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mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
@mrcwarwick.bsky.social
17K followers 1.3K following 670 posts
Archives rich in social and political history from the late 19th century onwards.

Follow the MRC for highlights from our collections, details of our online resources and more!

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc
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mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Call for papers #CFP

Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present

18 June 2026: 1 day conference + NUM archive exhibition

Submit abstracts / express interest at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...

Deadline: 25 Jan 2026
Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present When and where: University of Warwick, Coventry, on Thursday 18 June 2026. Conference summary: This free one day conference aims to bring together researchers from higher education, community and campaign groups to explore the history of health and welfare in Britain’s coal mining industry. Held jointly by the University of Warwick's Centre for the History of Medicine, Science and Technology, and Modern Records Centre, the event will run alongside an exhibition which will explore some of the themes covered by the speakers through the National Union of Mineworkers' archives. We welcome contributions from new and established researchers, working inside and outside higher education. Confirmed participants include: - Jörg Arnold (University of Augsburg / Institute for Contemporary History Munich - Berlin), author of The British Miner in the Age of DeIndustrialization - Keith Gildart (University of Wolverhampton), Principal Investigator on research project On Behalf of the People: Work, Community and Class in the British Coal Industry 1947-1994 and former miner - Quentin Outram (University of Leeds), Secretary of the Society for the Study of Labour History and co-editor of Coal in Victorian Britain Conference themes: Subjects that could be addressed include but are not limited to: The human cost of coal, including: - Mining disasters, their contemporary impacts and later memorialisation. - Industrial accidents, industrial diseases and workers’ compensation. - Mine safety and the improvement of conditions. - Mining and mental health. Industrial health and welfare, including: - Pre-nationalisation provision in and beyond the colliery. - National Coal Board provision, including the NCB Medical Service, housing and the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation. - Trade union campaigns and benefit schemes. - Sport and social provision as mining welfare. Coal and community, including: - Environmental impact. - Mining families and the intergenerational effects of the mining industry. - Impacts of the industry with particular reference to gender, race and ethnicity. - Coalfield communities after coal: the effects of deindustrialisation. Submission guidelines We wish to make space for dialogue between academic and community-based researchers, and welcome involvement from mining heritage and local history groups / researchers from former coalfield communities. We welcome and encourage alternative presentational styles. Possible formats for contributions could include: - 15-20 minute papers. - 5 minute lightning papers (for example showcasing a particular object or archival source, or highlighting a particular place, event, individual or experience). - Round table discussions. - Posters or displays. Submission deadline: 25 January 2026. Limited funding for travel support will be available, with priority given to early career researchers or participants who cannot draw upon institutional funding. For additional enquiries, please contact the conference organisers at archives@warwick.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
'It's alive!'

The Great Reform Act was passed in 1832, extending the franchise and reforming the electoral system (up to a point)

Published 14 years earlier, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein provides the inspiration for this cartoonist

More on Regency revolt and reform at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Cartoon from the early 1830s. It shows Lord Grey as Frankenstein, creating his Monster - a patched up Reform Bill. A bewigged judge is using a pair of bellows to keep the fire going. An alarmed looking John Bull is peering on through a window.
November 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
"How to keep well in wartime"

'Get enough sleep'

Some useful and not so useful tips issued for the Ministry of Health by the Ministry of Information, published in 1943.

This publication, about the Home Front, can be found in The Brewers' Society archive.

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/BLR/...
Front cover of 'How to keep well in Wartime'. The publication was issued for the Ministry of Health by the Ministry of Information. The cover shows an illustration of a family. The man appears to be carrying a soldier's helmet, the woman is carrying a basket of food, the young girl is on a bicycle, and the young boy is carrying what looks like a picnic blanket. Contents page of 'How to keep well in Wartime'. Chapter headings 1. Be regular in your living habits. 2. Get enough sleep. 3. Get your share of air and sunshine. 4. Keep your mind and body active. 5. Choose the right food. 6. Be moderate in all things. 7. A word to those who worry. 8. Fight disease with hygiene. 9. Stop germs from spreading. 10. Help yourself to be well.
November 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Coventry remembers 14 November 1940 #CoventryBlitz

The most concentrated attack on a British city during WWII saw over 500 people killed and 800 injured. 4000 homes were destroyed, along with one-quarter of the city’s factories, and the medieval cathedral of St Michael's.
Pages from the Coventry Evening Telegraph from November 1980 marking the 40th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Includes photographs of the destroyed cathedral and reprints of news articles written in the aftermath. Pages from the Coventry Evening Telegraph from November 1980 marking the 40th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Includes photographs of the destroyed cathedral and reprints of news articles written in the aftermath.
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
"Remember Trafalgar Square"

Exactly a week later, on 20 November 1887, a second protest took place in London - with fatal consequences

William Morris & Walter Crane combined to publish 'A Death Song', a fundraiser in aid of the children of young clerk Alfred Linnell
Front cover of 'A Death Song' by William Morris, sold for the benefit of Alfred Linnell's children. Linnell died after being trampled by a police horse in Trafalgar Square on 20 November 1887. The cover included an engraving by Walter Crane. It shows a man on the ground, defended by the female figures of Justice and Liberty, as a baton-wielding police officer on a horse bears down on him. The item is from the archives of William Wess, document reference: MSS.240/W/4/2/6.
November 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Cost of living crisis 1886 style. "Small poll tax paid by sale of fish".

Whitechapel Charity Organisation Committee: mock application for welfare on behalf of Jesus Christ, "Ex-carpenter, vagrant preacher and socialist".

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/CAT/...
Whitechapel Charity Organisation Committee: mock application for welfare on behalf of Jesus Christ. Second page of Whitechapel Charity Organisation Committee: mock application for welfare on behalf of Jesus Christ.
November 13, 2025 at 2:40 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
One ledger survives.

During the First World War, the Yorkshire Miners' Association recorded members who had died on active service. By January 1918 3529 names had been written.

The last and only surviving volume covers 1918-1921 and can be seen in full at wdc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
First page of a 'Registration book' kept by the Yorkshire Miners' Association recording members killed or died during military service. The volume starts on 2 January 1918 and the last entry was made over three years later, in February 1921. At the top of the page is a running total - previous volumes, now missing, had recorded 3529 names (3401 men and 128 women). Archives of the Yorkshire Miners' Association, document reference: 1479/YK/9/3/1.
November 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
'End of the Great World War'

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them. #ArmisticeDay #PeaceAndHope #NeverForget

This edition of The Daily Chronicle can be viewed online
mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/HNP/...
Front page of 'The Daily Chronicle' newspaper. The headline is 'End of the Great World War'. Also features a photograph of King George V. The paper contains articles and illustrations relating to the abdication of the Kaiser, end of the war and revolution in Germany.
November 11, 2025 at 10:17 AM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
An openly political film, the director & several lead actors had to flee Germany after Hitler came to power in 1933.

American dancer Louis Douglas ('Africa') was a European tour veteran, having starred alongside Josephine Baker in 1925

Ernst Busch ('Germany') later fought in the Spanish Civil War
Inside pages of 1931 film programme for No Man's Land or Niemandsland, including cast list and images from the film showing characters before they reached a First World War battleline. Inside pages of 1931 film programme for No Man's Land or Niemandsland, showing images of battle during the First World War. Inside pages of 1931 film programme for No Man's Land or Niemandsland, showing characters in a ruined house in no man's land and at home. Final page of 1931 film programme for No Man's Land or Niemandsland, showing ruined house in no man's land and the five main characters from opposing sides in the conflict lining up together- "Marching forward. Defying their common enemy - WAR".
November 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
No Man's Land

Thirteen years after the end of the First World War, 'Niemandsland' was released in German cinemas in 1931

The anti-war film portrayed the world conflict through soldiers representing 'Germany', 'England', 'Africa', 'France' and 'Somewhere in the world' (a Jewish Russian)
Cover of 1931 film programme for No Man's Land or Niemandsland, showing close ups of the faces of five soldiers.
November 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
🚨 Archive Job Alert 🚨

📜 Fancy working with our fantastic archive collections?

We're looking for a *new* MRC Manager to lead our service!

Could this be YOU?

Find out more about the role at warwick-careers.tal.net/vx/lang-en-G...

More about the MRC at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Five photographs of the Modern Records Centre: Two students walking outside the main entrance. A view down the aisle of one of our strongrooms. A student looking through a photograph album in our seminar room. Digitisation Assistant at work scanning a volume. A view of our searchroom, with an Archive Assistant handing out a document to a researcher.
November 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
#OTD 1917 the 'October' Revolution took place in Russia

Our archives include significant primary sources on the relationship between Britain and Russia in the decade following the 1917 revolutions

650+ documents have been digitised and are freely available online at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Colourised lantern slide showing soldiers dressed in grey uniforms, rifles raised.
November 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
We preserve because supporting research and making trusted sources available is core to what we do.

Read more about digital preservation - and watch our vlog about why we preserve - on our website:

warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...

#WDPD2025 #DigiPres
A screenshot of the Modern Record Centre's 'Digital Preservation' webpage, which is linked in this tweet.
November 6, 2025 at 12:50 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
For true sporting excellence, BREAD is the (1935) diet of champions. For a varied athletic diet, include cheese biscuits and tea.

(from mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/CTC/... )
Advert from 1935 promoting BREAD as a sporting food for champions. It includes a drawing of a man and woman enjoying sandwiches made with BREAD. A sketch of the same couple propping up their bikes against a lone tree is in the background. "Cyclists and Hikers. Take plenty of sandwiches with you on your tour. Eat plenty of Bread on your tour. It is best for energy and prevents you from feeling tired. Read what E.B. SEELEY, who cycled 21,079 miles in 1934, writing in "CYCLING", says- "For breakfast I eat bread and cheese; for tea I eat cheese biscuits and drink tea; and for supper I have more bread and cheese." BREAD is the best food for renewing spent energy."
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
An early adopter of Movember, J Graham captain of Millwall Athletic had a brief but brilliant career.

From 'The Sportfolio - Portraits and Biographies of Heroes and Heroines of Sport & Pastime, 1896'. Part of the Cyclists' Touring Club archive.

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/CTC/...
Black and white photograph of J Graham, the Millwall Athletic back and captain c. 1893. He is sporting a fabulous moustache.
November 4, 2025 at 12:14 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Aftermath of war

The experiences & treatment of ex-servicemen, physically or psychologically affected by the First World War, seen through archives relating to the 'sweated trades' in the 1910s & 1920s

More sources on working people & disability digitised & indexed at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL - NOT to be communicated to the PRESS. PAPER BOX TRADE BOARD (GREAT BRITAIN). Permits Committee. SUPPLEMENTARY SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS OF EXEMPTION TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE PERMITS COMMITTEE ON 27TH FEBRUARY, 1925. B.839/1925. Name & Address of Firm: Longton Disabled Soldiers' & Sailors', Cardboard Box Factory, Uttoxeter Road, Longton. Age & Sex of worker: 39. M. Particulars of infirmity: Multiple Gunshot wounds. (in receipt of a 40% permanent pension). Length of time in present employment: 3 years, 9 months. Total experience in the trade: " " Particulars of work: Bonding and slotting of wire stitched boxes. Reason why piecework impracticable: Uniformity of speed not maintained owing to disability. Rate of wages proposed: 43/8d per week of 46½ hours. NOTE: The Inspector's report states that at the time of visiting, this worker was away ill. The work usually performed is wire stitching. He suffers from gunshot wounds in head and arm and has had meningitis. The Manager estimates the worker’s value as 10/- per week. The worker is frequently away through illness and unable to work continuously. He is alleged to be the feeblest case employed and his mind is temporarily affected from time to time and he had to be arrested by his fellow workers. (See also general report at the end). B.840/25. Name and Address of firm: Longton Disabled Soldiers' & Sailors' Cardboard Box Factory, Longton. Age and sex of worker: 37. M. Particulars of infirmity: Gunshot wound right leg, compound fracture (high shoe 4"; and in receipt of a 60% permanent pension. Length of time in present employment: and total experience in the trade: 3 years, 9 months. Particulars of work: Wire stitched boxes (stitching bending and slotting). Reason why piecework impracticable: Uniformity of speed not maintained owing to disability. Rate of wages proposed: 43/8d per week of 46½ hours.
November 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
AWFUL!!

We're preparing the Spiritual Garments ready for the archival summoning of spirits (or document production as it is sometimes known)

More ghostly goings on from the lantern lectures of Henry Sara at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Engraving included in a lantern slide. A selection of 'Spiritual Garments' (corset, stockings and boots are shown in the centre of the image. A series of scenes from a séance are shown around the Garments, including a group of late 19th or early 20th century people in a line holding hands, a curtain being drawn on a seated woman, the caption 'AWFUL!!', and a ghostly woman fleeing past the seated hand-holders, whilst a man flings back the curtain. The slide is one of a series belonging to Henry Sara, who used it to illustrate a lecture on 'The Fraud of Spiritualism'.
October 31, 2025 at 1:09 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
From 'a submarine railway between France and England' in 1877 to 'opportunities ahead' in 1986.....

On 30 October 1990 English and French tunnellers met for the first time underneath the English Channel during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. #ChannelTunnel
Cover of a report by Monsieur A Lavalley 'Submarine Railway (between France and England)'. Written in May 1877 Cover of a leaflet for a conference to be held on June 27 1986. 'The Channel Tunnel: Opportunities ahead'.
October 30, 2025 at 12:29 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
#OTD 1997 Salman Rushdie made a secret visit to Warwick Arts Centre to mark the first anniversary of the Writing at Warwick Programme (also supported by @jonathancoe.bsky.social)

Ephemera relating to his visit and the Writing Programme is in our ‘Student Life’ Exhibition (on until 1 Dec) #Warwick60
Page-long article with the title “Secret Visit – Salman Rushdie makes secret visit to speak at Warick”. The article mentions Rushdie’s belief in freedom of speech and his support for Warwick’s Writing Programme. It also discusses his work The Satanic Verses. On the same page appear details of the Writers at Warwick events, which in those days happened regularly in the Arts Centre, and the names of those who had taken part so far are as well as those due to appear in the coming year.
October 29, 2025 at 11:18 AM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Thanks to the Friends of Hemingfield Colliery for welcoming us on Saturday & sharing the brilliant work that they've developed over the years hemingfieldcolliery.org

Very useful to discuss the NUM Mining the Past project with volunteers, whose feedback will help to shape our future engagement work
Group of nine people standing under the remaining pithead gear (part of the winding mechanism for the mineshaft lifts) at Hemingfield Colliery.
October 28, 2025 at 10:52 AM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Ready for my close-up!

#BlackCatDay This photograph from the Bristol Unity Players' Club shows the cast of 'On Guard For Spain' (1938) with an unamused black cat.
mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/BUP/...

See our digital collection of archives on the Spanish Civil War warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Black and white photograph from the Bristol Unity Players' Club showing the cast of 'On Guard For Spain' with an unamused black cat.
October 27, 2025 at 12:54 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
'Picture Post: Cry Hungary', 1956

A tribute to a tortured people by the world's reporters and photographers...in aid of the refugees"

On 23 October 1956 tens of thousands of Hungarians took to the streets to demand the end of Soviet rule.

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/MSX/...
Cover of the 'Picture Post' showing men and women in tears. The caption reads - a tribute to a tortured people by the world's reporters and photographers...in aid of the refugees.
October 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
They're a great set...

The needlework volume probably edges it, but would also thoroughly recommend the laundry and housewifery volumes, with tiny folded paper knickers, nightshirt and handkerchief, and painfully detailed lists of the daily work expected of women in the home
Page from the notebook of Miss W.B. Wakefield, student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, 1921-1926. This book was used for notes and illustrations relating to a course of dressmaking, taken during 1925-1926. The page on the left contains an illustration of three women in fashionable clothing. The page on the right contains course notes on dress designs. [document reference: MSS.177/6/1/4] Page from the notebook of Miss W.B. Wakefield, student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, 1921-1926. This book was used for notes and illustrations relating to a course on laundry, taken during 1921-1922. The page on the left contains tiny folded knickers, nightdress and handkerchief made out of paper. The page on the right contains course notes on ironing. Page from the notebook of Miss W.B. Wakefield, student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, 1921-1926. This book was used for notes and illustrations relating to a course on laundry, taken during 1921-1922. The page on the left contains samples of fabric used during experiments with dyeing. The page on the right contains course notes on dyeing and dyes. Page from the notebook of Miss W.B. Wakefield, student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, 1921-1926. This book was used for notes and illustrations relating to a course on housewifery, taken during 1921-1925. The page on the left contains pictures of bathroom appliances cut out of magazines or advertising material. The page on the right contains course notes on 'The cleaning of the bathroom', including lists of the daily work for cleaning the bathroom and lavatory.
October 22, 2025 at 3:25 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
A glimpse of Twenties fashion through the notes of a budding dressmaker in 1926

A student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, W.B. Wakefield's notebooks record the practical study deemed suitable for a young woman in the 1920s

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/ATD/...
Page from the notebook of Miss W.B. Wakefield, student at Gloucestershire Training College of Domestic Science, 1921-1926. This book was used for notes and illustrations relating to a course of dressmaking, taken during 1925-1926. The page on the left contains illustrations of women in fashionable clothing, cut out of magazines or patterns. The page on the right contains course notes on creating rhythm in designs. [document reference: MSS.177/6/1/4]
October 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
It was a privilege to attend the National Union of Mineworkers (Yorkshire Area) Miners’ Memorial Day Service at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday, an important event commemorating those who have given their lives in Yorkshire’s coal mines

Sharing stories and memories with attendees was a real highlight
Wakefield Cathedral during the National Union of Mineworkers (Yorkshire Area) Miners’ Memorial Day Service on Sunday. The photograph is a view looking down the aisle towards the altar, with people taking their seats before the service. NUM banners are on display around the church. Sarah Hughes, Outreach and Education Co-ordinator, with Steven Wyatt, a committee member of Dodworth and District Miners’ Memorial Fund. They are standing by a table in Wakefield Cathedral, next to a display board showing examples from the NUM and Yorkshire Miners' Association archives.
October 21, 2025 at 11:14 AM