Alan Akeroyd
@alanakeroyd.bsky.social
Archivist. Interests include archive theory, store location systems and the history of local government in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. Archives Manager for Cambridgeshire County Council, UK. Views expressed are my own.
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Despite recent challenges, our UK Web Archive team remains dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s online heritage.
Find out more about UK Web Archive recovery in this latest blog post here: link.bl.uk/aaq
Find out more about UK Web Archive recovery in this latest blog post here: link.bl.uk/aaq
The UK Web Archive: continuing our work behind the scenes
We are hoping to restore the UK Web Archive towards the middle of 2026.
link.bl.uk
February 12, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Despite recent challenges, our UK Web Archive team remains dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s online heritage.
Find out more about UK Web Archive recovery in this latest blog post here: link.bl.uk/aaq
Find out more about UK Web Archive recovery in this latest blog post here: link.bl.uk/aaq
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Genizah Fragment (Or.1080 J23): a late 12th century love letter.
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
February 13, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Genizah Fragment (Or.1080 J23): a late 12th century love letter.
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
The study points to using libraries and visiting museums as bringing these enormous brain health benefits ... who would have thought? Well, librarians and museum folk for a start ... www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reading and writing can lower dementia risk by almost 40%, study finds
Cognitive health in later life is ‘strongly influenced’ by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments, say researchers
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:57 AM
The study points to using libraries and visiting museums as bringing these enormous brain health benefits ... who would have thought? Well, librarians and museum folk for a start ... www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Well talk went well and I enjoyed the chance to look round Ely market. Glad to see the pride flag flying. Off for a week annual leave now.
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Well talk went well and I enjoyed the chance to look round Ely market. Glad to see the pride flag flying. Off for a week annual leave now.
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
This weekend, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 February, discover the astonishing high end fashion of the 17th century with our Royal Fashion event. On Saturday, learn about the clothing of the early 1600s, Sunday that of the Restoration & 1660s. Details at: cromwellmuseum.org/events/royal...
February 12, 2026 at 9:19 AM
This weekend, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 February, discover the astonishing high end fashion of the 17th century with our Royal Fashion event. On Saturday, learn about the clothing of the early 1600s, Sunday that of the Restoration & 1660s. Details at: cromwellmuseum.org/events/royal...
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
@alanakeroyd.bsky.social definitely one for your personal archives (sorry that’s such a bad joke!)
Such a wonderful way to see you and the work of your team recognised!
#CambridgeshireCountyCouncil #ProudCEO
Such a wonderful way to see you and the work of your team recognised!
#CambridgeshireCountyCouncil #ProudCEO
February 4, 2026 at 9:12 PM
@alanakeroyd.bsky.social definitely one for your personal archives (sorry that’s such a bad joke!)
Such a wonderful way to see you and the work of your team recognised!
#CambridgeshireCountyCouncil #ProudCEO
Such a wonderful way to see you and the work of your team recognised!
#CambridgeshireCountyCouncil #ProudCEO
Hey it's February already and my lovely desk calendar now shows Sidney Inskip Ladds (1867-1950), an architect who was one of the small but very busy group of Huntingdonshire antiquarians back in the early 20th century. Ladds designed the Norris Museum in St Ives, where his papers are now kept
February 3, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Hey it's February already and my lovely desk calendar now shows Sidney Inskip Ladds (1867-1950), an architect who was one of the small but very busy group of Huntingdonshire antiquarians back in the early 20th century. Ladds designed the Norris Museum in St Ives, where his papers are now kept
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
"average archivist eats 3 documents a year" factoid actualy just statistical error. average archivist eats 0 documents per year. Documents Georg, who lives in the strongroom & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted
February 2, 2026 at 4:05 PM
"average archivist eats 3 documents a year" factoid actualy just statistical error. average archivist eats 0 documents per year. Documents Georg, who lives in the strongroom & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Thanks to @thefnl.bsky.social this exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge in Devon has been acquired for public research at the Devon Heritage Centre, after more than four centuries in private hands.
January 30, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Thanks to @thefnl.bsky.social this exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge in Devon has been acquired for public research at the Devon Heritage Centre, after more than four centuries in private hands.
Fantastic! Nothing better than the history of local government 😀
Writing a talk about the history of the Cambridgeshire library service - turned into a bit of a history of local government in Cambridgeshire but ah well! Here's the old Cambridgeshire County Library HQ in the grounds at Shire Hall in Cambridge in the 1960s.
January 29, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Fantastic! Nothing better than the history of local government 😀
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Great to see a full page and a half about Cambridgeshire Archives in the Cambridge Independent this week. You're famous @alanakeroyd.bsky.social!
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Great to see a full page and a half about Cambridgeshire Archives in the Cambridge Independent this week. You're famous @alanakeroyd.bsky.social!
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Delighted our grant enabled Dorset History Centre to acquire this fascinating manuscript. Dr Giles Roberts (1766-1834) was a key personality in Bridport's history. In 1807 he was appointed Medical Attendant there and campaigned for better hygiene and public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Apothecary's manuscript acquired at auction
Dr Giles Roberts came up with the
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Delighted our grant enabled Dorset History Centre to acquire this fascinating manuscript. Dr Giles Roberts (1766-1834) was a key personality in Bridport's history. In 1807 he was appointed Medical Attendant there and campaigned for better hygiene and public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Veiling the Holy: Textiles in Ethiopic Manuscripts, from @visithmml.bsky.social
hmml.org/stories/seri...
hmml.org/stories/seri...
Veiling the Holy: Textiles in Ethiopic Manuscripts
“Textiles play a vibrant role in the churches of Ethiopia and Eritrea...”
hmml.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Veiling the Holy: Textiles in Ethiopic Manuscripts, from @visithmml.bsky.social
hmml.org/stories/seri...
hmml.org/stories/seri...
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
The Garth Gold Mine in Cilcain was thought to be the richest goldfield in Wales upon its discovery in 1889! This map held at North East Wales Archives shows the area that brough wealth and fortune to the Welsh economy, and where many thought X marked the spot!
@newalesarchives.bsky.social
@newalesarchives.bsky.social
January 22, 2026 at 9:53 AM
The Garth Gold Mine in Cilcain was thought to be the richest goldfield in Wales upon its discovery in 1889! This map held at North East Wales Archives shows the area that brough wealth and fortune to the Welsh economy, and where many thought X marked the spot!
@newalesarchives.bsky.social
@newalesarchives.bsky.social
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Today is #NationalPieDay , to celebrate we have a 18thc recipe for Chicken pie from the Bulwer collection. Could this be the earliest reference to 'pulled chicken'? #recipes #NorfolkHistory
January 23, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Today is #NationalPieDay , to celebrate we have a 18thc recipe for Chicken pie from the Bulwer collection. Could this be the earliest reference to 'pulled chicken'? #recipes #NorfolkHistory
A hydroplane near Huntingdon in 1913. This is one of a recent accession of stereo photos received at #huntingdonshirearchives, and the collection includes the handheld viewer too, so searchers who visit us in person can get the full stereo effect. More info in the Alt
#randomdocument
#randomdocument
January 14, 2026 at 10:58 AM
A hydroplane near Huntingdon in 1913. This is one of a recent accession of stereo photos received at #huntingdonshirearchives, and the collection includes the handheld viewer too, so searchers who visit us in person can get the full stereo effect. More info in the Alt
#randomdocument
#randomdocument
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Oh, the skill, the craftspersonship! Back at the Bodleian Treasures exhibition to marvel at this 15th or 16thC Qur’an (MS Ouseley Add. 178) and the 8thC MacRegol Gospels (MS Auct. D.219) with its Old English glosses.
January 13, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Oh, the skill, the craftspersonship! Back at the Bodleian Treasures exhibition to marvel at this 15th or 16thC Qur’an (MS Ouseley Add. 178) and the 8thC MacRegol Gospels (MS Auct. D.219) with its Old English glosses.
We have been accredited by TNA for another three years! Thank you so much to the Cambridgeshire County Council archives team whose hard work and dedication has achieved this recognition www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
#cambridgeshirearchives #huntingdonshirearchives #cambridgeshire
#cambridgeshirearchives #huntingdonshirearchives #cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire archives services recognised with national re-accreditation
Cambridgeshire Archives has had its accreditation status renewed following an inspection from The National Archives (TNA).
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
We have been accredited by TNA for another three years! Thank you so much to the Cambridgeshire County Council archives team whose hard work and dedication has achieved this recognition www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
#cambridgeshirearchives #huntingdonshirearchives #cambridgeshire
#cambridgeshirearchives #huntingdonshirearchives #cambridgeshire
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
One of the prettiest and most interestingly-detailed church doors I have seen…the 17th century north door (set in 14th century doorway) at St. James’ Church, Croxton, Cambridgeshire 😍
Detail in comment below…
Detail in comment below…
January 5, 2026 at 4:55 PM
One of the prettiest and most interestingly-detailed church doors I have seen…the 17th century north door (set in 14th century doorway) at St. James’ Church, Croxton, Cambridgeshire 😍
Detail in comment below…
Detail in comment below…
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
Looking to boost your historical research skills in 2026? Check out our range of research training and short courses. More coming in Term 3!
www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
Research Training and Short Courses
The IHR offers a wide range of training courses for historians at all career stages, from digital research and oral history to archives and publishing.
www.history.ac.uk
January 2, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Looking to boost your historical research skills in 2026? Check out our range of research training and short courses. More coming in Term 3!
www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
Back at work today and my new desk calendar shows Rev Evelyn-White, rector of Rampton and dedicated local antiquarian. In 1900 he left the Cambridge Antiquarian Society to form his own group, the Cambs and Hunts Archaeological Society. Splitter!
January 2, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Back at work today and my new desk calendar shows Rev Evelyn-White, rector of Rampton and dedicated local antiquarian. In 1900 he left the Cambridge Antiquarian Society to form his own group, the Cambs and Hunts Archaeological Society. Splitter!
I've done very well in the work Secret Santa this year - this is the Official Huntingdonshire Archivists and Antiquarians Calendar 2026, only one of it has been printed, and it's for me! - I feel so honoured. Thank you to Esther and the team! We'll see who the pictures show as the months roll by 😀
December 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
I've done very well in the work Secret Santa this year - this is the Official Huntingdonshire Archivists and Antiquarians Calendar 2026, only one of it has been printed, and it's for me! - I feel so honoured. Thank you to Esther and the team! We'll see who the pictures show as the months roll by 😀
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
At the outbreak of the war, physicist James Chadwick had been studying beta radiation in Berlin. He was later held as a civilian Prisoner of War at the Ruhleben camp.
In the Chadwick papers, we hold the postcards that James sent to his mother in Christmas 1915 and 1916.
In the Chadwick papers, we hold the postcards that James sent to his mother in Christmas 1915 and 1916.
December 10, 2025 at 12:27 PM
At the outbreak of the war, physicist James Chadwick had been studying beta radiation in Berlin. He was later held as a civilian Prisoner of War at the Ruhleben camp.
In the Chadwick papers, we hold the postcards that James sent to his mother in Christmas 1915 and 1916.
In the Chadwick papers, we hold the postcards that James sent to his mother in Christmas 1915 and 1916.
Thrilled to have been able to purchase this document from a private owner in South Africa, thanks entirely to the generosity of the Friends of the Nations' Libraries. Thank you @thefnl.bsky.social! #cambridgeshirearchives
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
Cambridgeshire Archives acquires 18th Century Chesterton terrier
Cambridgeshire Archives have secured grant funding to acquire a ‘terrier’ - which offers a snapshot of 18th century life in Chesterton, Cambridge.
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk
December 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Thrilled to have been able to purchase this document from a private owner in South Africa, thanks entirely to the generosity of the Friends of the Nations' Libraries. Thank you @thefnl.bsky.social! #cambridgeshirearchives
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/cambrid...
Reposted by Alan Akeroyd
This Thursday sees the second of our online lectures, with Edward Davis giving a different perspective from his new biography on the military career of the Second Earl of Manchester during the Civil Wars. More details at: www.cromwellmuseum.org/events/cromw...
November 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This Thursday sees the second of our online lectures, with Edward Davis giving a different perspective from his new biography on the military career of the Second Earl of Manchester during the Civil Wars. More details at: www.cromwellmuseum.org/events/cromw...