Rough on the eyes
After several productive hours in the Records Office today, I've learned one thing: Newsprint in the 19th century was tiny! I don't know if Prestonians in the 1800s had bionic eyesight or what, but reading the three days' worth of newpapers I read this morning just about did my eyes in. But it was worth it, I guess, because I did get some information that may be useful.
I also found a map from 1835 today that spoke of recommendend changes to the River Ribble. The Ribble was eventually dredged, which changed its course. While my thesis is a social history and, thus, unconcerned with environmental issues, I am taking an environmental history course in the fall. So I thought I'd do some work in that field, as well, in anticipation of a research paper for the class. While the map, itself, is interesting, the main thing I discovered is the cost of getting copies is outrageous!!! The map was too big to copy, so it would have to be scanned. It's actually the largest type of paper available. Which meant it would cost me 19 pounds for a black and white image. 19! Luckily, the lady helping me said I had a much nicer option. For 5 pounds, I can get a photography license that allows me to take as many photos of documents that I want (assuming said photographs are within copyright terms). It's 5 quid a day, but if I'm organized, I should be able to get copies of many documents. Since it's 50p a copy for normal-sized documents and a blooming arm and a leg for larger ones that need scanning, this is clearly the cheaper option. And with the dollar falling to the pound, cheaper is necessary.
So tomorrow I'm back with camera in hand ready to pounce. I not only have the map waiting for me, but a couple of boxes of documents from the estate of Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby - a powerful and influential nobleman of 19th-century Preston. Look out documents, it's time for your close-ups.
I also found a map from 1835 today that spoke of recommendend changes to the River Ribble. The Ribble was eventually dredged, which changed its course. While my thesis is a social history and, thus, unconcerned with environmental issues, I am taking an environmental history course in the fall. So I thought I'd do some work in that field, as well, in anticipation of a research paper for the class. While the map, itself, is interesting, the main thing I discovered is the cost of getting copies is outrageous!!! The map was too big to copy, so it would have to be scanned. It's actually the largest type of paper available. Which meant it would cost me 19 pounds for a black and white image. 19! Luckily, the lady helping me said I had a much nicer option. For 5 pounds, I can get a photography license that allows me to take as many photos of documents that I want (assuming said photographs are within copyright terms). It's 5 quid a day, but if I'm organized, I should be able to get copies of many documents. Since it's 50p a copy for normal-sized documents and a blooming arm and a leg for larger ones that need scanning, this is clearly the cheaper option. And with the dollar falling to the pound, cheaper is necessary.
So tomorrow I'm back with camera in hand ready to pounce. I not only have the map waiting for me, but a couple of boxes of documents from the estate of Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby - a powerful and influential nobleman of 19th-century Preston. Look out documents, it's time for your close-ups.
You are SO LUCKY to be able to photograph your documents!! At the AGI in Sevilla, that is not an option. I have to order copies of some documents and microfilm (ugh) of others, but haven't figured out how to negotiate the process yet because it's complicated and involves prepaying at the AGI's bank. I'll let you know how it goes!
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