Category: History (Page 3 of 5)

National Tree Week

25/11/2024 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

National Tree Week

National Tree Week begins on November 25 and continues until December 3. It marks the start of the tree-planting season, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate trees. If possible, volunteers can join tree-planting activities organized by local groups and conservation organizations. If planting isn’t an option, consider finding some “Tree Time” to connect with nature in other ways.

Trees play essential roles in ecosystems around the world. They offer food, shelter, and habitats to many species while stabilizing eroding riverbanks. More importantly, as climate change remains a major issue, trees help mitigate it by capturing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, in their tissues and releasing oxygen.

Background

After the last Ice Age ended about 9,000 years ago, Scotland’s native trees and shrubs began to populate the landscape. Ancient oaks, Scots pines, and Caledonian pines once covered the region, but various events have reduced tree numbers over the centuries.

More than 4,000 years ago, cooler and wetter climates limited tree growth on higher ground. At the same time, woodlands were cleared for farming, a trend that has continued for centuries to make space for housing and infrastructure. In the early 20th century, World War I led to further deforestation, though the Forestry Commission, founded in 1919, aimed to restore Britain’s woods. While large pine plantations were created, conservation efforts now focus on diverse species to provide better habitats for wildlife.

In recent years, severe winter storms like Storm Arwen in 2021 caused significant tree loss in Scotland. Disease has also taken a toll, including Dutch Elm disease, which has destroyed many elms across the country.

The Future

Following devolution, the Scottish government assumed responsibility for forestry and established Scottish Forestry, focusing on native woodlands and conservation. Across Scotland, volunteers, conservation groups, and private estates are planting trees to increase biodiversity. For example, Project Laxford on the Reay Forest Estate in Sutherland aims to boost salmon numbers in the River Laxford by re-establishing trees along riverbanks. This project plans to plant one million trees to improve biodiversity and habitat health in the area.

Famous Trees

The Glen Affric Elm – The Last Ent of Affric: Known as “The Last Ent” after Tolkien’s tree creatures, this lone elm stands in Glen Affric, surviving Dutch Elm disease likely due to its remote location. Thought to be the last remnant of an ancient forest, it won Scotland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

The Fortingall Yew: Estimated to be 5,000 years old, this yew tree in Fortingall churchyard is one of the oldest in the world. Once used in funerals, the tree is closely linked with life and resurrection, as its branches can re-root to grow anew. Over time, it has suffered damage from rituals, fires, and cuttings. In 2015, part of the tree even changed, sprouting red berries and showing signs of stress.

These trees reveal the complex ways humans impact nature, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Find out more

You can find books and articles about trees and conservation using Library Search.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image Source: Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash

Merchiston Tower

08/11/2024 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

Bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Wanted to peek inside?

Let us take you on a brief digital walk through the Tower in the blog post. But before we go any further, we would like to add that you can tour the Tower in person and see its 500 years of history in person for free. Email us at heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that we need at least 24 hours’ notice. Group tours are available, but no more than 15 people can attend.

History of Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower has stood firm for over 500 years. Built in the middle of the 1400s, either by Andrew Napier or his son Sir Alexander Napier, both served as Provost of Edinburgh, and both moved in royal circles.

John Napier (Alexander’s grandson) was born in the Tower in 1550. Specifically, the University is named after John Napier. His inventions and contributions to Mathematics are longstanding, with his most known invention being logarithms. There is a lot of “myth, mystery, and intrigue” (John Napier napier.ac.uk) about the man, and you can read about him in a previous blog post on Edinburgh Napier University’s webpages.

The Tower remained in the Napier family until the beginning od the 1800s. It was then owned by the Merchiston Castle School, followed by Edinburgh Council. For a while, it was also a storage space for fire hoses during the Second World War. By the 1950s, the Tower was set for demolition. It was in ruined. However, in 1958, a new technical college was coming to Edinburgh. A college that needed a campus. Napier College was formed around the Tower, saving from it demolition and beginning a work of restoration. These restorations would uncover ceilings and stairwells that had been hidden for a century.

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and Edinburgh Council.

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have look. Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while, we have lovely pictures, nothing compares in person.

The original great hall stands to the left as you enter. In this hall, you will find a stunning, decorative ceiling that was commemorated during the reign of Charles II, the decorations showcasing the Napier family’s loyalty to the crown. The massive fireplace is thought to be original to the Tower. The north and south windows are original, while, the east window dates from the 17^th century. During the restoration in the 1950s, a staircase in the thick walls was found.

The once hidden staircase leads to the Boardroom that now stretches across the third and fourth floors. The fourth floor would have been a loft area, home to servants but it has now been opened up to make the room fell bigger, and to properly showcase.

The magnificent Prestongrange Ceiling, it dates from 1581. A rare example of a Scottish Renaissance painted ceiling, it was from Prestongrange House to Merchiston Tower in 1964 for preservation purposes. The ceiling is filled with art, featuring many motifs from folk plays. Truly Unique!

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

In 1550, John Napier was born in the tower house. Over 400 years later, the Tower was saved from demolition and restoration work began for a new college to be named after John Napier. Now, it stands proud in the middle of our biggest campus, home to two of our schools; School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment.

Doors Open Day

On the 28^th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. Our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

If you are interested in visiting Merchiston Tower in person, please get in touch by emailing heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Tours are free but are dependent on staff and room availability so will require booking in advance.

Please note that – due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases – the Tower is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

References

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

Black History Month: Joseph Knight

24/10/2024 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Black History Month: Joseph Knight

This October we’re celebrating Black History Month at Edinburgh Napier. And as part of this, we’d like to take a quick look at the case of Joseph Knight v. John Wedderburn, a historic legal case from the 1770s that saw the Scottish Court of Session officially declare that slavery laws were not applicable under the Scottish legal system. It marked the first official condemnations of slavery to come from a court in Britain.

Joseph Knight

Joseph Knight was a man born in West Africa around 1750. He was sold into slavery as a young boy and sent to the British colonies in Jamacia. As such, a great deal about his early history is unknown to us now, having been erased due to the colonialism of the era. What we do know is that when Knight was 12 or 13 years old he was purchased by a man named John Wedderburn, a plantation owner from Scotland. In a rarity for the era, Knight was taught how to read and write by Wedderburn. He planned to take Knight with him back to Scotland once he returned in 1769. In Scotland, Knight met and married Ann Thompson, another servant of the Wedderburn family. But when he asked to be able to live with her, he was refused by Wedderburn. Wanting to be with his wife, Knight left Wedderburn’s service. Wedderburn responded in a way that is reflective of the paternalistic racism of the era. Feeling that Knight owed him service due to the “gift” of education that he bestowed upon Knight and angered by what he saw as the loss of his property, Wedderburn had Knight arrested. A court in Perth ruled that Knight was to be considered Wedderburn’s property as per his slave contract. However, the Sheriff of Perth, a man named John Swinton, argued that the slavery laws of Jamaica, where Knight was purchased, held no sway over Scots Law. Knight should now be considered a free man in Scotland.

Court Battle

Following the ruling, Wedderburn launched a second appeal to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, the highest civil court in Scotland. He argued that Knight’s slave contract was still in effect and that Wedderburn had the right to separate Knight from his family and take him back to Jamaica. The case rested on Scotland’s ties to the British Empire and its slave trade. Wedderburn’s lawyers argued that Scotland had greatly benefitted from the slave trade, with the so-called “Tobacco Lords” of Scotland bringing a great deal of money to the country. As such, Wedderburn felt that it was in Scotland’s financial interests to give preference to the laws of slave colonies.
Knight’s case rested on the argument that the laws of slavery were unnatural and unjust and that Scotland could not be expected to uphold such laws just because they were in place elsewhere. Furthermore, it was argued that Knight should be protected under Scottish laws against unlawful imprisonment. They cited a similar English court case in 1772, Somerset v Stewart, which declared that the institution of slavery was never formally protected under the law, arguing that this meant that slaves brought to Scotland were not beholden to their slave contracts.

Court Decision

After deliberating on the arguments, the twelve judges in the Court of Sessions voted eight to four in favour of Knight. They officially ruled that the slave laws of the colonies were not recognised under Scots Law, and in fact, were incompatible with the principles that Scottish laws were founded upon. One of the judges of the Court of Sessions, Alexander Boswell, was quoted as saying:

“Is a man a slave because he is black? No. He is our brother, and this is a man. Although not our colour, he is in a land of liberty, with his wife and child, let him remain there.”

It was a landmark ruling in the history of the Scottish legal system, resulting in what is one of the first legal rulings against slavery. The case struck a blow to the institution of the British slave trade and is now looked on as a significant case in the cause to abolish slavery.

By Matthew Ferrie

Please visit Black History Month.Org

Library and Black History Month 2024

Photo by Wesley Tingey

‘Lest we forget’: Armed Forces Day 29 June 2024

29/06/2024 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

‘Lest we forget’: Armed Forces Day 29 June 2024

On the last Saturday of June every year, Armed Forces Day emerges as an annual day-long commemoration of the service carried out by those within the Armed Forces community. As well as promoting vast recognition and awareness of the sacrifices they have made and the service they have provided in past wars and wartimes. It also fosters a national appreciation of the work they continue to do today. All throughout the year, the Armed Forces community works not only to provide national security and promote peace. They also offer national and foreign aid when needed, deal with drug smuggling and trafficking instances, and combat terrorism on both a national and global scale.

Showing our appreciation and support for the Armed Forces significantly boosts morale within the Armed Forces community. Both for the veterans, current personnel and their families. There is an abundance of opportunities as well in which individuals, society, organisations, and institutions can express and demonstrate their support. You can learn more about how to show your support on the Armed Forces Day webpage: Get Involved – Armed Forces Day.

Lest We forget: Our War Poets Collection…

Craiglockhart War Hospital hosted more than 1800 officers from the First World War suffering from shellshock and various other casualties which emerged from some of the horrific experiences they encountered in the trenches. This building now forms part of one of the three campuses of Edinburgh Napier University and hosts our War Poets Collection Exhibition.

This collection is made up of just over 800 different items and archival materials, including poetic works from former soldiers including Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. A signed copies of first-edition books, and three original issues of the famous Hydra magazine. What is so unique and interesting about this collection is that most of the materials and items give a very deep and informative insight into the social and personal experiences of those who served in and lived through the First World War. The accounts and perspectives provided by soldiers, medical staff, and families of the military community during these times bring to light the raw and very real experiences and hardships which they lived through.

Starting this year with a new yearly-recurring feature for Armed Forces Day, we will highlight a different member of the Armed Forces community who was linked to Craiglockhart War Hospital. First up is:

Lest we forget: Captain James Edgar Leach VC (1894-1958)…

James Edgar Leach VC, like the soldier poets Wilfred Owen and Seigfried Sassoon, was a patient at the Craiglockhart War Hospital and had served as a sergeant in the First World War. A document written by his granddaughter Felicity, who conducted some recent research about his life, forms a significant part of our War Poet’s Collection. It serves as a memorial of remembrance of his life, achievements, and experiences during the war.

James Edgar Leach VC was noted to have been born on the 27^th of July 1894 at Bowerham Barracks, Lancaster. His father, James Leach, was also noted to have been “a Colour Sergeant with the King’s Own Royal Regiment.”

It seems that James Leach VC followed a similar path to his father and was eventually promoted to sergeant himself during the War. His courage and distinguished conduct in the First Battle of the Aisne played a huge part in helping him achieve this promotion. On 29 October 1914, he and Sergeant John Hogan were also awarded the Victoria Cross for demonstrating bravery, resilience and effective forward-planning and strategy. When serving for the 2^nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment on the field and assigned to the unit on the Western Front. The announcement made in the London Gazette, 22 December 1914, notes their “conspicuous bravery near Festubert on 29 October”. There they decided after two failed attempts at recapture to “recover the trenches themselves” on the afternoon. They were also said to have worked “from traverse to traverse at close quarters with great bravery”. And eventually regained possession successfully, having held their ground even when faced with heavy shelling. The Victoria Cross is recognised as the highest. It is the most reputable award for showing valour against their opponents on the battlefield.

James Leach VC eventually went on to receive the rank of Captain. The Victoria Cross which he was awarded can be found on display inside the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. Located within the Imperial War Museum in London. More information can be found on the Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes | Imperial War Museums webpage.

Felicity, upon visiting the former Craiglockhart War Hospital, has described that this visit made her feel a “closer connection” to her grandfather James Edgar Leach VC. She also noted the ambience of the building. Particularly within the long corridor alongside the War Poets Collection and the Rivers Suite, which she described as “impressive.” And then implied that it had brought to life an image in her mind of what the building may have looked like over a century ago. She described how the doors in front of the War Poets Collection opening “on to the former main entrance to the hospital”. And the “beautiful black and white tiled flooring” made her feel like she was “walking in her grandfather’s footsteps.”

Based on Felicity’s description of visiting our War Poets Collection, it was a very moving and reflective experience. Both the building itself and the range of archival materials and items detailing the personal experiences and hardships faced by many patients of the Craiglockhart War Hospital. It all brought to life the very real horrors of the First World War. And sacrifices made by the veterans, their families, and the Armed Forces community.

You can view all the War Poets Collection items and materials through LibrarySearch. The collection itself can also be visited and consulted during general Craiglockhart campus hours. Our Exhibition and Visiting webpage also has more information. Felicity’s written document about her grandfather can also be read in full in the War Poets Collection exhibition area.

By Rachel Downie

Learn more about the War Poet Collection.

And you can read previous posts to learn more about the collection.

World Book Day: Edward Clark Collection

07/03/2024 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

World Book Day: Edward Clark Collection

As it is World Book Day, we thought we could take the opportunity to write about our beloved Edward Clark Collection. What is the Edward Clark Collection you may ask or why is it relevant to World Book Day? Well, let’s begin:

Edward Clark Collection

The Edward Clark Collection is based at Merchiston Campus. It is part of our Hertiage Collections/Archives. We have been custodians of the collection since 1964. It is one of the only two surviving examples of what was once a widespread phenomenon in Britain: printers’ libraries. The other survivor is St Brides Library in London.

Edward Clark Collection consists of around 5000 items.

The collection concentrates on the development of typography, the techniques of printing illustrations, and fine bindings. It includes several rare imprints and some splendid examples of typographers, printers, illustrators and binders art and craft.

It has a wide range of books throughout the years, showcasing the changes in illustrations, typography, publishing and more. We think it would be a great opportunity to highlight this collection on World Book Day.

Edward Clark

Edward Clark was born in Edinburgh, to Robert and Emma Clark on 11 December 1864. His paternal grandmother Isabel was sister to Adam Black, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh from 1843 to 1848, and a Member of Parliament from 1854 to 1865. Edward Clark began business as a publisher in Edinburgh in 1815. And with his nephew founded the firm of A. & C. Black. Known to publish the Edinburgh Review for many years and acquired the copyright of Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Over the years, books that had publishing significance were bought in the name of Edward Clark, showing the development of publishing over the years.

Edward Clark Collection: Printers’ Libraries

The first Edinburgh printers’ library was established in 1858. The technical and reference collections continued to be used up until the end of the 19^th century, after which it is not clear what happened to them. Formal educational requirements for printing apprentices were established after World War I. The Clark Collection was put together as a teaching resource, mainly in the 1930s, to illustrate printing technologies, type design and book production from the 15^th century to the present day. As well as the treasures highlighted on the Collection website it is a treasure trove for the historian of print.

Heritage Collection:

The Edward Clark Collection is truly amazing, and we are grateful to the Heritage Collection team for all they do. Have a look at all they do here.

Any enquiries about our Heritage Collections at Napier including the War Poets and Jim Haynes, get in touch: Heritage@napier.ac.uk

Read about our previous Edward Clark Collection posts here

A History of Valentine’s Day

14/02/2024 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

A History of Valentine’s Day

‍Love, Legends, and Lupercalia: A Fascinating Journey through the History of Valentine’s Day ‍

Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But have you ever wondered about the origins and true history of this beloved holiday?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia and ancient Roman traditions

To truly understand the history of Valentine’s Day, we must travel back to ancient Rome and explore the festival known as Lupercalia. Celebrated on the ides of February, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It was a raucous affair, filled with feasting, dancing, and even a unique matchmaking ritual. Young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, and the pairings would last for the duration of the festival, often leading to lasting relationships and even marriage.

But where does St. Valentine come into the picture? The connection between Lupercalia and Valentine’s Day is believed to have been established by the early Christian church. To Christianize pagan traditions. Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage and continued to perform weddings in secret. Thus, the celebration of love became intertwined with the story of St. Valentine.

The legend of St. Valentine: The real story behind the holiday

The true history of St. Valentine remains shrouded in mystery, with several legends and narratives surrounding his life and martyrdom. One popular story depicts St. Valentine as a compassionate and kind-hearted man who, while imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, it is said that he wrote a heartfelt letter signed “Your Valentine” to the young girl, thus giving birth to the tradition of sending love letters on Valentine’s Day.

Interesting fact: Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of Epilepsy. Read more on this through Librarysearch.

However, it is important to note that the true history of St. Valentine is still a subject of debate among historians, and the details of his life may forever remain elusive. Nevertheless, the legend of St. Valentine has played a significant role in shaping the holiday we know and cherish today.

Valentine’s Day cards

Valentine’s Day cards, also known as “valentines,” have become synonymous with the holiday, but their origins can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during this time that handwritten love notes and tokens of affection began to gain popularity in Europe. These early valentines were often intricate and ornate, adorned with lace, ribbons, and even locks of hair. They were exchanged between lovers, friends, and family members as a heartfelt expression of love and admiration.

As the printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, the production of valentines became more widespread. In the 19th century, mass-produced Valentine cards became readily available, making it easier for people to express their affection to loved ones. These cards featured elaborate designs, sentimental verses, and whimsical illustrations, capturing the essence of romance and enchantment.

The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day

In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day transformed from a simple celebration of love to a commercialized extravaganza. The rise of the printing industry, advancements in technology, and the growth of consumer culture all contributed to the commercialisation of the holiday. Retailers seized the opportunity to capitalize on the emotions associated with Valentine’s Day, marketing everything from chocolates and flowers to jewellery and extravagant gifts.

As the holiday gained popularity, it became increasingly intertwined with popular culture, with movies, songs, and advertisements promoting the idea of lavish and grand gestures. Today, Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion dollar industry, with couples and singles alike participating in the festivities, whether through romantic dinners, gift exchanges, or simply expressing love and appreciation for those closest to them.

Valentine’s Day traditions around the world: Exploring unique customs and celebrations

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries, each culture has its own unique traditions and customs associated with the holiday. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for women to express their affection by giving chocolates to men. However, it is not only romantic love that is celebrated. On February 14th in Finland, for example, Valentine’s Day is known as “Friendship Day,” a time to honour and cherish friendships.

In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is not limited to a single day but is celebrated over an entire month. On February 14th, women give chocolates to men, and on March 14th, known as “White Day,” men reciprocate by giving gifts to women. These diverse traditions remind us that love is a universal language, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing people together.

Valentine’s isn’t just for couples! Don’t forget you can share the love with anyone, from family to friends (personally I love to celebrate Galentine’s Day with my friends). Whether you embrace the commercialised aspects of the holiday or opt for a more meaningful celebration, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder to cherish and appreciate the people we hold dear.

Resources

Want to deep dive into all things romance? Why not check out an entire Journal dedicated to the subject: The Journal of Romance Studies. Alternatively, get comfy on the sofa with a wealth of romantic movies all freely available through Box of Broadcasts.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read about how wonderful your Library is here on the blog with our posts on “love your Library”

Image Source: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

Lego Day

28/01/2024 / julietkinsey / 1 Comment

Celebrating Lego Day

It’s world Lego day today. Lego is one of those toys that is ubiquitous with childhood. Anyone growing up in the West will know immediately what you mean when you mention it. It is the joy of Children everywhere, and the thing that drives most parents mad. Is there anything more painful to stand on!?!

In fact, people who have regularly experienced walking on hot coals and broken glass say Lego is by far the worst thing to walk on (source). Feeling brave? You always have a go at the Lego Firewalk. Personally, I’d rather walk on glass or coals!

History

It was in Denmark, at Ole Kirk Christiansen’s workshop where Lego was firstborn. In 1934 it became called Lego after the Danish phrase leg godt. They were originally called Automatic Binding Bricks, but less originally they were based on the Kiddicraft Self-Locking Bricks, already patented in the UK.

Over time Lego has grown to become the biggest toy company in the world and is not only used as toys but as movies, artworks and they even made an amusement park you can visit.

Mindfulness and Lego

Lego is no longer just for children; in fact, they have many Lego sets dedicated to adults. There is some fascinating research connected to mindfulness about how doing Lego can help our mental health. We actually keep a Lego set behind each Library Help Desk you can borrow for free. Why not check one out next time you visit…if the library staff aren’t already playing with them that is!

Learn More

We have a fascinating and diverse range of materials for you to read on Lego, from issues with Dentistry (teeth and Lego are a bad mix it seems!) to build your own Lego Robots. Check out Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.. Just type in the word “Lego” and start reading!

By Juliet Kinsey

Sources: Wikipedia

Merchiston Tower

04/01/2024 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

Bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Wanted to peek inside?

History of Merchiston Tower

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and Edinburgh Council.

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have look. Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while, we have lovely pictures, nothing compares in person.

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

Doors Open Day

On the 28^th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. Our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

Please note that – due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases – the Tower is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

References

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

Craiglockhart’s War Poets and the Legacy of Remembrance

11/11/2023 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Craiglockhart’s War Poets and the Legacy of Remembrance

The War Poets were a group of writers who emerged during and after World War I, capturing the horrors and emotional turmoil of the battlefield in their poetry. This group, which included iconic figures like Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, and Rupert Brooke, played a pivotal role in reshaping the public’s perception of war and its consequences. Craiglockhart War Hospital, (now home to The Business School), served as a crucial sanctuary for many of these poets, offering them a place to heal both physically and mentally, and ultimately influencing the way Remembrance Day is observed.

The poetry of the War Poets is characterized by its poignant and often bleak portrayal of war. These poets, who had experienced the horrors of trench warfare firsthand, sought to convey the grim reality of battle. Wilfred Owen, for example, wrote “Dulce et Decorum Est,” a searing condemnation of the glorification of war. In this powerful poem, he dispels the notion that it is sweet and proper to die for one’s country, instead revealing the agonizing truth of a gas attack on the front lines.

Craiglockhart’s War Poets

Siegfried Sassoon, another prominent War Poet, criticized the war and its leaders in his poetry. His poem “The General” is a scathing indictment of the military leadership responsible for the needless sacrifice of young soldiers. These poets gave voice to the trauma and disillusionment experienced by countless soldiers and conveyed it to the world through their verses.

Craiglockhart War Hospital became a refuge for Officers suffering from “shell shock,” now recognized as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many experiencing psychological trauma, including Owen and Sassoon, found themselves at Craiglockhart for treatment and convalescence. The hospital provided a supportive environment where they could share their experiences, reflect on the brutality of war, and use writing as a form of therapy. The camaraderie and shared suffering among the patients at Craiglockhart fostered a creative atmosphere that encouraged them to express their anguish through poetry.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to commemorate the end of World War I and honour the soldiers who had fallen in battle. However, it wasn’t until the work of the War Poets that the day took on a deeper meaning. The poets’ verses, with their unflinching portrayal of the war’s toll, influenced the way people viewed the sacrifices made by soldiers. Their poetry moved Remembrance Day beyond a mere commemoration of the armistice to a day of reflection on the human cost of war.

The most famous War Poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, contains the iconic lines: “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row.” The image of poppies growing amidst the graves of fallen soldiers became a symbol of Remembrance Day. This poem, along with the works of Owen, Sassoon, and others, helped create a more profound and empathetic understanding of the impact of war on soldiers and society.

Today, Remembrance Day is a time to not only remember the fallen but also to reflect on the experiences of those who served in times of conflict. The War Poets and the atmosphere of healing and creativity at Craiglockhart War Hospital played a crucial role in reshaping this commemorative day, making it a solemn occasion that acknowledges the emotional and psychological scars carried by veterans.

The War Poets, Craiglockhart War Hospital, and Remembrance Day are intrinsically linked through their shared influence on how we perceive and honour the legacy of war. The poignant poetry of the War Poets, the healing environment of Craiglockhart, and the solemnity of Remembrance Day have collectively deepened our understanding of the human cost of conflict, ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers are never forgotten.

By Ian Sudlow McKay

Read more about the Hertiage Collections

And you can read about previous posts about the WarPoets

Preserving the Past: My Journey Volunteering with the University Heritage Collections

03/11/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Preserving the Past: My Journey Volunteering with the University Heritage Collections

Forewords

Delve into the captivating world of heritage preservation through the eyes of one talented high school volunteer. Join Charlie as he unveils his unique experiences and insights gained during his enriching half-term adventure with the Edinburgh Napier University Heritage Collections team. If you would like to consult our Collections please contact us via email

heritage@napier.ac.uk

Introduction

My name is Charlie and I am a student currently studying in my last year at Berwickshire High School. I aim to pursue history as a subject at university. Since an early age when I first began studying in high school, I have been fascinated with history and any surviving items and relics from the past. This passion was only heightened more as I studied History throughout school. This is why when I got the great opportunity to volunteer at the University Heritage Collections, I took it with no hesitation. I found many parts of my experience amazing and fascinating especially when I was working with real preserved books from as far back as the Middle Ages. This really struck my passion for history and made the whole experience worth it as the thought of holding the very same book as someone from the Middle Ages felt so strange and fascinating.

My Experience

My work while volunteering involved working with books from the Edward Clark Collection which illustrates the development of the book from the 15th century, concentrating on the development of typography, the techniques of printing illustrations, and fine bindings. My first task was to check out some of the book’s conditions and how they could be preserved better along with researching them and their origin. I also got the opportunity to spend a day of my volunteering experience doing work at the War poets’ collection which involved me getting to look at and organise real poems from soldiers who had suffered in the war. This really fascinated me as I felt like I was getting a unique chance to investigate the soldiers’ mental struggles and thoughts after their experiences on the front line. As part of my experience, I also got to complete a piece on the history of the poppy that we use for remembrance, which will support the development of a temporary exhibition. This involved looking at each type of poppy and what they mean along with the origins of the remembrance item and how it changed to become a symbol of the First World War. This really excited me as I have always found WWI to be insanely interesting and it was nice being able to research topics directly related to the war. I also got to complete tasks which involved looking at the Mehew collection, this collection is about Robert Louis Stevenson and his works which you may have heard of who’s works including books such as Treasure Island. This involved looking into the History of his works and checking up on the condition and safety of the valuable collection and implementing basic conservation measures to support delicate bindings. I also gained the chance to work with Napier’s expensive new collection scanner which I used to digitise fragile books from hundreds of years ago. Another one of my duties included Installing an exhibition about the history of Merchiston Tower and John Napier himself. Finally, my last task Included processing documentation for collection records. This taught me how to process documents and preserve important collection information for future curators and researchers to learn from.

Summary

I overall gained a lot from this experience which covered a wide range, this spanned from learning how to correctly handle historical records and valuable scanning equipment all the way to learning new information about historical time periods I had less knowledge on such as the Middle Ages and much more. I also was able to see just how fascinating it was to investigate the lives of those who came before us and how they lived their lives.

My experience in this volunteer position has further inspired me to study history at university and reinforced my love of the subject. It has also made me find a new interest in books and how they can be used to study the past.

As a whole, I loved my time volunteering, and it has given me tons of new experiences that will help me as I move forward to university next year.

By Charlie

Check out our Special Collection pages here.

Read more work experiences from other wonderful volunteers on the blog:

Part one Uncovering Hidden Histories: Provenance research internships in the Edward Clark Collection

Part two Uncovering Hidden Histories: Provenance research internships in the Edward Clark Collection

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