regular basis. In addition to the Annual Report, which include articles of historical interest, the Society prints occasional publications, such as "Growing up English by Joyce Baylis (née Bucknall) which proved a best seller.