Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives
@ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social
Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives is an Accredited Archive Service, home to Newcastle University's archive and rare book collections.
Find out more: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Find out more: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Pinned
Padua to Edinburgh | University Library | Newcastle University
Cultures of Art and Medicine in European Anatomical Drawings
www.ncl.ac.uk
Exhibition now open! Padua to Edinburgh: Cultures of Art and Medicine in European Anatomical Drawings, free to all, Special Collections exhibition space on L2 of the Philip Robinson Library. Find out more before you visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/exhibitions/padua-to-edinburgh
Step into the extraordinary at Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives ✨
Rare books. Unique archives. Hidden histories.
Explore in person, book a Virtual Reading Room, or dive into our digitised treasures online.
Uncover something remarkable: ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Rare books. Unique archives. Hidden histories.
Explore in person, book a Virtual Reading Room, or dive into our digitised treasures online.
Uncover something remarkable: ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Special Collections & Archives | University Library | Newcastle University
An Accredited Archive Service and home to Newcastle University's archive and rare book collections.
ncl.ac.uk
February 18, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Step into the extraordinary at Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives ✨
Rare books. Unique archives. Hidden histories.
Explore in person, book a Virtual Reading Room, or dive into our digitised treasures online.
Uncover something remarkable: ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Rare books. Unique archives. Hidden histories.
Explore in person, book a Virtual Reading Room, or dive into our digitised treasures online.
Uncover something remarkable: ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/
Who else will be watching the Winter Olympics this weekend?
In 1964 this group of students were inspired to practice their skiing in the unusual surroundings of the University Sports Hall (formerly the Assembly Rooms, now Culture Lab).
[NUA/032052/13]
In 1964 this group of students were inspired to practice their skiing in the unusual surroundings of the University Sports Hall (formerly the Assembly Rooms, now Culture Lab).
[NUA/032052/13]
February 13, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Who else will be watching the Winter Olympics this weekend?
In 1964 this group of students were inspired to practice their skiing in the unusual surroundings of the University Sports Hall (formerly the Assembly Rooms, now Culture Lab).
[NUA/032052/13]
In 1964 this group of students were inspired to practice their skiing in the unusual surroundings of the University Sports Hall (formerly the Assembly Rooms, now Culture Lab).
[NUA/032052/13]
100 years ago, in early 1916, the Military Service Act was passed by Parliament, introducing conscription into the Army. This pamphlet, published by the National Labour Press gave details of the act and its interpretation.
See it on CollectionsCaptured: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
See it on CollectionsCaptured: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
February 12, 2026 at 3:51 PM
100 years ago, in early 1916, the Military Service Act was passed by Parliament, introducing conscription into the Army. This pamphlet, published by the National Labour Press gave details of the act and its interpretation.
See it on CollectionsCaptured: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
See it on CollectionsCaptured: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
#Discover This hand-drawn medal design from the Henry Layard Archive is presumed to represent either Enid Layard’s award as a Lady of Mercy—suggested by the Sultan’s cypher—or a proposed honour for Sir Austen Henry Layard cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
February 10, 2026 at 3:49 PM
#Discover This hand-drawn medal design from the Henry Layard Archive is presumed to represent either Enid Layard’s award as a Lady of Mercy—suggested by the Sultan’s cypher—or a proposed honour for Sir Austen Henry Layard cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
Flashback to 1921: Long before #SuperBowl fame, legends were made on muddy pitches at Armstrong College and Durham University Rugby Football Clubs — where grit, teamwork and that winning spirit began #RugbyRoots #football collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
University Archives
collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk
February 9, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Flashback to 1921: Long before #SuperBowl fame, legends were made on muddy pitches at Armstrong College and Durham University Rugby Football Clubs — where grit, teamwork and that winning spirit began #RugbyRoots #football collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...
For #ThrowbackThursday here are two 1980s views of our campus from the nearby civic centre. With the currernt gloomy weather here in Newcastle we're quite looking forward to the days when the trees look as green as they do here.
[Ref. NUA/176999/5 and 8].
[Ref. NUA/176999/5 and 8].
February 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
For #ThrowbackThursday here are two 1980s views of our campus from the nearby civic centre. With the currernt gloomy weather here in Newcastle we're quite looking forward to the days when the trees look as green as they do here.
[Ref. NUA/176999/5 and 8].
[Ref. NUA/176999/5 and 8].
We’ve just received “Trial, Sentence & Execution of William Jobling” (1832) following #conservation work.
This broadside recounts Jobling’s conviction for the murder of Nicholas Fairles, his execution at Durham Assizes, and the grim post-mortem punishment of gibbeting — one of the last in England.
This broadside recounts Jobling’s conviction for the murder of Nicholas Fairles, his execution at Durham Assizes, and the grim post-mortem punishment of gibbeting — one of the last in England.
February 4, 2026 at 2:25 PM
We’ve just received “Trial, Sentence & Execution of William Jobling” (1832) following #conservation work.
This broadside recounts Jobling’s conviction for the murder of Nicholas Fairles, his execution at Durham Assizes, and the grim post-mortem punishment of gibbeting — one of the last in England.
This broadside recounts Jobling’s conviction for the murder of Nicholas Fairles, his execution at Durham Assizes, and the grim post-mortem punishment of gibbeting — one of the last in England.
Leviathan is back with us after specialist conservation!
The iconic 1651 edition — with its composite sovereign, sword & crozier — has been carefully stabilised so it can be safely studied & displayed for years to come. #Conservation
The iconic 1651 edition — with its composite sovereign, sword & crozier — has been carefully stabilised so it can be safely studied & displayed for years to come. #Conservation
February 2, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Leviathan is back with us after specialist conservation!
The iconic 1651 edition — with its composite sovereign, sword & crozier — has been carefully stabilised so it can be safely studied & displayed for years to come. #Conservation
The iconic 1651 edition — with its composite sovereign, sword & crozier — has been carefully stabilised so it can be safely studied & displayed for years to come. #Conservation
Have you visited our new exhibition yet?
Curated by Robinson Bequest student Hannah Reynolds, From Padua to Edinburgh explores the intersection of art and medicine in European anatomical drawings.
The exhibition is free to visit and now open on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library.
Curated by Robinson Bequest student Hannah Reynolds, From Padua to Edinburgh explores the intersection of art and medicine in European anatomical drawings.
The exhibition is free to visit and now open on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library.
January 30, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Have you visited our new exhibition yet?
Curated by Robinson Bequest student Hannah Reynolds, From Padua to Edinburgh explores the intersection of art and medicine in European anatomical drawings.
The exhibition is free to visit and now open on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library.
Curated by Robinson Bequest student Hannah Reynolds, From Padua to Edinburgh explores the intersection of art and medicine in European anatomical drawings.
The exhibition is free to visit and now open on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library.
Last week a plaque was unveiled at Pendower Estate in honour of architect Robert Burns Dick, designer of many Tyneside buildings, including the Uni's Students Union. We also hold a small collection of papers of his life and work.
Read about the unveiling here: new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/tr...
Read about the unveiling here: new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/tr...
January 29, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Last week a plaque was unveiled at Pendower Estate in honour of architect Robert Burns Dick, designer of many Tyneside buildings, including the Uni's Students Union. We also hold a small collection of papers of his life and work.
Read about the unveiling here: new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/tr...
Read about the unveiling here: new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/tr...
📢 Our new research pages are live! Students can find tools on using Special Collections for essays & dissertations, while academics can explore support for collections-based teaching and research. Discover what’s available www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...
Research using Special Collections | University Library | Newcastle University
Students and academics can explore a range of research tools and learn more about working with us to enhance, develop, and shape research projects that involve unique and distinctive collections.
www.ncl.ac.uk
January 27, 2026 at 2:36 PM
📢 Our new research pages are live! Students can find tools on using Special Collections for essays & dissertations, while academics can explore support for collections-based teaching and research. Discover what’s available www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...
Ahead of Burns Night on Sunday we thought we'd do some last minute revision, and we've found these very helpful books in our 19th Century Collection to help us along.
[Refs. 19thCColl: 821.67 BUR]
[Refs. 19thCColl: 821.67 BUR]
January 23, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Ahead of Burns Night on Sunday we thought we'd do some last minute revision, and we've found these very helpful books in our 19th Century Collection to help us along.
[Refs. 19thCColl: 821.67 BUR]
[Refs. 19thCColl: 821.67 BUR]
#ThrowbackThursday Here are two photos of Claremont Road in 1964, pictured shortly before the buildings were demolished to make way for new university buildings, from our University Archive.
Does anyone remember the days of the Dun Cow Inn or visiting the antique shops?
[ref: NUA/033439]
Does anyone remember the days of the Dun Cow Inn or visiting the antique shops?
[ref: NUA/033439]
January 22, 2026 at 2:58 PM
#ThrowbackThursday Here are two photos of Claremont Road in 1964, pictured shortly before the buildings were demolished to make way for new university buildings, from our University Archive.
Does anyone remember the days of the Dun Cow Inn or visiting the antique shops?
[ref: NUA/033439]
Does anyone remember the days of the Dun Cow Inn or visiting the antique shops?
[ref: NUA/033439]
Have you read our latest blog?
In it we look the depiction of women's fashion in the "Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine", a magazine published between 1852 and 1879 which focussed on issues of the day of interest to its middle class female readers.
Read it here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
In it we look the depiction of women's fashion in the "Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine", a magazine published between 1852 and 1879 which focussed on issues of the day of interest to its middle class female readers.
Read it here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
January 21, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Have you read our latest blog?
In it we look the depiction of women's fashion in the "Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine", a magazine published between 1852 and 1879 which focussed on issues of the day of interest to its middle class female readers.
Read it here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
In it we look the depiction of women's fashion in the "Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine", a magazine published between 1852 and 1879 which focussed on issues of the day of interest to its middle class female readers.
Read it here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
We are saddened to hear of the death of Connie Pickard, co-founder of the Morden Tower readings.
Morden Tower attracted significant literary figures, and was instrumental in Newcastle’s Poetry Revival.
The Morden Tower Prints collection was donated to the University Library in 2018.
Morden Tower attracted significant literary figures, and was instrumental in Newcastle’s Poetry Revival.
The Morden Tower Prints collection was donated to the University Library in 2018.
January 19, 2026 at 11:11 AM
We are saddened to hear of the death of Connie Pickard, co-founder of the Morden Tower readings.
Morden Tower attracted significant literary figures, and was instrumental in Newcastle’s Poetry Revival.
The Morden Tower Prints collection was donated to the University Library in 2018.
Morden Tower attracted significant literary figures, and was instrumental in Newcastle’s Poetry Revival.
The Morden Tower Prints collection was donated to the University Library in 2018.
As the cold weather continues we're considering our hat options. These stylishly hatted folk in woodcut prints from our Joseph Crawhall Archive all look to have nice warm heads!
Find our digitised Joseph Crawhall woodblock prints on CollectionsCaptured: cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
Find our digitised Joseph Crawhall woodblock prints on CollectionsCaptured: cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
January 16, 2026 at 3:33 PM
As the cold weather continues we're considering our hat options. These stylishly hatted folk in woodcut prints from our Joseph Crawhall Archive all look to have nice warm heads!
Find our digitised Joseph Crawhall woodblock prints on CollectionsCaptured: cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
Find our digitised Joseph Crawhall woodblock prints on CollectionsCaptured: cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine (1850s–70s) let Victorian women swap fashion tips, fret over crinolines, plan seaside look, & even argue back at men who mocked their hoops. A lively, crowd-sourced fashion conversation long before social media.
Find out more:
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Find out more:
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
January 14, 2026 at 11:51 AM
The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine (1850s–70s) let Victorian women swap fashion tips, fret over crinolines, plan seaside look, & even argue back at men who mocked their hoops. A lively, crowd-sourced fashion conversation long before social media.
Find out more:
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Find out more:
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Check this out on CollectionsCaptured - a Miniature History of England measuring just 35 x 26 mm. This page shown introduces the line of the Tudors with an image of Henry VIII cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
19th Century Collection
A page introducing the line of the Tudors, with an image depicting Henry VIII.
cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Check this out on CollectionsCaptured - a Miniature History of England measuring just 35 x 26 mm. This page shown introduces the line of the Tudors with an image of Henry VIII cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
The weather this week in Newcastle has been wintery and cold.
But, these early 1963 photos of Cambo, from our Trevelyan photograph albums remind us it could be worse.
The albums can be browsed online on our Digtial Showcase site: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/tr...
[Ref. CPT/PA/24]
But, these early 1963 photos of Cambo, from our Trevelyan photograph albums remind us it could be worse.
The albums can be browsed online on our Digtial Showcase site: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/tr...
[Ref. CPT/PA/24]
January 9, 2026 at 3:20 PM
The weather this week in Newcastle has been wintery and cold.
But, these early 1963 photos of Cambo, from our Trevelyan photograph albums remind us it could be worse.
The albums can be browsed online on our Digtial Showcase site: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/tr...
[Ref. CPT/PA/24]
But, these early 1963 photos of Cambo, from our Trevelyan photograph albums remind us it could be worse.
The albums can be browsed online on our Digtial Showcase site: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/tr...
[Ref. CPT/PA/24]
#ICYMI Our Pre-Christmas blog explored how mining engineer, surveyor and diarist Thomas Sopwith celebrated Christmas with his family as recorded in his meticulous diary entries.
Read about how he celebrated here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Read about how he celebrated here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
January 8, 2026 at 3:16 PM
#ICYMI Our Pre-Christmas blog explored how mining engineer, surveyor and diarist Thomas Sopwith celebrated Christmas with his family as recorded in his meticulous diary entries.
Read about how he celebrated here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Read about how he celebrated here: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
Exhibition now open! Padua to Edinburgh: Cultures of Art and Medicine in European Anatomical Drawings, free to all, Special Collections exhibition space on L2 of the Philip Robinson Library. Find out more before you visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/exhibitions/padua-to-edinburgh
Padua to Edinburgh | University Library | Newcastle University
Cultures of Art and Medicine in European Anatomical Drawings
www.ncl.ac.uk
January 7, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Exhibition now open! Padua to Edinburgh: Cultures of Art and Medicine in European Anatomical Drawings, free to all, Special Collections exhibition space on L2 of the Philip Robinson Library. Find out more before you visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/exhibitions/padua-to-edinburgh
Happy New Year!We're back in the office & our Reading Room is open, 10-4pm Mon-Fri. Check out our website www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/ for information on the services that we offer. Here we have 'John Bull's Happy New Year!! Gulp it down, Johnny' from our Broadsides collection (1/9/17)
January 6, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Happy New Year!We're back in the office & our Reading Room is open, 10-4pm Mon-Fri. Check out our website www.ncl.ac.uk/library/special-collections/ for information on the services that we offer. Here we have 'John Bull's Happy New Year!! Gulp it down, Johnny' from our Broadsides collection (1/9/17)
#MerryChristmas from Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives!
This #Christmas break, enjoy a festive blog on the public reading of A Christmas Carol and how Dickens’ classic has been celebrated over time
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
This #Christmas break, enjoy a festive blog on the public reading of A Christmas Carol and how Dickens’ classic has been celebrated over time
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#MerryChristmas from Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives!
This #Christmas break, enjoy a festive blog on the public reading of A Christmas Carol and how Dickens’ classic has been celebrated over time
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
This #Christmas break, enjoy a festive blog on the public reading of A Christmas Carol and how Dickens’ classic has been celebrated over time
blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
Dear #Santa...
This touching 1917 letter to Father Christmas was written by 7-year-old Geoffrey Washington Trevelyan on #ChristmasEve at Rounton Grange. He asks Santa to decorate the tree & bring presents for the children blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/201...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
This touching 1917 letter to Father Christmas was written by 7-year-old Geoffrey Washington Trevelyan on #ChristmasEve at Rounton Grange. He asks Santa to decorate the tree & bring presents for the children blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/201...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Dear #Santa...
This touching 1917 letter to Father Christmas was written by 7-year-old Geoffrey Washington Trevelyan on #ChristmasEve at Rounton Grange. He asks Santa to decorate the tree & bring presents for the children blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/201...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
This touching 1917 letter to Father Christmas was written by 7-year-old Geoffrey Washington Trevelyan on #ChristmasEve at Rounton Grange. He asks Santa to decorate the tree & bring presents for the children blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/201...
#ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social
What did Christmas look like in the 1800s? Explore Thomas Sopwith’s diaries for intimate, candlelit scenes of family, church services, presents, and Victorian festive traditions. A warm read this season!
Find out more: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202... #Christmas
Find out more: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202... #Christmas
December 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM
What did Christmas look like in the 1800s? Explore Thomas Sopwith’s diaries for intimate, candlelit scenes of family, church services, presents, and Victorian festive traditions. A warm read this season!
Find out more: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202... #Christmas
Find out more: blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/202... #Christmas