Subject strengths: History, Local History

The Bell-White Collection comprises printed and manuscript items which had been assembled by keen collectors John (1783-1864) and Thomas (1785-1860) Bell in the Nineteenth Century, some of which material had subsequently been purchased by fellow collector, Robert White (1802-1874).

The collection focuses on local history and is a particularly good resource for local political history as it includes election addresses, squibs, broadsides and bills. Local poetry and songs are also represented.

There is also a large collection of genealogical material relating to local families which contain documents relating to business concerns, deaths, events, honours, household matters, legal affairs, property, sales, social lives and occupations, as well as containing family pedigrees, illustrations and correspondence.

Collection Name and Collection Reference Code:

Collection Name: Bell-White Collection

Library Ref Code: Bell-White

Date Range of Material

1710 - 1851

Type of Material

Various printed

Size of Collection

4 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.

The Genealogical Material is described in a Finding Aid which can be downloaded here.

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 Bell (John and Thomas) Archive, for miscellaneous items collected by John and Thomas Bell.

Material from this collection was used in our Treasure of the Month feature for May 2008.