Palaeoclimate data can provide a long-term perspective on climate change and serve as an benchmark for climate models. We have compiled a multi-parameter marine palaeoclimate data synthesis that contains time series spanning 0 to 130 000 years ago with rich metadata to facilitate reuse. We describe the methodology, contents and format of version 2 of this synthesis that presents a large increase in spatiotemporal coverage. We end with recommendations for palaeodata stewardship.