Arctic explorer John Franklin (1786-1847) became a national hero in Britain for his naval expeditions to find a north-west passage that would link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He died whilst on his third expedition to locate the passage.

Franklin published accounts of his first two expeditions through John Murray. Both were successful and helped to establish Franklin as a respected explorer. The letters of Franklin to John Murray discuss his published works, as well as writing of other aspects of his life. In addition, there are letters from both his first and second wife, Eleanor Porden and Jane Franklin.

There is also a diary written by Franklin in 1821 whilst on his first arctic expedition. This expedition was arduous and there were significant problems with supplies. This diary was written during the winter when the men endured in terrible conditions in Fort Enterprise.

Finally, there is an indenture for the copyright of a work by Franklin entitled 'Narrative of a journey to the shores of the Polar Sea in the years 1819-20-21-22'.