Hartley Special Collections
@hartleyspecialc.bsky.social
southampton.ac.uk/archives
Based in the University of Southampton Hartley Library.
With around 7 million manuscript items and 50,000 printed books, the Special Collections provide a resource of remarkable richness and depth.
Based in the University of Southampton Hartley Library.
With around 7 million manuscript items and 50,000 printed books, the Special Collections provide a resource of remarkable richness and depth.
Today we mark the birthday of Henry Robinson Hartley (1777-1850) whose bequest to the town of Southampton led (eventually) to the creation of this University.
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@unisouthampton.bsky.social @uosengagement.bsky.social
buff.ly/x4lP48J
@unisouthampton.bsky.social @uosengagement.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Today we mark the birthday of Henry Robinson Hartley (1777-1850) whose bequest to the town of Southampton led (eventually) to the creation of this University.
buff.ly/x4lP48J
@unisouthampton.bsky.social @uosengagement.bsky.social
buff.ly/x4lP48J
@unisouthampton.bsky.social @uosengagement.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 1918 Germany signed the armistice, officially marking the end of the First World War. Please see this blog from 2018 on the contributions of the staff at the University War Hospital at the Highfield Campus site during WW1 buff.ly/rUZtpWF
November 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1918 Germany signed the armistice, officially marking the end of the First World War. Please see this blog from 2018 on the contributions of the staff at the University War Hospital at the Highfield Campus site during WW1 buff.ly/rUZtpWF
An @explorearchives theme for November is #EYASpirituality - so we share the prospectus of the second international conference of the World Congress of Faiths, held at UCL in July 6-17, 1936 @UCL
November 7, 2025 at 11:15 AM
An @explorearchives theme for November is #EYASpirituality - so we share the prospectus of the second international conference of the World Congress of Faiths, held at UCL in July 6-17, 1936 @UCL
#OnThisDay in 1920 Southampton’s Cenotaph was unveiled. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and financed by public subscription, it commemorated the Sotonians who lost their lives in World War I. Lutyens reworked the design for the national war memorial, the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
November 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
#OnThisDay in 1920 Southampton’s Cenotaph was unveiled. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and financed by public subscription, it commemorated the Sotonians who lost their lives in World War I. Lutyens reworked the design for the national war memorial, the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
#RememberRemember #5November #GuyFawkes "The night has gone off with little more excitement than is, I understand, usual on the 5th of November," the Bishop of Exeter writes to the Duke of Wellington after the 5 November 1831.
November 5, 2025 at 7:30 AM
#RememberRemember #5November #GuyFawkes "The night has gone off with little more excitement than is, I understand, usual on the 5th of November," the Bishop of Exeter writes to the Duke of Wellington after the 5 November 1831.
#OnThisDay in 1922 Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Here are a few photographs from Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten's visit to the Valley of the Kings in 1928 while boxes of treasures were being taken away from Tutankhamun's tomb! #DidYouKnow
November 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
#OnThisDay in 1922 Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Here are a few photographs from Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten's visit to the Valley of the Kings in 1928 while boxes of treasures were being taken away from Tutankhamun's tomb! #DidYouKnow
A floor plan and sketch of the bungalow featured in "The Bungalow Ghost": a story by James Parke about an "impersonating elemental" that lived in his boyhood home on Guernsey
#Halloween #Ghosts
#Halloween #Ghosts
October 31, 2025 at 7:00 AM
A floor plan and sketch of the bungalow featured in "The Bungalow Ghost": a story by James Parke about an "impersonating elemental" that lived in his boyhood home on Guernsey
#Halloween #Ghosts
#Halloween #Ghosts
As #Halloween approaches, we wonder if the Cope Collection books have ghostly tales to tell. Their original home was Bramshill House which accommodated not only Sir William Cope but an impressive 14 ghosts, including a lady in grey, a woman in white and a green man. #Ghosts
October 30, 2025 at 4:39 PM
As #Halloween approaches, we wonder if the Cope Collection books have ghostly tales to tell. Their original home was Bramshill House which accommodated not only Sir William Cope but an impressive 14 ghosts, including a lady in grey, a woman in white and a green man. #Ghosts
Calling all Austen fans!
On Monday 12 December we're hosting a pop-up exhibition of archival and rare book material relating to Southampton in the Georgian and Regency eras including places known to and reflecting the life of Jane Austen.
Email us to book archives@soton.ac.uk
On Monday 12 December we're hosting a pop-up exhibition of archival and rare book material relating to Southampton in the Georgian and Regency eras including places known to and reflecting the life of Jane Austen.
Email us to book archives@soton.ac.uk
October 29, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Calling all Austen fans!
On Monday 12 December we're hosting a pop-up exhibition of archival and rare book material relating to Southampton in the Georgian and Regency eras including places known to and reflecting the life of Jane Austen.
Email us to book archives@soton.ac.uk
On Monday 12 December we're hosting a pop-up exhibition of archival and rare book material relating to Southampton in the Georgian and Regency eras including places known to and reflecting the life of Jane Austen.
Email us to book archives@soton.ac.uk
In October 1974 the @TurnerSims.bsky.social Concert Hall was opened @unisouthampton.bsky.social. Here is a black and white photograph from David Warren Brubeck's concert in January 1996
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
In October 1974 the @TurnerSims.bsky.social Concert Hall was opened @unisouthampton.bsky.social. Here is a black and white photograph from David Warren Brubeck's concert in January 1996
"The scale then fixed on by the Treasury is now pronounced to be altogether insufficient and useless" writes Henry Gouldburn to the Duke of Wellington in October 1842 concerning "the survey of the yet unsurveyed part of Great Britain."
@ordnancesurvey.bsky.social
@ordnancesurvey.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 11:15 AM
"The scale then fixed on by the Treasury is now pronounced to be altogether insufficient and useless" writes Henry Gouldburn to the Duke of Wellington in October 1842 concerning "the survey of the yet unsurveyed part of Great Britain."
@ordnancesurvey.bsky.social
@ordnancesurvey.bsky.social
A postcard of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, near Southampton. A military hospital planned after the Crimean War, it opened in 1863 and closed in 1958. The main building, only half of which is shown, was demolished in 1966 leaving only the central chapel standing.
October 23, 2025 at 12:39 PM
A postcard of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, near Southampton. A military hospital planned after the Crimean War, it opened in 1863 and closed in 1958. The main building, only half of which is shown, was demolished in 1966 leaving only the central chapel standing.
Want to know what goes on "behind the scenes" at the Archives & Special Collections? We're hosting tours and a small exhibition of archival and rare book material reflecting Jane Austen’s world and Regency Britain on Mon 15 Dec.
Email archives@soton.ac.uk to book your free place!
Email archives@soton.ac.uk to book your free place!
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Want to know what goes on "behind the scenes" at the Archives & Special Collections? We're hosting tours and a small exhibition of archival and rare book material reflecting Jane Austen’s world and Regency Britain on Mon 15 Dec.
Email archives@soton.ac.uk to book your free place!
Email archives@soton.ac.uk to book your free place!
"Her harsh & nasal voice completely spoils the effect of the music..." Poor Miss Levy!
This 1895 letter from the West London Synagogue Archives made us smile and is old enough to share without causing embarrassment!
@parkesinstitute.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @biajs.bsky.social
This 1895 letter from the West London Synagogue Archives made us smile and is old enough to share without causing embarrassment!
@parkesinstitute.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @biajs.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
"Her harsh & nasal voice completely spoils the effect of the music..." Poor Miss Levy!
This 1895 letter from the West London Synagogue Archives made us smile and is old enough to share without causing embarrassment!
@parkesinstitute.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @biajs.bsky.social
This 1895 letter from the West London Synagogue Archives made us smile and is old enough to share without causing embarrassment!
@parkesinstitute.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @biajs.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 1805 Admiral Nelson led the @RoyalNavy.bsky.social to victory at #Trafalgar but died before the end. The brass plaque on the lid of this wooden box reads “This box was made from a piece of the Victory in which Lord Nelson fell at the Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805".
October 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1805 Admiral Nelson led the @RoyalNavy.bsky.social to victory at #Trafalgar but died before the end. The brass plaque on the lid of this wooden box reads “This box was made from a piece of the Victory in which Lord Nelson fell at the Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805".
"But I have never held to Birth Day commemorations. The only birthday which is deserving of any specific notice... is that on which a person comes of age..."
#OnThisDay in 1784 Lord Palmerston was born
Having found the above letter think we had better not wish him a happy birthday!
#OnThisDay in 1784 Lord Palmerston was born
Having found the above letter think we had better not wish him a happy birthday!
October 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
"But I have never held to Birth Day commemorations. The only birthday which is deserving of any specific notice... is that on which a person comes of age..."
#OnThisDay in 1784 Lord Palmerston was born
Having found the above letter think we had better not wish him a happy birthday!
#OnThisDay in 1784 Lord Palmerston was born
Having found the above letter think we had better not wish him a happy birthday!
A sunny day in 1960s Southampton. This is the view south from the top of the clock tower, showing the area prior to the construction of the Marlands Centre, with the rose garden and bus station centrally placed. @HistoricalSoton @SotonianHistory @SotonStories @SouthamptonHid1
October 16, 2025 at 1:27 PM
A sunny day in 1960s Southampton. This is the view south from the top of the clock tower, showing the area prior to the construction of the Marlands Centre, with the rose garden and bus station centrally placed. @HistoricalSoton @SotonianHistory @SotonStories @SouthamptonHid1
#OnThisDay in 1862 the Hartley Institution opened in Southampton High Street.
Why is this significant? Because years later it became the University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social we know and love today! @uosengagement.bsky.social
Why is this significant? Because years later it became the University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social we know and love today! @uosengagement.bsky.social
![The opening of the Hartley Institution 15 October 1862, photograph of an engraving of Lord Palmerston arriving. It is a black and white image of a grand building with a horse drawn carriage in front [MS1/Phot/39/ph 3026]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:256ibdqx32qzse2yjipsba7g/bafkreifihwkkafi4rk74tnudimdpmakbkse6kzxszq5bgbningmh7kk4qa@jpeg)
October 15, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#OnThisDay in 1862 the Hartley Institution opened in Southampton High Street.
Why is this significant? Because years later it became the University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social we know and love today! @uosengagement.bsky.social
Why is this significant? Because years later it became the University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social we know and love today! @uosengagement.bsky.social
This file from 1924 contains letters from Albert B. Levermore "of Christian parents" but "desirous of becoming a convert to the Jewish faith and a member of the Reformed Synagogue." He completed a course of introduction and was required to present himself for examination in early 1925
October 15, 2025 at 7:01 AM
This file from 1924 contains letters from Albert B. Levermore "of Christian parents" but "desirous of becoming a convert to the Jewish faith and a member of the Reformed Synagogue." He completed a course of introduction and was required to present himself for examination in early 1925
This week is #ChocolateWeek! In the will of Anne Houblon, the Viscountess Palmerston bequeaths to her husband Henry Temple, the first Viscount Palmerston two chocolate cups, made out of burial rings. You can find out more in the @britishmuseum.bsky.social online collection buff.ly/vAlXeWY
October 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This week is #ChocolateWeek! In the will of Anne Houblon, the Viscountess Palmerston bequeaths to her husband Henry Temple, the first Viscount Palmerston two chocolate cups, made out of burial rings. You can find out more in the @britishmuseum.bsky.social online collection buff.ly/vAlXeWY
"We had to pass kicking our heels in a very cold room at the station where everybody was speculating on what disaster cd have occurred to cause the delay... we were told some part of the machinery had given way at starting, but they wd not say what + there was evidently mystery + some anxiety...
October 13, 2025 at 1:40 PM
"We had to pass kicking our heels in a very cold room at the station where everybody was speculating on what disaster cd have occurred to cause the delay... we were told some part of the machinery had given way at starting, but they wd not say what + there was evidently mystery + some anxiety...
October 5th-11th is #BannedBooksWeek which celebrates the right to read freely. Special Collections includes examples of books suppressed by authorities in the past and also a 1667 edition of Index librorum prohibitorum, which listed books forbidden to Roman Catholics.
October 9, 2025 at 12:19 PM
October 5th-11th is #BannedBooksWeek which celebrates the right to read freely. Special Collections includes examples of books suppressed by authorities in the past and also a 1667 edition of Index librorum prohibitorum, which listed books forbidden to Roman Catholics.
This month's @explorearchives.bsky.social theme is #EYAMonsters. Here is a photograph from 1926 of Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten and Laddie Sanford on Mountbatten's yacht, MY Shrimp. Lady Mountbatten is holding an inflatable toy of a sea monster, possibly a shrimp like the yacht's namesake.
October 8, 2025 at 8:06 AM
This month's @explorearchives.bsky.social theme is #EYAMonsters. Here is a photograph from 1926 of Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten and Laddie Sanford on Mountbatten's yacht, MY Shrimp. Lady Mountbatten is holding an inflatable toy of a sea monster, possibly a shrimp like the yacht's namesake.
"The bed has bugs, the room mice... the floor has large holes" writes William J. Keys in 1924 reporting the poor condition of his lodgings and misbehaviour of Mrs Cole (the landlord's daughter) & her husband. The rent, he alleges, is spent on "costly food, plenty of booze &... horses"
October 8, 2025 at 7:01 AM
"The bed has bugs, the room mice... the floor has large holes" writes William J. Keys in 1924 reporting the poor condition of his lodgings and misbehaviour of Mrs Cole (the landlord's daughter) & her husband. The rent, he alleges, is spent on "costly food, plenty of booze &... horses"
"The fact that I am married in no way interferes with my carrying out the work you require me to do" writes Zara Limburg (nee Baroni) in 1924. She hoped to work as a chorister at Berkeley Street Synagogue.
@biajs.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social
@biajs.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM
"The fact that I am married in no way interferes with my carrying out the work you require me to do" writes Zara Limburg (nee Baroni) in 1924. She hoped to work as a chorister at Berkeley Street Synagogue.
@biajs.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social
@biajs.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social