What are the fellowships?

'The opportunity to work intensively with the manuscript treasures of Durham special collections was invaluable. The collegial and friendly atmosphere generated in the cohort of fellows was an added bonus!'

The fellowship was excellent – the resources at Ushaw were exceptional and really helpful to my work.

While a Visiting Fellow at the DRRL I worked on two early modern topics relating to central and eastern Europe. I was able to study the English reception of the works of an Augsburg-born Jesuit, the different editions of the translation being available at Ushaw. I was also able to consult the collections in Durham Cathedral Library to explore the life of a chaplain to King Charles I, who was active in Transylvania in the mid-seventeenth century. The collection includes Hungarian-language original documents, testifying to the global reach of the collections in Durham. The whole research experience was hugely enjoyable, from the support of the library and archives staff, to plugging into the university ‘s research life and the opportunity to forge links with several academics.

Nearly five years after my time in Durham, I still remember that time fondly. It was an incredibly productive month for me, since it allowed me the concentrated time to be able to engage with colleagues, access a world-class library, and have the time and space to pursue my research and writing without interruption.

The Lendrum Fellowship at the DRRL gave me the opportunity to work extensively with the fantastic archival material of Palatinate Durham in the Palace Green Library. The fact that I was also affiliated with the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies was ideal. I received a very warm welcome here and was able to discuss research intensively with other colleagues. In addition, I very much enjoyed the possibility of unrestricted access to the libraries via the Durham Card. In terms of British academic life, it was very rewarding to get an insight into a college through St Chad's College. All in all, it was a wonderful research opportunity and it greatly enriched my personal studies.

My month spent in Durham was incredibly rewarding. In addition to having time and resources to complete a major book project about John the Baptist, it was also incredible to investigate the rare books and manuscripts related to this topic that are to be found across the university’s, Ushaw College’s, and the Cathedral’s collections. I was also able to consult the books and papers of my doctoral supervisor when I was a student at Durham University, Prof. James D. G. Dunn, allowing me to complete an essay that he left unfinished when he died.

The Barker Fellowship was invaluable because it enabled me to continue my research during a period when I was without other institutional funding. The material that consulted in Durham’s collections — about early modern market toll disputes, and grain toll disputes in particular — illuminated neglected aspects of the socio-economic history of the northeast and added new dimensions to my thinking about the dynamics that operated in similar disputes elsewhere in England.

I am incredibly grateful for the Barkers Fellowship and the generous support they have provided through their funding of the Visiting Fellowship. Their generosity has had a profound impact on my professional development and research endeavors. The Fellowship has not only provided me with financial assistance but also invaluable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through the Barkers Fellowship, I have been able to engage with leading experts in my field and broaden my intellectual horizons. Moreover, the Barkers Fellowship has fostered a sense of community and connection among scholars. It has facilitated networking opportunities and created a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, enriching my research experience and inspiring new ideas. I am truly grateful to the Barkers Fellowship for their vision and commitment to supporting emerging researchers. Their investment in the Visiting Fellowship has empowered me to pursue my academic goals with renewed dedication and enthusiasm. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained during this fellowship will have a lasting impact on my career trajectory. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Barkers Fellowship for their generosity and the transformative opportunities they have provided. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting emerging scholars is truly commendable

My DRRL Visiting Fellowship allowed me the time and scope – and, crucially, the financial support – I required in order to initiate a new research project on English northern cathedral communities in the eighteenth century. At every stage of my Fellowship, I had prompt organisational support and tie-ins with other resident Fellows and permanent members of the History and Theology Departments. No less supportive were the staff at Ushaw College and the opportunity for membership of St Chad ‘s College SCR added a much-valued additional dimension of academic collegiality. Above all, it was the helpfulness of library staff in facilitating my research that has given it such a flying start. The visit as a whole has given me what I hope will be enduring ties to many people and places in contemporary Durham.

I was honoured to be granted a Visiting PhD Bursary at the DRRL. Durham University staff gave me a warm welcome and helped me all throughout my research stay. This fellowship was a great opportunity to work on the Poor Clares Darlington Collection held in Palace Green Library. With the assistance of the archivists and librarians, I was able to consult a great number of manuscripts. These primary sources allowed me to analyse and compare different aspects of female lived spirituality within English Poor Clare convents which is at the heart of my PhD. Last but not least, this award gave me the opportunity to meet other scholars and PhD students with similar research interests. I feel very thankful for this rewarding experience.