Search results
-
Lecturer’s new article reveals the early history of book collecting by the Cavendish family
Dr W. Jack Rhoden, Programme Leader for History at Lincoln Bishop University (Lincoln Bishop), has had an article published in the Midland History journal outlining the early history of book collecting by the Cavendish family. The article, the first such study of its kind, seeks to reveal the extensive book collecting activities of one of the most wealthy and powerful aristocratic families of early modern England. It analyses the early modern book collecting activities of the Devonshire branch of the Cavendish family as an example of elite cultural capital accumulation across multiple generations. Speaking following publication, Dr Rhoden discussed what readers and prospective students could expect from the article: “The article will be of interest for those who like book history along with anyone who has visited Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall and has a general interest in the history of the Cavendish/Devonshire family. It is also linked to our level 4 module - HIS404: British Libraries, Museums and Archives: A History of Collection, 1600-2000 which provides a general history of British libraries, museums and archives from the collections of wealthy individuals in the early modern period to more middle and working-class collections and the ultimate establishment of state-supported national and public institutions from the mid-18th century to the present day beginning with the British Museum.” The article, which is now available here to online subscribers of the Midland History journal, is the product of work originally undertaken during Dr Rhoden’s time as a post-doctoral researcher at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire. You can read his full series of blogs, which delve into the intriguing history of a library that has evolved over 400 years, by clicking here. -
Students discover early history of BGU
History students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln have delved into archives of student magazines to uncover BGU’s roots as a training college. The project, led by lecturer in History Dr W. Jack Rhoden, saw a group of four BGU History students work with BGU archivist Guenever Moyes to digitise and record a run of student magazines from the late 19th and early 20th century. The magazines were written and self-published twice a year by the female students of Lincoln Diocesan Training College (the college was renamed Bishop Grosseteste College in 1962 to mark its centenary) and contain a wealth of insights and information about life at the College. The first edition is from 1895 and there are contributions from former students and discussions of College history going all the way back to its foundation in 1862. We learn from these magazines that there was already an association of past members set up in 1892. The team also discovered that in its first 30 years the College produced nearly 700 students who went on to practice their profession and settle all around the globe, from North America to Australia, India and southern Africa. There is a plan to use these student magazines to inform a temporary exhibition at the British Association of Victorian Studies (BAVS) conference in mid-August 2017, and a more permanent exhibition of College history on campus in the near future. The aim of which will be to inform current and future students of the rich history of BGU as an educational institution with global reach and impact. Dr W. Jack Rhoden said, "Preserving and working on these magnificent magazines is a real privilege. They provide a window into the lives of the many ordinary women who went on to achieve extraordinary things as teachers and missionaries across the world." The project is in its early stages and is just the first of many seeking to digitise and promote the exceptional College records contained in BGU archives. Found out more about History at BGU. -
In memory of Margaret Elwell: one of the first history lecturers at Bishop Grosseteste University
Stories from the history of Bishop Grosseteste University are being told in a series of blog posts. In this instalment, Abigail White researches one of the first people to teach history a BGU. -
Black History Month 2024 at BGU!
A summary of BGU's Black History Month, hosted across campus this October. -
Local history to be unearthed at excavation
Chapters of Lincolnshire’s history may soon be uncovered at a ground-breaking archaeological excavation in Swanpool. Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) annual Archaeology Field School will mark the beginning of a significant years-long archaeological research project. Launching in June, the project aims to explore a complex, multi-phased site at Haw Hill in the Swanpool area of Lincoln, which has never previously been subjected to archaeological excavation. Located on the edge of the historic city of Lincoln, the site is believed to contain buried evidence of significant historical interest. A geophysical survey has already revealed indications of buried archaeology, and fieldwalking has uncovered prehistoric flint, Roman tile, butchered animal bones, worked limestone blocks, and inscribed post-Medieval tiles. According to documentary evidence, Haw Hill was the site of a variety of buildings and structures, including: a small religious house, St Mary Magdalene Hartsholme Hospital, a Middle Saxon church, and more. Jo Walker, Assistant Director for Western Growth Corridor at City of Lincoln Council said: “We are currently working with BGU to provide access to the land at Swanpool for this project. “The site is within the wider boundary of the Western Growth Corridor area but is separate to the development proposals set out as part of the masterplan. “We hope the project will bring many benefits in terms of skills, learning and a greater understanding of the historic value of the area.” History and archaeology enthusiasts are invited to join the BGU Archaeology Field School over the course of four-weeks. Participants will receive training in field archaeology and excavation skills, post-excavation finds processing, and data recording. All training and teaching will be delivered by expert archaeologists and qualified site supervisors, overseen by a Director of Training and Welfare. Dr Derwin Gregory, Archaeology and Heritage Programme Leader at BGU, said: "We are thrilled to launch this field school, which will not only give participants the chance to gain practical experience in field archaeology and excavation, but also provide valuable insights into the historical significance of Haw Hill. “We hope that the Archaeological Research Project will uncover new information about the site's past, and we look forward to seeing the excavation grow and evolve for years to come.” Two bursaries are available to military families, supported by Wings to the Past. This project uses archaeology and heritage projects to support personal resilience amongst Royal Air Force personnel and their families. The bursaries will provide a unique opportunity for two military families to spend time together, learn new skills, and explore the heritage of their area. The field school will run from Monday 12th June 2023 to Friday 7th July 2023. To register or learn more about the field school, email Derwin.Gregory@bishopg.ac.uk. With limited places available, early booking is recommended. -
Black History Poem – by Dr Sheine Peart
We're delighted to share a poem written by Dr. Sheine Peart, which was recited at the recent Afrocentric Fashion Show in celebration of Black History Month 2024 -
Black History Resource Pack launched for schools
Working with the Secondary Education Team and in partnership with Black History Month UK and Museumand (The National Caribbean Heritage Museum) two of the UK’s leading Caribbean organisations, Lincoln Bishop University have created an innovative teaching resource pack for use in secondary schools, ‘The Black History Month UK School Pack’. In subject specific groups, trainee teachers designed and produced new resources and lesson plans which demonstrated how Black people have contributed to the UK both in the past and present. All resources were tied to defined National Curriculum subjects and topics and featured the works of key figures such as Scottish Poet, Jackie Kay and Spanish footballer Inaki Williams which were designed to inspire, enthuse and engage young people to explore hidden histories of Black people. Dr Sheine Peart, Reader in Access, Equality and Inclusion at the University who co-ordinated the project and worked with students to create the new resources said “Working with Black History Month UK and Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum has been a fantastic opportunity for trainee teachers on our PGCE Secondary course. After taking part in the project our trainee teachers said they feel more prepared to teach a diverse range of students, and have a better awareness of the topics and issues that impact negatively on the lived experiences of their students. Our trainee teachers better understand how to incorporate the histories of people of colour into the curriculum, and are keen to continue developing their skills and knowledge. It is wonderful that the process of producing the pack has been a learning vehicle for our students, and now it will become an invaluable learning aid for teachers and young people across the UK. It’s a real win-win for everyone involved.” A recent article published in Black History Month UK titled ‘New Black History Resource Pack for schools launched by Black History Month UK to champion black history all year round, across all of the curriculum’, gives detailed information about the contents of each pack together with further information on why these resources will be beneficial in supporting all schools to effectively deliver the curriculum. Lynda-Louise Burrell, Creative Director of Museumand, who also worked on the project said: ‘A brand-new pack for schools has been launched to help schools around the UK celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of black people of African descent to the UK and around the world – all year round, across all of the curriculum, while supporting teachers and young people to talk about and understand the issues of race and equality in a post-2020 world.” Catherine Ross, Founder and Director of Museumand and Editor of Black History Month UK magazine added: “I am truly looking forward to sending the packs out to schools across the country as I know they will make a positive difference to young people, their families and communities. The packs are creative, innovative and of exceptional quality and are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I would like to thank Dr Sheine Peart and her team of colleagues and trainee teachers at Lincoln Bishop University for being the driving force behind the packs. They have worked tirelessly to create a great range of teaching materials.” The school packs will be available to schools nationwide by Black History Month UK from October onwards. Click New Black History Resource Pack for schools launched by Black History Month UK to champion black history all year round, across all of the curriculum - Black History Month 2021 to access and read the full article. -
Supporting Lincolnshire’s libraries and local history month
BGU is contributing an exhibition, ‘Gilbert Country’, which will be on view at Lincoln Central Library for the whole of May. -
BGU support archaeology project to explore military history
Bishop Grosseteste University together with Wings to the Past, are delivering a project at RAF Cosford from November 2021 to June 2022. The title for this project is ‘RAF Cosford - A Story of Resilience’ and will run over eight months offering serving personnel time to learn something new and spend time with their loved ones. The Cosford project will involve using archaeological techniques to research, survey and record some of the most fragile historical buildings on the site. A second aspect of the project will be to research the lesser-known history and heritage of RAF Cosford. The project will focus on stories of resilience, such as the prisoners of war that were repatriated through Fulton Block. Research the community hospital, and record how some of the wooden huts were at the heart of the community in the 1930s. At the start of the project participants will also be able to join a series of online lectures given by Dr Derwin Gregory from Bishop Grosseteste University. Dr Derwin Gregory, Programme Leader for Archaeology and Heritage at BGU said: “Wings to the Past not only helps to uncover some of the rich history found within RAF sites, but offers the opportunity for military personnel and their dependants to take part in archaeological fieldwork to help discover more about the community they are part of while enjoying family time together." -
A Raucous Evening of Living History at BGU
Following the success of the sell-out ‘Sex and the Tudors’ event, the world renowned Lesley Smith (curator of Tutbury Castle) returns to The Venue at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) on Thursday 12 April to bring another of history’s risqué characters to life; the always indomitable and often scandalous Nell Gwynne. For many people all Nell Gwynne is known for is being the mistress of Charles II (as well as a successful orange seller). Lesley’s show aims to shed a new light on the real Nell Gwynne, a courageous victory for English womanhood who prevailed against all the odds to become a star of the London stage and beloved of the King of England. ‘An Evening with Mistress Nell Gwynne’ will not only give you the chance to meet the pretty, witty Nell in fantastic costume but also to laugh and cry with her as she shares her fascinating and titillating life with you. The evening will start at 7.30pm with tickets at £7.50. For further information contact Daisy Wedge on 01522 585635 or email events@bishopg.ac.uk. This event is strictly for over 16’s only as any who know something of Nell Gwynne’s history will understand! To book tickets please click here. All funds raised at this event will go to the BGU Foundation Fund – enhancing the student experience and making a difference to other people’s lives.
Explore Lincoln Bishop
Browse our wide range of degree courses and find the perfect one for you.
Open days are the best way to find out what Lincoln Bishop has to offer.
Download your copy of our prospectus to find out more about life at Lincoln Bishop.