'Writing under stress': the meaning and materiality of pauper letters
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Pauper letters were written in their thousands by paupers to apply for, or negotiate the terms of, relief under the old poor law in England and Wales (1601-1834). In the past, historians have used them extensively to write new and important ‘histories from below’; but up to now they have tended not to look beyond the text in order to understand key issues such as how paupers sourced paper and ink, and what it really meant for often barely literate writers to put pen to paper. In these workshops we will examine the materials of these letters, their methods of construction, and exploring what they can tell us about past lives and popular literacy.
The Writing Under Stress team:
• Professor Steven King, Historian, Nottingham Trent University
• Dr Paul Garside, Conservation Scientist, University of Glasgow
• Dr Peter Jones, Historian, Nottingham Trent University
The workshop on 16 September 2026 is suitable for enthusiasts at all levels of experience. The workshop on 17 September 2026 is particularly suitable for those with an interest in conservation science, archive practice, and cross-disciplinary approaches to historical sources. However, no particular specialism or expertise is required to attend. Booking is by Eventbrite only.
Timings
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 10 am to 4 pm
- Thursday 17 September:
- 10 am to 4 pm
Location & directions
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Full details of each workshop is given on our website. Booking is required and must be made via the Eventbrite links on our website.
- Booking website:
- https://cumbriaarchives.org.uk/news-and-events
