The Ballad of Chetham's Library
My name is Sophie and as part of my MA in History at the University of Manchester I have been working with Chetham's Library to help produce interpretative content for their project 'The Ballad of Chetham's Library'. This website is the product of my time at Chetham's and forms part of their digital outreach for the project.
The MA at Manchester offers a specialized focus on public history and opportunities for students to acquire practical experience in the cultural sector.
This placement has helped me develop an appreciation for this kind of profession and has advanced individual transferable skills for work in historical public outreach. Most beneficial for me has been the opportunity to gain experience in using digital technology as a interpretative tool.
The project has greatly complemented my interest in early modern history and advanced my knowledge of street literature. Below is a selection of some of my favourite ballads of the Halliwell-Phillips collection, which is the collection I have engaged most with during my placement:
About Chetham's Library
Chetham’s Library was founded in 1653 and is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. It is an independent charity and remains open to readers and visitors free of charge, although we suggest a minimum donation of £3.
The entire collection at Chetham’s Library has been designated as one of national and international importance, an accolade of which we are extremely proud.
The Library began acquiring books in August 1655, and has been adding to its collections ever since. As well as a fine collection of early printed books, the collections include a wealth of ephemera, manuscript diaries, letters and deeds, prints, paintings and glass lantern slides.
