Blog
Tags: Archeology, Conservation, Books, Cornwall, Archives, History, Collections
My three-month work placement at Morrab Library, by Samuel Hill
Hello readers!
My name is Samuel Hill, and I’m a History PhD student from the University of Exeter. As a requirement of my PhD being funded by the ESRC SWDTP (Economic and Social Research Centre Southwest Doctoral Training Program), I have the requirement of undertaking a three months’ work placement within any institution of my choice – with my choice being Morrab Library!
My main historical interests are the social history of the southwest, with my thesis exploring the lives of maritime communities in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly between 1750 and 1899. My thesis is exploring the various acts of resistance like smuggling, wrecking, and food rioting during times of social and economic hardship.
The reason I chose the Morrab Library for my work placement was simple. Throughout my studies, I have made numerous trips to Penzance to use the library’s broad collection of historical documents and books. Like many who use the library, I have a great fondness for the library’s incredible building, gardens, and the amazing staff who have always made me feel very welcome and supported!
My role within the library will see me work within the Morrab’s Photo Archive. The archive possesses over 17,000 photos from the local area and beyond, and it beautifully details a wide range of subjects including agriculture, community life, hobbies, leisure, working lives, schools and youth groups, transport, and even a good section on cats!
Fortunately for me, the Photo Archive possesses a broad range of photographs that beautifully illustrate the lives of maritime communities within the region. My role will be to continue to update the tags and descriptions of the collection, with my particular focus being on the fascinating range of shipwreck photos. During my time here, I will be writing blogs, an article, and deliver a talk that uses the photographic evidence to illustrate the lived experiences of these unique communities.
I hope that these blogs are of particular interest to visitors of the library and that the photos you see within the blogs inspire you to have a look at the collection! You can view them here via this link: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/photo-archive/
The Photo Archives team are available to visit in the library on Thursday mornings between 10.00am and 1.00pm, so drop in to say hello and find out more about the collections.
The visit of the Duke of Gloucester to the Morrab Library – Wednesday 13th May
The Duke met staff, volunteers and members, and was given a tour of our beautiful building and its collections. Lisa put on a display of some of the treasures from the rare books, archive and historic newspaper collections, and David Puddifoot spoke with the Duke about our photographic archive, after which he enjoyed lunch with us.
Honorary Librarian Harry Spry-Leverton, said: “It was an enormous privilege to welcome His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester to the Library today, to meet our staff and volunteers, and to inspect some of the treasures, archives and books in our collections built up over some two hundred years. The Morrab Library is Cornwall’s only independent library, one of less than fifty now across the country, and this Royal visit both confers recognition and will be remembered as a memorable and historic occasion.”
The Duke also paid a visit to our wonderful neighbours at the Gardener’s House, and took a stroll around the Morrab Gardens in the sunshine.
We loved the opportunity (as ever!) to share the story of our library, to talk about the unique collections and to celebrate the Morrab Library community.
Special thanks to the Gardener’s House for their help and support in coordinating the visit, and to Lavender’s Deli in Alverton St. for their delicious catering.
New books for 2026 (as at the end of March)
Don’t forget you can make your own suggestions via the book at the front desk – or just get in touch with library staff. The Book Selection Working Group meets three times a year and considers all suggestions.
If you’d like to read anything on the lists, just contact library staff and we’ll reserve it for you.
New Fiction in the library – as at March 2026
New Non-Fiction in the library –as at March 2026