Statesman William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898) was a leading politician of the 19th century and became Prime Minister four times during his political career. Throughout his life, Gladstone was also a prolific writer. He published books, articles and pamphlets on political and religious matters, Classical subjects and his autobiography. One of his publishers was John Murray and the material here reflects this author/publisher relationship.

There are hundreds of letters of Gladstone mainly to John Murray [III], although there are also some to John Murray [II] and John Murray [IV]. In addition, there are letters concerning Gladstone, including some of other members of the Gladstone family.

Manuscripts of some notable works by Gladstone are also in this sequence. For example, there are manuscripts relating to 'The State in its relations with the Church', 'Jewish Disabilities Bill', and 'A Chapter of autobiography'. Also included in a manuscript of a review entitled 'Memoir of John Murray'.

Finally, there are some miscellaneous papers of, to or relating to Gladstone, largely in relation to a disagreement with the 'Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser'.