I hesitate to pen an article on this particular topic, on account that I am largely unfamiliar with the subject matter. For here we have a library & archive repository in Newcastle that I have never previously visited - which is amazing, really, as it specialises in local history. I am talking about the Great North Museum: Hancock's Library & Archive.
Much of what you can find here was once held on the upper floor of the Black Gate, when the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne was based there. That is the only other time I have previously browsed their holdings - and that was several decades ago. And what we have here is the combined collections of several institutions. I shall not tell you exactly what in order that you may be forced to visit their website. Believe me, if you're interested in history, archaeology, natural history - or pretty much anything to do with the region's past - then you should keep this place in mind during the course of your studies. And in addition to what you see on show, you can use the library catalogue to see if they've got something of interest hidden away behind the scenes.
It can be found on the 2nd floor, at the very rear of the Great North Museum: Hancock. It is quite an adventure trying to find the place, but you can just wander in without an appointment - but please note the limited opening hours. There is no membership scheme, but the actual borrowing of books is restricted to members of the participating bodies (Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, Natural History Society of Northumbria, and Newcastle University). Still, though, it really is quite something, and deserves to be more widely known and/or used.
So go and have a look next time you're at the Hancock.
