Featured Topic: From the University's History.

The spotlight is on the history of The University of Nottingham from its origins as a civic college in the late 1800s.

We see how the generosity of Jesse Boot enabled the college to move from the city centre to the present Highfields campus in the 1920s.

Pictures show the impact of the Second World War, including bomb damage to the Shakespeare Street building. The achievement of full University status in 1948 launches a period of growth.

Student activities, such as the annual Carnival tradition, are described , and there are photographs of students over the generations. The theme of growth and globalisation includes reference to current expanstion in China.

Finally, we see examples of the variety of library collections which help to record the life and times of the University over the last 125 years.

About the Topics

In Good Health

The collections contain many items that show the changes in healthcare and medicine from the past several hundred years.

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Travellers and Tourists

Maps, illustrations and travellers' accounts describe early explorations, the experience of visiting foreign countries, and the beginnings of tourism.

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From the Cradle to the Grave

Changing experiences of birth and death, childhood and adult life, work and leisure, are illustrated in letters, images, and printed ephemera.

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By Sword and Gun

Famous wars, and the personal experiences of fighting men, are described in original manuscript accounts, photographs, posters and published records.

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A Literary Miscellany

Local authors, including D H Lawrence, join literary figures of earlier centuries in a compilation featuring satire, drama, and ballad literature.

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From the University's History

Memorable events in the history of the University of Nottingham are illustrated, from its civic college origins to current international activities.

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