Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1825 - 1879 (Creation)
Level of description
Archive Collection
Extent and medium
168 volumes (4 linear metres)
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Microform copies of the diaries have been held at Newcastle University Library since the 1960s, with the originals held by the Sopwith family. In 2014, the original diaries, and some other archival content was deposited at the Library on long term loan.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The diaries of Thomas Sopwith (1803-1879), mining engineer, land surveyor and philanthropist in the north-east of England, cover the period 1828-1879. We hold both the original diaries, and a copy of the material held on 16 reels of microfilm. They form a meticulous account of the professional life of Sopwith, detailing his work, projects and his travels both for business and for enjoyment. The diaries also include sketches and illustrations of people, views, and buildings and often include descriptions of lectures and conversations with people Sopwith met on his travels.A particularly notable aspect of the diaries is Sopwith's descriptions of journeys he made by rail, often along newly-opened railway lines in a period where rail travel was in its early stages.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
No further material is expected to be added to the collection
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open
Conditions governing reproduction
Standard copyright restrictions apply.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Date first made available to the public: 1965