Shropshire Archives attracts academic visitors

Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives service has seen a big increase in the number of overseas academic customers this year, following the release of more information online.  

Since the launch of the Shropshire section of The National Archives’ online Manorial Documents Register in February 2011, there has been increased interest in the county’s manorial records held at Shropshire Archives.  Over the summer the records have attracted the interest of a number of overseas academics. 

Councillor Mike Owen, Cabinet member for tourism and culture, said:

“It is good to see Shropshire’s outstanding records being used by academics from across the world.  Manorial records are also useful for anyone looking into family and local history.  All the Shropshire records can now be easily searched online.” 

The most recent researcher to use the records is Dr Philip Slavin of McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, who is researching the economic and environmental history of late medieval England.  Dr Slavin, who has been researching the subject for 7 years, said:

“Shropshire is a great place to research as the county’s manorial records have not been much used by others. 

“I hope my research will shed light on a little-known area.  I’d also like to thank the staff at Shropshire Archives who have been very helpful in enabling me to make the best use of my limited research time.” 

The online catalogue, which is part of The National Archives’ online Manorial Documents Register, can be found at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/mdr

For further details on visiting Shropshire Archives call 01743 255350 or visit us online at www.shropshirearchives.org.uk or email archives@shropshire.gov.uk.