Local studies

Microforms

Local History microforms on level 3 of the Robinson Library include:
(Please note not all microforms are available from the Library OPAC)

Eighteenth Century Provincial Newspapers Newcastle 1710-1800 (Newcastle Gazette, Northern Courant 1710-1737; Newcastle Courant 1710-1800; Newcastle Weekly Mercury 1722-1723).

Newcastle's Call to her Neighbour and Sister Towns and Cities, R. Jenison (1637). Reproduction of the original (British Library Miscellaneous microfilm 142) about plague in Newcastle.

The Northumbrian Pitman; his Works and Ways, R.F. Wheeler (1885) Miscellaneous microfilm 183.

Records of Northumbrian births, deaths, marriages and baptisms on microfilm are held on level 4, as are the Goods Directory of Berwick 1806, Northumberland poll books and censuses, and the Northumberland Alehouse Recognizances, 1822-1826.

Sopwith Diaries.
Thomas Sopwith (1803-1879) was a mining engineer, land surveyor, geologist and philanthropist who was based mainly in Allendale. He was involved in testing new railways and so his diary is particularly good on local description and travel.

Chapbooks and Broadsides
Most of the Library's chapbooks and broadsides are from the Robert White Collection, and many were printed in Newcastle. The chapbooks are available on microfilm. (The Newcastle-printed chapbooks are listed in Frances M. Thomson's Newcastle Chapbooks in Newcastle upon Tyne University Library [Oriel Press, 1969].)

List of research materials on microform

University of Durham Library

Microfilms at Durham University Library mostly support research in local history of the Medieval period:

  • Durham Priory Manuscripts
  • Chancery Rolls
  • Bishopric Estates Halmote Court Rolls, 1348-1522
  • Plea and Gaol Delivery Rolls from Durham Palatinate Assizes & Court of Pleas, 1377-1502
  • North-eastern newspapers on microfilm cover Durham, Sunderland and Consett
Details can be found at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/subject/hist_mic.htm#ire
[The Durham University Archives and Special Collections homepage is: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc/]