How did you discover the history of Northumberland in the eighteenth century? What was to be found lurking in the Hermitage of Warkworth Castle on a dark and stormy night?  And why did the frogs ask for a king in Aesop’s fables?

These are just some of the questions you can explore in our interactive exhibition of treasures from among the printed books of Northumberland Libraries available at Northumberland Archives! Northumberland Archives cares for and makes available a vast array of unique archival documents, photographs, and media relating to the County of Northumberland. They also have a rich selection of rare printed books belonging to Northumberland Libraries relating to the history of the region. Unlocking the Archive was delighted when the team from Northumberland Archives got in touch over the summer of 2020, and we’re thrilled to be able to present the first fruits of our partnership here. If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do as a family, do check out the beautiful edition of Aesop’s Fables in particular.

With special thanks to Sue Wood (Head of Archives, Northumberland Archives), Kate St Clair Gibson (Local Studies Librarian, Northumberland Archives), and all their team.