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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10h

#PhotoFriday Who can remember Newcastle before Eldon Square and the University's Claremont Tower building? Here are a few views of the city in 1966 showing the as it was 60 years ago. Can you spot anything else that's changed in these photographs from our University Archive? [NUA/045297]

View towards Newcastle University campus from the roof of a building on Prudhoe street.

View towards Newcastle University campus from Wellbar House.

View from the Agriculture Building across the city centre towards the River Tyne.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Did you know Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives is home to some incredible treasures? From rare books & manuscripts to fascinating archives & historic photographs, our Special Collections are full of stories waiting to be discovered. Come and explore! www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...

ncl.ac.uk

Special Collections & Archives | University Library | Newcastle University

An Accredited Archive Service and home to Newcastle University's archive and rare book collections

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Who was St Cuthbert? A 7th-century monk, bishop and hermit who became one of Northumbria’s most revered saints. His miracles and legends still shape the North East’s history. #Discover A Legend of Saint Cuthbert cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

NEW on CollectionsCaptured: Explore the lives of the Plowden, Bell and Trevelyan families and friends (and pets!) in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries through 8 newly digitised photo albums available now on CollectionsCaptured. Explore here: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

Group photograph of members of the Bell family at Redcar in 1898.

Photograph of Florence Bell and Madge the cat.

Photograph of members of the Stanley Family in a garden.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

#Discover How well do you know Newcastle? This detailed plan of Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead was created by Robert Beilby in 1788. Follow the River Tyne, spot familiar streets and see just how much the city has changed over more than 230 years. collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk

Maps

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

2026 marks 550 years since William Caxton established England’s first printing press at Westminster. To celebrate, we’re highlighting a remarkable item from our Incunabula Collection – a single leaf printed by Caxton himself. Explore the digitised leaf: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk

Incunabula

The recto of a single unnumbered leaf from Chronicles of England that was printed at Westminster, by William Caxton.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Are you a Newcastle University postgrad student interested in teaching and outreach work or Archives and Special Collections? If so, our Education Outreach and Transition team are recruiting a Robinson Bequest student to work on a new project this year. Find out more: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/burs...

Image showing key information for the bequest opportunity. It includes the value of the placement, £3,000, that the position is open to Newcastle Uni Masters and Doctoral students, and a brief description of the role.

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Reposted by Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives

Side @sidegallery.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

🏗️ We’re excited to announce the upcoming exhibition: Under Development Opening Oct 17 at Newcastle Contemporary Arts, it brings together the AmberSide Collection and Four Corners Archive to ask what happens when cities change? 🔗 sidegallery.co.uk/whats-on/...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

New Digital Showcase now online: Robinson Bequest Student Hannah Reynolds explores the life and influential works of Scottish surgeons John and Charles Bell. The works evidence developments in surgical theory and practice of the era. Explore online here: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/sc...

Title page of The Principles of Surgery in Two Volumes, by John Bell.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

And just like that, September is nearly done. 🍂 A little bit of nineteenth-century ephemera from CollectionsCaptured to mark the last day of the month. Goodbye, September — see you next year. cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

@newcastleuni.bsky.social students take to the dance floor in the Students’ Union in 1965 – proving that some parts of student life haven’t changed too much in 60 years @nclalumni Explore the original photograph: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

New to Newcastle? Did you know we have an exhibition space on L2 of the Philip Robinson Library where we showcase items from our collections? Our current exhibition 'When Britain Stood Still; The General Strike at 100' is open until mid October. Find out more here: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Freshers’ Week @newcastleuni.bsky.social is in full swing! Students have been arriving in Newcastle for generations – & these photos from the University Archive give us a glimpse into Freshers’ Weeks gone by. Some things change but the excitement of starting Uni stays the same #freshers #WeAreNCL

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Welcome @newcastleuni.bsky.social new & returning students! As Freshers’ Week begins, we’re looking back to 1963 with this Freshers’ Lunch photo from the University Archive. New faces, new friendships & new beginnings – over 60 years ago! collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk

University Archives

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Did you know Newcastle University's Armstrong Building was officially opened by King Edward VII in 1906? These pages from the Northerner magazine, recently added to CollectionsCaptured, record the King's visit of July 1906. Explore more issues here: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/sear...

Front cover of the November 1906 edition of the Northerner magazine. Includes title, illustration, and contents of the issue.

Page of text, including beginning of an article titled 'The Opening of the New Buildings', which relates to the opening of the Armstrong Building.

Page of text, from an article titled 'The Opening of the New Buildings', which relates to the opening of the Armstrong Building.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Welcome to all the new and returning @newcastleuni.bsky.social students starting next week! As you get ready to settle into halls, here’s a look back at student life in Henderson Hall and Leazes Terrace back in the 1990s. Did you live there? #NewcastleUniversity #StudentLife

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Ever found a flower on your travels? Walter Calverley did… & it's been kept it for 200 years! This Alchemilla acutidens was collected in the Faroe Islands in 1821–1822 and survives in his archive. Explore it on CollectionsCaptured: cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

#Discover This Child Vaccination Poster from c. 1950s offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of public health communication. What can this poster tell us about attitudes towards childhood vaccination — then and now? Explore the item: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

What stories are waiting to be discovered in our collections? From medieval manuscripts & rare books to photographs, letters, maps, oral histories & the history of Newcastle Uni itself, uncover untold histories & see the past from new perspectives. Start exploring: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...

ncl.ac.uk

Special Collections & Archives | University Library | Newcastle University

An Accredited Archive Service and home to Newcastle University's archive and rare book collections.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Who can remember RAF Acklington? These photos in our University Archive are possibly of activity at the airfield in 1965, maybe in connection with a visit of the Northumbrian Unviersities Air Squadron. The carpet in the control room was an interesting choice! [NUA/039963]

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

As the new Premier League football season gets underway later today here's a #FlashbackFriday look back to the season of 1970-1971 with this photo of a football squad and their coach from our University Archive. Can anyone identify the squad, or even any of the players? [Ref. NUA/072660/01]

Photograph of a football squad and their coach taken in front of a building. A back row of 8 are standing behind a seated row of 5, the central figure is an older man in jacket and hat, presumably the team's coach. A ball at the feet of one of the seated players has NMSC 1970-71 written on it.

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Reposted by Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) @rgs.org · 20/08/2026

As our Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance exhibition draws to a close, we’re sharing a timeline of Gertrude Bell’s life and work, as well as some newly digitised images. Find out more 👉 www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/lates…

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Our 'Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance' exhibition produced with @rgs.org closes on Monday the 24th August. If you're in London and want to see the exhibition at their venue now is your last chance. The exhibition is not open on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more: www.rgs.org/events/upcom...

rgs.org

Routes, ruins and reconnaissance | Exhibition

Exhibition at the Society in London created in conjunction with Newcastle University on the life and career of Gertrude Bell FRGS. Open to all.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Explore the plants of the North East with this map from A New Flora of Northumberland and Durham (1868). Dividing the region into botanical districts, it helped document the distribution of local plant life. cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

cdm21051.contentdm.oclc.org

Clarke (Edwin) Local Collection

Geological map of Northumberland and Durham, by George Tate.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Dreaming of rain after the UK heatwaves? According to The London Dream Book (c.1850), “if you behold rain in your dreams, it promises success in love affairs; in all other respects, it betokens trouble and vexation.” Careful what you wish for… collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk

Chapbooks

Page 19, on which dreams about seeing the Queen, quilting, rain, raspberries, ribbons, and riding are interpreted.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Following yesterday's eclipse are you wondering when the next one might be? If you want to work it out we've found some help in 1747's 'Mathematical Digests' by John Dougharty. If you are interested in 1740s astronomical geometry theory the book is part of our Wallis Collection. [Wallis 312 DOU]

Title page of 'Mathematical Digests...' by John Dougharty.

Pages 288 and 289 of Mathematical Digest by John Dougharty. The pages contain information calculating the timing of an eclipse and a worked example.

Pages 302 and 303 of Mathematical Digest by John Dougharty. The pages contain information on calculating the beginning, middle and end of an eclipse.

Pages 320 and 321 of Mathematical Digest by John Dougharty. The pages contain details on how to calculate the location of the moon.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Has everyone got their glasses (or their colanders) ready for this evening's solar eclipse? In our Trevelyan family albums we've found a viewing card which was published for the full solar eclipse in 1927, as well as newspaper cuttings giving details on how to view the event. [ref. CPT/PA/12]

Front and back sides of a card containing information about the 1927 total solar eclipse. The front side includes guidance on viewing the eclipse, the back side information about its timing in Wales. The centre of the card contains a small dark piece of film which could be used to look through to see the sun.

Newspaper article including a large map showing the track across the UK of the June 1927 eclipse with accompanying text underneath.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Find out more about the current exhibition, and how to visit here: www.rgs.org/events/upcom... The exhibition is open Monday - Friday until Monday the 24th August at the Royal Geographical Society in London. 🧵 5/5

rgs.org

Routes, ruins and reconnaissance | Exhibition

Exhibition at the Society in London created in conjunction with Newcastle University on the life and career of Gertrude Bell FRGS. Open to all.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In 2023 our Challenging Legacies: The Kingdom of Iraq and Gertrude Bell exhibition, also at the Great North Museum focussed on Gertrude Bell's influence in the Middle East and founding of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921. 🧵 4/5

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In 2016 we collaborated with the Great North Museum who hosted The Extraordinary Gertrude Bell which featured material from the Gertrude Bell Archive held at Newcastle University as well as objects loaned from the British Museum, Imperial War Museum, and the Royal Geographical Society. 🧵 (3/5)

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In 1994 an exhibition was prepared in collaboration with the British Council. When an event was held in the Kings Hall to showcase the exhibition and items from the archive university photographers were on hand to capture the event! 🧵 (2/5)

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

As our current Routes, ruins and reconnaissance exhibition at @rgs.org enters its second week here's a look back some other exhibitions showcasing Gertrude Bell's life, work and influence, we've produced over the years. 🧵 (1/5)

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#ThrowbackThursday Do you recognise this building? It will be a familiar sight to anyone who gets off the Metro at Jesmond on their way to visit or work at the Philip Robinson Library. Seen here in it's original form, and with a 1960s extension, it now looks different again! [Ref. NUA/59245]

Lifton House in Jesmond photographed before a 1960s extension was added. Jesmond Parish Church can be seen to the left.

The rear of Lifton House in Jesmond photographed before a 1960s extension was added to the building.

A side view of Lifton House in Jesmond with a large 1960s concrete extension overbearing the original building.

A rear view of the 1960s concrete and brick extension to Lifton House in Jesmond.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Last Friday saw the launch and a private viewing of our Routes, ruins and reconnaissance exhibition in collaboration with the @rgs.org at their home in London. The exhibition is open Monday - Friday until August 24th. Find out more and how to visit: www.rgs.org/events/upcom...

Several people are standing looking at exhibition panels.

A photograph showing attendees at the exhibition launch in an outdoor square, gathering around listening to an introductory talk.

Part of the Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance Exhibition, showing photographs and explanatory text on a white wall.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Update: Mystery solved. This is Ashbrooke Sports Club in Sunderland. Presumably it was used a neutral venue for the match.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Our new exhibition produced in collaboration with the Royal Geographical Society @rgs.org, hosted at their London venue is now open! Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance explores the archaeological and geographical work of Gertrude Bell and her relationship with the RGS, and is open until 24th August.

rgs.org

Routes, ruins and reconnaissance | Exhibition

Exhibition at the Society in London created in conjunction with Newcastle University on the life and career of Gertrude Bell FRGS. Open to all.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Anyone else wondered how to make their own 19th Century bicycle? 'Velocipedes, Bicycles and Tricycles: How to Make and How to Use Them' published in 1869, part of our 19th Century seems to have the answers! No doubt perfect for a summer weekend exploring the countryside! [19thC.Coll. 629.227 VEL]

Front cover of Velocipedes, Bicycles and Tricycles: How to Make and How to Use Them. Includes an illustration of a The French Bicycle.

Historical illustration and description of an early velocipede: an engraving of a 19th-century gentleman riding a dandy-horse alongside a page titled "The Velocipede of the Past" with explanatory text.

Open book page titled "Velocipedes" showing a woodcut of a man riding an early tricycle with large spoked wheels alongside explanatory text.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

For #ThrowbackThursday this week here's a look back at a rugby match between Durham and Newcastle Universities in March 1969 from our University Archive. However there's a bit of an #archivalMystery as we can't work out the venue! Can you help us identify this 1960s sports ground? [ref.NUA/060791]

Photograph of a line out at a 1969 rugby match. The match is taking place at a ground which is faced onto by a row of terraced houses. There is a cricket scoreboard in the background.

Photograph of a rugby match taking place in March 1969. Two players are stood close to the camera looking at a kick-off. Beyond the pitch a roofed terrace is packed with people watching the match. Outside the ground terraced houses and a road can be seen.

Scene at a March 1969 rugby match. Players are running on the pitch. A crowd watch on from the side line. Behind is an unidentified cricket pavilion.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

If you're planning a research project this summer, why not start with our Collections Guide? Browse hundreds of archive and rare book collections by subject, people, organisations or keyword, and discover unique primary sources waiting to be explored. Start your search: specialcollections.ncl.ac.uk

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Did you know? Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives cares for rare books, archives and unique historical collections spanning centuries. Whether you're researching, teaching or simply exploring, there's something waiting to be discovered. Find out more: www.ncl.ac.uk/library/spec...

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

#ThrowbackThursday Who remembers the days of Thorne's bookshop and Inventions (now The Crows Nest)? This photo, from our University Archive, shows part of Percy Street as it was in 1987. [Ref. NUA/193478].

Photograph showing Thorne's Bookshop (now Blackwells) and Inventions (now The Crows Nest) on Percy Street.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We're proud to welcome the remarkable loan of the AmberSide Collection to our collections. More than 20,000 photographs, 100 films and decades of documentary history will now be preserved and made more accessible for research, teaching and public engagement. Read more: www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articl...

ncl.ac.uk

New future secured for AmberSide Collection

One of the UK’s most significant documentary photography and film collections is on loan to Newcastle University’s Special Collections, thanks to National Lottery funding.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

As the school summer holiday season is almost upon us here's a #FlashbackFriday look back to 1898 and the family summer holiday of the Trevelyan family of Wallington, who visited Seaview on the Isle of Wight for their summer break. Photos are from our Trevelyan family photo albums. [Ref. CPT/PA/28]

Photograph of the Beach at Seaview on the Isle of Wight in summer 1898.

Two photographs of members of the extended Trevelyan family taken while on holiday at Seaview on the Isle of wight in August 1898.

A photograph of members of the extended Trevelyan family (and possibly others) posing for a photograph while enjoying a picnic taken while on holiday at Seaview on the Isle of wight in August 1898.

A photograph of 3 young ladies sat on the side of a rowing boat on the beach at Seaview in 1898.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

From Monday 3 Aug 2026 - Monday 24 Aug 2026, don’t miss the exhibition, Routes, Ruins & Renaissance, at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Discover Gertrude Bell’s newly digitised maps, notebooks, photographs & archives in this free exhibition. More info: www.rgs.org/events/upcom...

rgs.org

Routes, ruins and reconnaissance | Exhibition

Exhibition at the Society in London created in conjunction with Newcastle University on the life and career of Gertrude Bell FRGS. Open to all.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

This month marks the centenary of Gertrude Bell's death. If you're in Newcastle, don't miss Letters from Baghdad at Tyneside Cinema—a compelling portrait of the North East-born traveller, archaeologist and political figure whose legacy remains deeply debated. tynesidecinema.co.uk/event/letter...

tynesidecinema.co.uk

Letters from Baghdad | Tyneside Cinema

Watch the acclaimed documentary Letters from Baghdad at Tyneside Cinema. Discover the extraordinary story of Gertrude Bell, voiced by Tilda Swinton.

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

As #NCLGraduation2026 gets underway, we're looking back at an earlier generation of @newcastleuni.bsky.social congregations. This photograph captures the excitement & ceremony of graduation day in 1958. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll... #WeAreNCL

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

If you're near Bradford tomorrow you can catch a screening of Letters From Baghdad as part of Bradford Literature Festival. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring our very own Gertrude Bell archivist Valentina Flex. Find out more: www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/event/screen...

bradfordlitfest.co.uk

Screening: Letters from Baghdad + Q&A | Bradford Literature Festival

Voiced and executive produced by Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton and directed by Zeva Oelbaum and Sabine Krayenbühl, this acclaimed documentary explores Gertrude Bell’s extraordinary life as a…

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

What do the frontispieces of Leviathan and The History of the Grecian War reveal about Thomas Hobbes' ideas on power, politics and conflict? Explore these remarkable books from Newcastle University Library's Special Collections in our Digital Showcase: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/co...

digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk

Connecting Collections – Leviathan and The History of the Grecian War | Digital Showcase

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an English philosopher, political theorist, and historian whose ideas shaped modern understandings of government, authority, and human behaviour. Living through the…

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

As the #WorldCup2026 captures the world's attention we're looking back at another footballing moment from the past This page from the Trevelyan photograph album shows Geoffrey Trevelyan with his football team at Oldfield School, 1931 Explore the album: collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk/digital/coll...

collectionscaptured.ncl.ac.uk

Trevelyan (Charles Philips) Archive

Photographs of Pat and Geoffrey on the beach, Geoffrey with his football team at Oldfeld, the landscape and a cottage ar Kirk Fenwick, and a newspaper cutting regarding Sir Francis D. Blake being…

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Newcastle Uni Special Collections & Archives @ncllibspeccoll.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Lord Petre's Gradual (c.1370) is a richly illuminated service book that was almost certainly used by the Renaissance composer William Byrd. Discover its remarkable journey and explore it in our Digital Showcase: digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk/showcases/lo...

digitalshowcase.ncl.ac.uk

Lord Petre’s Gradual | Digital Showcase

ROB 405 is a very fine late-medieval illuminated service book, in an unidentified hand, containing ecclesiastical chants for services throughout the year and added polyphonic pieces that…

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