British Biography

Almanach de Gotha; Annuaire généalogique diplomatique et statistique. Gotha: J Perthes, etc., 1764-1940.
Special Collections Library E-5A A445 (1804-1900)
Perkins/Bostock Stacks 929.7 A445 (1901-1940)
Especially useful since it lists the various foreign diplomats and consuls stationed in each country as well as the principal governmental officials. Families of the royal and princely rulers of Europe are also included. Coverage varies over the years. Names and titles are often spelled in the French manner and not as they would be in a person's native language.

Horn, David Bayne. British Diplomatic Representatives, 1689-1789 London: Offices of the Society, 1932.
Perkins/Bostock Stacks DA20 .C17 3rd ser. v.46
Bindoff, Stanley Thomas. British Diplomatic Representatives, 1789-1852  London: Offices of the Society, 1934.
Perkins/Bostock Stacks DA20 .C17 3rd ser., v.50
Diplomats are listed under the countries (and occasionally the conferences) where they served, and all of the entries are tied together with an index of persons.

Henige, David P. Colonial Governors from the Fifteenth Century to the Present; A Comprehensive List. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1970.
Perkins Reference JV431 .H45 1970
The section on British colonies contains some entries not included in Haydn's Book of Dignities, such as the lost colonies in North America, and those acquired after Haydn's book was published.

The Dominions Office and Colonial Office List. London: Waterlow, etc., 1862-1940.
Special Collections Library, Library Service Center, Rare Books (Reading Room only) 
Library has: 1877, 1882-1883, 1885-1886, 1888-1892, 1894-1897, 1899-1901, 1903, 1926-1940.
In addition to the detailed lists of officials at home and abroad, each volume contains an extensive section of biographical sketches. Superceded in part by the Commonwealth Relations Office List and in part by the Colonial Office List.

The Foreign Office List and Diplomatic and Consular Yearbook...  London: Harrison and Sons.
Special Collections Library, Library Service Center, Rare Books (Reading Room only)
Library has: 1912-1914, 1916-1920, 1922-1925, 1928, 1930-1932, 1951-1965.
In addition to the detailed register of diplomatic and consular officials at home and abroad, each volume contains an extensive section of biographical sketches.