The blog for the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York.
Written by Gary Brannan, Access Archivist Who Do You Think You Are? Live! (or WDYTYA, as it’s known) is the UKs biggest family history event. It’s estimated that over 10,000 visitors come each year to immerse themselves with everything that is on offer. For some, it’s pleasure, for others it’s a serious business. No visit … Continue reading ‘Who Do You Think You Are? Live!’ 16-18 April 2015
Written by Sally-Anne Shearn, Genesis Project Archivist This week is National Gardening Week which ties in perfectly to the first subject of Project Genesis, the archive of renowned horticulturist and landscape gardener James Russell. In many ways James Russell makes an ideal starting point for the project. Unusually for a Borthwick collection, the archive of … Continue reading Project Genesis takes root!
The air handling systems we have here at the Borthwick were installed just over 10 years ago ahead of our move from our old site at St. Anthony’s Hall. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and help, along with the building’s design, to keep a consistent level of both temperature and … Continue reading A breath of fresh air…
Written by Sally-Anne Shearn, Genesis Project Archivist The Borthwick Institute holds archival collections that range in date from the 11th century to the present day. If you have visited the Institute yourself you will be all too familiar with the numerous paper catalogues that take up an entire wall of the searchroom reception, serving as … Continue reading Introducing the Genesis Project
This is one of a series of blog posts published as material from the Retreat archive is digitised and made available online. More information about the Wellcome Library funded project to digitise the Retreat archive can be found on the project pages of our website. Digital surrogates from the Retreat archive project so far are … Continue reading Rehabilitating John Summerland
Written by Jenny Mitcham, Digital Archivist, Borthwick Institute Arranging a tour of the grounds of the Retreat for a morning in January was a bit of a risk. We were truly at the mercy of the elements! We were fortunate however to have picked a day when there was no snow or ice on the … Continue reading Continuity and Change at The Retreat
Written by students from the University of York on a work experience placement. The renowned ecclesiastical architects Pace and Sims were prolific. Both were involved in a wide range of projects, from restoring Castle Howard, to designing memorials at churches and cathedrals, and constructing imposing new buildings such as Keele University chapel. During our work … Continue reading Slow and Steady Wins the Pace
Written by students from the University of York on a work experience placement. Death and Dairies at Castle Howard Our week began with a brief introduction and tour of the Borthwick Institute’s archives and stores. The collection is massive and the works are housed in strong rooms which we were certain could survive the apocalypse! … Continue reading Keeping Up the Pace (and Sims) at the Borthwick
Written by Gary Brannan (Access Archivist and formerly Archives Trainee 2004-5) I was just 21 (horrifically young, with a taste in fleeces and baggy cargo trousers – it was the early 2000’s, we did things differently there) when I arrived at the Borthwick Institute for Historical Research at the start of a warm September in … Continue reading The Borthwick Move 10 years on – Gazing back at St Anthony’s Hall
Written by Alexandra Medcalf The York Lunatic Asylum opened in 1777, at a time when little was understood about mental illness. Without organised institutional care available, families were left to deal with the mentally ill at home as well as they could. It was usual to chain lunatics to the walls and to leave them naked (it … Continue reading The York Lunatic Asylum Scandal