The letters of Byron to his family, friends, publishers and others give a detailed account of his life, thoughts and relationships. Major friendships and relationships can be traced through the correspondence, and his attitude towards his poetry is evident in many of the letters. Many of of these letters have been published in “Byron’s Letters and Journals”, edited by Leslie A Marchand.

In addition to Byron’s own letters, there are thousands of letters to the poet. The significant relationships of Byron’s life are well represented within these letters. Major correspondents include John Cam Hobhouse, Douglas Kinnaird, Lady Caroline Lamb, Elizabeth Lamb (Viscountess Melbourne), Augusta Leigh and John Murray II.

Different aspects of Byron’s life, death and posthumous reputation are represented. Subjects such as Byron’s separation from his wife, Anne Isabella Noel Byron, his death in Greece, and his memorialisation are all covered in the letters. John Murray, the publishing house, took an active interest in the posthumous reputation and publications of and concerning Byron in the years following his death. This is evidenced in the correspondence relating to biographies and memoirs concerning the poet, and also in letters relating to the destruction, in the drawing room fireplace of John Murray, of Byron’s autobiographical memoirs.

A small number of objects sent to or collected by Byron are also held. Among these are parts of the so-called 'Beast of Stronsay', with accompanying correspondence, and some printed items connected with dramatic performances of Byron’s works.