Well a lot has been happening since my visit to the British Library.
I had a fantastic day researching at the Lambeth Palace Library, discovering some excellent relevant documents and maps, and had the opportunity of visiting the library in Westminster Abbey - what an awe inspiring visit! The staff in both libraries were fabulous - very helpful and friendly.
I have also had the absolute pleasure of viewing, and the opportunity to survey, three amazing cells in two beautiful churches, All Saints Church in Rettenton, Essex and St Nicholas Church in Compton Surrey. They both took my breathe away. Stay tuned for photos.
I did visit Exeter, specifically to see an academic in this field to discuss his research, unfortunately he had to reschedule our meeting to next year, due to other commitments. A pity, as I was very much looking forward to discussing his research.
I am currently in Edinburgh conducting some more archival research at the National Archives of Scotland and whilst here, I will be travelling to Chester-le-Street to view and survey another cell.
So much more to research....so much more to see....
Wednesday 12 October 2016
Wednesday 5 October 2016
The British Library
What an amazingly interesting place!
The library opens at 9:30am, I arrived at 9:15 to a huge line of people, so if you do intend going there, it is a good idea to get there much earlier. After walking through the doors your bags are searched, but they are very quick so it doesn't take long at all, then you look up and the wow factor really hits you. A huge white foyer greets you, to your left a gift shop, to your right an information desk and coffee shop and straight ahead steps to the most amazing world of books, maps and manuscripts!
After sorting out my readers card, a must have to allow you entry into the different reading rooms/libraries within the library, I went downstairs to the locker room to store my bag etc. (lockers use £1 coins which is returnable). You then need to pop your pencils etc. into a plastic bag, which is available free for your use to take this into the reading rooms/libraries. Cameras are OK to take into the rooms, but you have to turn off the flash, for obvious reasons.
Each room has a manned security desk, to which you need to show your reading card to enter - no card = no entry. On the way out of the rooms you need to show them your bag for inspection.
You must order the items you wish to look at via your online account, some only take 70 mins to arrive, others will take 48 hours as they are off site.
There are many different reading rooms: Maps, Manuscripts, Old and Rare Books, Social Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Music and the beautiful King's Library in which only staff can enter. This library is in a glass casing, over four floors in the centre of the library - simply stunning. I have added pictures of the King's Library to this blog for you the see
.
The staff are extremely helpful (most of them in anycase) and some will go out of their way to help you. This is especially true in the Maps reading room.
The British Library is an amazing place to visit and research is a breeze there, with so much at your fingertips and wonderful people who are willing and able to help.
The library opens at 9:30am, I arrived at 9:15 to a huge line of people, so if you do intend going there, it is a good idea to get there much earlier. After walking through the doors your bags are searched, but they are very quick so it doesn't take long at all, then you look up and the wow factor really hits you. A huge white foyer greets you, to your left a gift shop, to your right an information desk and coffee shop and straight ahead steps to the most amazing world of books, maps and manuscripts!
After sorting out my readers card, a must have to allow you entry into the different reading rooms/libraries within the library, I went downstairs to the locker room to store my bag etc. (lockers use £1 coins which is returnable). You then need to pop your pencils etc. into a plastic bag, which is available free for your use to take this into the reading rooms/libraries. Cameras are OK to take into the rooms, but you have to turn off the flash, for obvious reasons.
Each room has a manned security desk, to which you need to show your reading card to enter - no card = no entry. On the way out of the rooms you need to show them your bag for inspection.
You must order the items you wish to look at via your online account, some only take 70 mins to arrive, others will take 48 hours as they are off site.
There are many different reading rooms: Maps, Manuscripts, Old and Rare Books, Social Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Music and the beautiful King's Library in which only staff can enter. This library is in a glass casing, over four floors in the centre of the library - simply stunning. I have added pictures of the King's Library to this blog for you the see
The staff are extremely helpful (most of them in anycase) and some will go out of their way to help you. This is especially true in the Maps reading room.
The British Library is an amazing place to visit and research is a breeze there, with so much at your fingertips and wonderful people who are willing and able to help.
Monday 3 October 2016
University of London International Halls of Residence
I have finally made it to London to start my research and survey work, which I am very excited about. I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised with the International Halls of Residence at UCL. VERY clean, modern, neat and comfortable rooms. I recommend anyone staying in London to stay here (short term rental area).
The food (breakfast/dinner) is good, all of the staff are very helpful, and the property is in the centre of London - only a short walk to the British Museum.
The food (breakfast/dinner) is good, all of the staff are very helpful, and the property is in the centre of London - only a short walk to the British Museum.
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