Archives and Special Collections ~Early Modern History~
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Transcript of Archives and Special Collections ~Early Modern History~
Archives and Special Collections~Early Modern History~
What are Archives?• Archives are collections of primary sources
– Documents– Photographs– Maps– Newspapers– Film and sound etc
• Can be held by a wide variety of institutions and individuals– Archives and record offices– Businesses, companies and organisations– Churches– Private individuals
• Are unique
What are archives?• Not organised/categorised in the same way as
books– Don’t fall into neat categories– How they have been collected or created is part
of their story
• Key is the creator or creating body– Who might have created the record? Where
might it be?– Remember to think around the subject
• Remember…– not everything has survived– not everything is kept– not everything is easy to find
An example
Starting your research• Secondary reading
– Read around your subject– Look at bibliography
• Reference works– Bibliographies– Guides– Online guides
• Advice from tutors and record office staff
Things to bear in mind• Will you be able to read the
sources?– Styles of writing/palaeography– Are there any alternatives?
E.g. calendars, transcripts, translations etc
– Might not be in English– Might not be released
• Will you be able to get access to the sources?
Researching: Printed material
• Can be found via the Library catalogue
• Don’t forget about online sources
Researching: finding archival material
Archive catalogues• Each archive will have own catalogue– Not all online– Not all complete
• Durham University Special Collections• National Archives – Search the
Archives• Access to Archives• ARCHON
Searching for archives: our catalogue
Enter search term
List of hits
Description
Searching for archives: a useful portal
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/catalogues-and-online-records.htm
TNA catalogue and digitised material
Other records
Links to other catalogues and information
Searching for archives: Access to Archives
Searching for archives: National Register of Archives
Finding an archive: ARCHON
Visiting an archive
Contact before visit• Opening times, ID, facilities, advance
orderingGo prepared• Paper, pencils, laptop, camera,
references• Clothes – choose carefully!Be organised• Check references, take full notes• Ask for help
Highlights: early modern history
Printed material – Cosin’s Library, Bamburgh and Routh collections
Family papers: Baker Baker, Backhouse, Clavering
Durham Cathedral and Bishopric Records
Durham Probate Records
Library of Lord William Howard
Kellett collection
Where do I see it?All archive and special material produced
in search room at PG• Bring ID on first visit• Register daily
Cathedral records • Housed at 5 The College• Open Monday to Wednesday• Book in advance (required)
Links and contacts
www.dur.ac.uk/librarywww.dur.ac.uk/library/asc