A group of Worcester students were treated to a rare glimpse of original documents written by George III and his family as part of a visit to the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle.
The University of Worcester group was able to see the collections thanks to connections forged by their lecturer, Professor Suzanne Schwarz, during a Fellowship she undertook to research the personal and official correspondence of the 18th century king.
“I thought it would be exciting for the students to have the opportunity to work on the same type of original manuscript sources that I used during my fellowship,” said Professor Schwarz.
She added: “The excitement of working on original sources is something I share with students during all my modules at the University of Worcester.”
Among the historical treasures that were displayed for the students were Queen Charlotte’s Diary and a letter written to her from her daughter Princess Augusta, dated Boxing Day 1777.
The students also had the opportunity to see a menu book for the day of the coronation of George IV.
Isabella Pickston, 3rd year History student, said: “Being able to be up close to such important historical documents was amazing and it demonstrated everything I love about studying history.”
She said: “Trips like this support our study immensely, bringing to life the history we read about and giving it an extra dimension that I believe improves our understanding, enthusiasm, and the quality of our work.”
Professor Schwarz has an extensive background in research and working with archival sources and uses this to help her students.
She said: “I use my specialist knowledge of archival sources held in Britain, West Africa, and the Caribbean to teach students how to develop their own research skills.”
She added: “I also use examples of original 18th-century sources I have worked on from the Royal Archives, the House of Lords, the Sierra Leone Public Archives, and other record offices to enthuse students in their study of different aspects of the past.”
The experience also gave students the chance to speak to archivists and forge their own connections.
Professor Schwarz said: “The students have the opportunity not only to develop their own research skills, but also to meet archivists and other specialists working in heritage professions, and they get advice on how to gain relevant experiences for applying for jobs.”
Julie Crocker, Senior Archivist at the Royal Archives, said: “It was a pleasure to show some of our most significant Georgian archive documents to such an engaged and interested group of students.”
She continued: “I am really pleased that the experience of seeing these original documents helped to bring this important period of history to life and I hope that the visit will be of ongoing benefit to the group as they move forward with their studies.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]