The collection consists of various papers assembled by Pescott Frost, relating to the administration and work of Portsmouth Dockyard, including plans, letters, contracts and lists of officials. There is also material created by Pescott Frost himself, including transcripts of original records and printed sources relating to the history of Portsmouth Dockyard, and historical notes.

Administrative / biographical background
Pescott Frost was born at Southsea in 1859. His career as a civilian employed by the Admiralty began at Portsmouth in 1874 and extended over forty-six years. He had appointments at the Admiralty in London and in Hong Kong, before becoming secretary to the Admiral-Superintendent at Portsmouth Dockyard in 1899. During his long period of employment at Portsmouth he did much research among the early dockyard records which he found in a neglected and confused state. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Naval and Dockyard Museum, when a display of naval relics was created inside a storehouse in 1906. It was recognized as part of the administration of the dockyard by the Admiralty in 1913, and Pescott Frost was honorary curator. This museum was an antecedent of the present National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth. Pescott Frost retired in 1921. As reward for his services he was made a Companion of the Imperial Service Order (ISO) in 1916 and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1917.