Director, Research & Collections, Cambridge University Library. Bye-Fellow, Pembroke College. Proctor. AIL Panel. Country House Library (2017). Private views.
Joined June 2019
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1,383 Photos and videos
Initial 'V'(erbum) at the beginning of the prophet Jeremiah:
"A A A, Dominus Deus, ecce nescio loqui, Qui puer ego sum."
Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 003; The Dover Bible, Volume I; 12th century; f.195r @ParkerLibCCCC
@CorpusCambridge
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In Yorkshire, we build things bigger. The Brotherton Library at Leeds University, opened in 1936 thanks to a gift from industrialist Edward Brotherton, was modelled on the Reading Room of the British Museum.
Except, of course, it's 20ft wider.
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Today I'll be talking about chess in my lecture series on play in medieval German literature, taking in Tristan, Salman und Morolf, Flore und Blancheflur, and King Alfonso's Book of Games, drawing on Kricstina Ilko’s excellent Speculum article on chess and the Global Middle Ages.
ALT Manuscript image of people on a boat, with a man and woman playing chess as the man drinks from a cup
ALT Woodcut showing a man and woman playing chess
ALT Manuscript miniature showing two men playing chess in front of a tower.
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Much enjoyed hearing @Nus_Ghani speaking at Stationers’ Hall last night at the annual dinner marking the granting of the Company’s charter by Queen Mary in 1557.
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I have a lovely cover!
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Apr 28
Funeral procession of Elizabeth I, 28 Apr 1603 (Images from the British Library)
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Apr 21
Even the Middle Ages had a sense of humor
Abbey of Sainte-Foy, Conques, France, c. 1050
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Apr 20
View from Queens Dock of the incredible Liverpool Cathedral.
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Apr 20
The Winchester Round Table, hanging in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, is a medieval tabletop bearing the names of the knights of King Arthur. Built in the 13th century, it was used for a tournament during the reign of Edward I of England and later repainted by Henry VIII.
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Apr 21
Morning sunshine on the Rodney Street chimney pots, in the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool. This could have been a view from 200 years ago if it wasn't for the recent addition of Liverpool Cathedral in the background😀
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I always enjoy catching Stokesay Castle from a speeding train
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Apr 21
#Tiles designed by #AWNPugin, and manufactured by #HerbertMinton. #PalaceofWestminster, #London.
Congratulations @CDJackfield @InsallArch
@seven_arch
#pugin #gothicrevival #puginwestminster #pugintile #pugindesign
@UKParliament
@UKHouseofLords
@HouseofCommons
@UKParlArchives
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Apr 21
Statue of High Renaissance painter and architecture Raphael, outside the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.
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In the crypt (1084) at Worcester Cathedral.
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Apr 15
Spring at Queen's College 🌸
📷 Instagram | UmairAtOxford (March, 2026)
ALT The Queen’s College, Oxford, with its central clock tower, framed by rows of blooming pink cherry blossom trees along a stone pathway under a blue sky.
ALT A large magnolia tree in full pink bloom in the gardens of The Queen’s College, Oxford, with historic college buildings and towers in the background.
ALT Close-up of pink magnolia blossoms framing part of The Queen’s College, Oxford, with an ornate rooftop and stone eagle statue visible.
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Could be an easy one this week, but do you know the castle from this pic??
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St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan is depicted here with St Augustine of Hippo.
BL Add MS 60629; Psalter; 13th century; Germany, W; f.163r @BLMedieval
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A 12th and 13th century representation of St Peter
BnF Latin 14789; In septem epistulas canonicas, Hieronymi Prologus; 12th century; f.30r @GallicaBnF
BnF MS Latin 14790; Epistule canonice; 13th century; f.21v @GallicaBnF
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Warm day in Cambridge? It's time to head to the River Cam 🚣 🍃 🦆
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