An annual tradition since 2016, the 20th September is the International Day of University Sport. As we celebrate Swansea University’s centenary year, this blog will take a brief tour of 100 years of sport at the University. From the University’s foundation, sport has played a significant role in student life. In the 1920s, in February … Continue reading International Day of University Sport
Did you know that we're joining in with #ArchiveZ, organised by Archives and Records Association Scotland? Since the week beginning 5 March, we've enjoyed exploring a letter of the alphabet each week, discovering fascinating items in the collections that we hold relating to Swansea University’s history. Last week was 'Q', so have a go at our Centenary … Continue reading Swansea University Archives A-Z: Part 2
During lockdown, I have been having a virtual party! I’ve socialised with the ex-servicemen of World War Two,attended Simon and Garfunkel’s concert with the hip Folk Club in Swansea,travelled the world far and wide,climbed the peaks of the High Tatras in Slovakia, and witnessed near-death experiences climbing on the Kurdistan-Afghanistan border,visited just about every pub … Continue reading Escaping lockdown with adventures in the past!
The 19th July marks the most significant event in Swansea University’s history - the laying of the foundation stone. I therefore thought it fitting to not only explore the University’s archives and relive that date, but also share how I discovered a family connection to the University’s early years. An invitation to the Laying of … Continue reading Foundations & Family History
We're enjoying joining in with #ArchiveZ, organised by Archives and Records Association Scotland! It might have been set up to showcase Scottish Archives and their fabulous collections in the 26 week lead up to Archives and Records Association conference (now cancelled), but we thought we'd take the opportunity to share some of our archives too. … Continue reading Swansea University Archives A-Z
Did you know that, since 1974, World Environment Day has been celebrated on 5 June? This year the theme is biodiversity and you can test your knowledge in the online United Nations quiz. The Archives holds collections that may be of interest to people researching biodiversity in the Swansea area. One collection of particular interest … Continue reading Lower Swansea Valley Project
When faced with the prospect of war, many people rally to their country’s call. Patriotic sentiments often act as motivating factors for volunteers to the armed forces. However, when these attitudes lose their appeal and recruiting figures stall, the state may introduce conscription, forcing able bodied men to enlist. This was evident in Britain during … Continue reading International Conscientious Objectors’ Day
Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, the Richard Burton Archives temporarily closed its doors to the public on 19th March, and since then all staff have been working from home. The last month has been a bit of a blur of frantic messages to IT, getting to grips with remote working, and an increase in … Continue reading Keeping up with the archivists
The Welsh Varsity may not be happening on 29 April this year but here's a look back to the Intercollegiate Week of the 1920s. In the 1920s, in February or March, an inter-collegiate event took place between the university colleges in Wales. This was quite similar to modern day Varsity, but alongside Swansea and Cardiff … Continue reading ‘Varsity’ 1920s style
This silk playbill produced by Ebley portable theatre highlights the important role played by district nurses in providing much needed care in a pre-NHS South Wales Coalfield when the risk of injury and death was ever present. Performances were often given in aid of a local patron’s chosen charity thus promoting the theatre owner as … Continue reading Faith, Hope and Charity!
