Subject strengths: History, Local History, Literature

Part of a bequest from Edwin Clarke (1919-1996), the Clarke Local Collection is more than a local history collection as it is quite strong in the literature of the region too: T. Wilson's The pitman's pay: and other poems (1843), Robert White's The Tynemouth nun: a poem (1829), Rhymes of Northern bards (1812) and more, as well as memoirs, sermons, topographical descriptions, guides and histories.

Although it comprises books published in the mid- to late-Twentieth Century, for the most part, it does contain a significant amount of more historic material, such as R. Gardiner's Englands grievance discovered … (1655), A sentimental tour through Newcastle (1794), History of the water supply of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1851) and several nineteenth-century directories and poll books.

Collection Name and Collection Reference Code:

Collection Name: Clarke (Edwin) Local Collection

Library Search Collection Ref Code: Clarke

Date Range of Material

1655 - 1993

Type of Material

Rare book collection

Size of Collection

43.5 Linear Metres of shelving 

How To Order Items From This Collection

The books within this collection are described within the Newcastle University Library Search and can be ordered directly from the catalogue.

This link to the Library Search will show a list of all the items within the collection. Please note this link is available to members of the public as well as University staff and students.

Unable to visit our Reading Room?

If you are unable to visit our reading room, we also have a virtual reading room service and a digitisation service. 

Other Resources:

See Clarke (Edwin) Medical Collection, Clarke (Edwin) Miscellaneous Collection and Clarke (Edwin) General Archive for other collections associated with Edwin Clarke.

Material from this collection was used in our Treasures of the Month feature for March 2010, May 2010, August 2010, May 2012, June 2012, April 2013, July 2013, September 2013, May 2014, July 2016, and October 2016.

Material from this collection has been included in exhibitions which can be viewed at The Armstrong Effect: The Life and Legacy of Lord Armstrong and In the Shadows of the Throne: The Queens that never were.