The Westgate Village Histories archive visit, on Friday 17 July, 1pm to 4pm, will explore the Weardale Chest Collection, held at Palace Green Library, Durham.

The manuscript material found in the chest dates from 1579 to 1660 and includes first hand witness testimonies from Westgate residents. It tells the fascinating story of a commonwealth era legal battle between Weardale tenants and their new Parliementarian landlord, Sir Arthur Hesilrige.

The workshop will include a palaeography training session using original documents, led by archivist Andrew Gray. As well as the rare opportunity to view the sixteenth century oak chest, situated in the historic Bamburgh Library.

Transport will be provided to and from Westgate Village. The minibus will leave Westgate Village Hall at 12 noon and return for around 5pm.

• Please note: The Barker Research Library, where the workshop takes place, is wheelchair accessible. However, the original chest is stored upstairs in a historic library. Unfortunately, this means that wheelchair users will be unable to view the chest in person.

Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Durham University Library

 

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.