Special Collections & Archives – Medieval and Early Modern Studies library resource guide

Special Collections & Archives look after over 150 archival collections, many of which are of local, national and international interest. Please see this introduction video to find out more; the Special Collections & Archives blog is also regularly updated with in-depth pieces and news. Special Collections & Archives also runs a session through the Graduate School Skills Training scheme twice a year.

Collections of particular relevance to MEMS students include:

The Pre-1700s collection contains several hundred books and primarily focuses on literature and sermons. Highlights include a second edition of Holinshed’s Chronicles (on loan from the Marlowe Society), a first edition of the works of Benjamin Johnson, a 1598 edition of Chaucer’s works and many religious texts.
- A video of The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer (1598) can be found here.
The library of Dr R.E.W Maddison focuses on the history of science from the 15^th – 20^th centuries. The collection contains the Library’s only incunabula and is a fantastic resource in charting the development of natural philosophy (particularly chemistry and physics) into the three distinct disciplines of today.
The Theatre collections support research into interpretation of medieval and early modern literature and performance since their inception; the collections are particularly strong on 19^th century adaptation and drama.
The library of scholar John Crow, who focused on Renaissance literature and ballad and song. Many of Crow’s early modern texts are part of the Pre-1700s collection mentioned above, but Crow’s library also contains an extensive number of early modern play facsimiles, books on Shakespeare and ballad and song texts.
The British Cartoon Archive holds works by over 300 artists and can be used by MEMS students to trace contemporary adaptations and metaphors of historic events and characters. The British Cartoon Archive’s vast library also contains graphic novels which can be used to explore adaptations and different media.
Special Collections & Archives works very closely with Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library to offer teaching, events and collaboration that spans both institutions’ collections.

The Special Collections & Archives reading room is in Block A, Floor 1 of the Templeman Library near the Templeman Gallery. You need to request material in advance and make an appointment to view it. The team also supports a range of education and engagement activities and are always keen to collaborate with MEMS students. If you have any questions or want to talk about all things archives, do get in touch via email.