This is an important series of material relating to the author and traveller Isabella Lucy Bishop, née Bird (1831-1904). Isabella Bishop was one of the most remarkable women travellers of the 19th century. She travelled extensively throughout her life - countries she visited included America, Hawaii, India, Kurdistan, the Persian Gulf, Iran, Tibet, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and China. Her last trip was to Morocco and across the Atlas mountains at the age of 70. Bishop was made the first female Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1891.

This series contains many letters written by Bishop throughout her adult life. Whilst travelling, she wrote extensive letters to her sister, Henrietta Bird (1834-1880). These long and detailed letters were then used as the basis for her published works about her travels and the places she visited. Bishop also wrote to John Murray [III], John Murray [IV] and Alexander Henry Hallam Murray, often regarding her publications, but many other topics were also covered, including her travels, her health and the reception of her works. There are also some 'diary letters' of Bishop relating to her travels in 1889-1890.

The later publications of Bishop were illustrated with her own photographs, many of which survive within this series. These were taken and often developed by Bishop whilst travelling and include images taken in Persia, Kurdistan, Korea, Japan and China.

In addition, there other items relating to the life and travels of Isabella Bishop. These include a manuscript of a speech on the Yangtze Valley, an investiture warrant from the King of the Hawaiian Islands, and her Korean passport.