Links to external archives
Institutions holding information about Skokholm
The Alexander Library,
Edward Grey Institute,
Zoology Department,
South Parks Road,
Oxford,
OX1 3PS.
Tel: 01865 271143
Website: http://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/alexanderlibrary
Online catalogue: solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/
Visitors must contact the Librarian, Sophie Wilcox, to make an appointment beforehand. The Library holds a vast amount of material relating to Skokholm, most (but not all) of it ornithological. Much is pure academic research including ringing recovery cards, manuscript books, theses, early log books, etc. as well as published papers, but the collection also includes “The Island Naturalist”, news items from Dyfed Wildlife Trust etc. The Library holds material relating to individuals John Buxton and Peter Condor.
NB. The Alexander Library has temporarily relocated to Level 2 of the Radcliffe Science Library.The Bird Observatories Council
c/o Alison Duncan,
North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory,
Twingness,
North Ronaldsay,
Orkney,
KW17 2BE.
Email: info@birdsobscouncil.org.uk
Tel: 01857 633200
Website: www.birdobscouncil.org.uk
NB. The BOC does not hold any archives itself but the BTO Library has microfilm records of BOC archives.British Birds
Website: https://britishbirds.co.uk/
Published since 1907, the full text of articles up to and including 2011 can be downloaded. A search for “Skokholm” produces over 100 articles.
British Library Sound Archive
Sound and Vision Reference Service,
The British Library,
96 Euston Road,
London,
NW1 2DB.
Tel: 020 7412 7831
Email:
Website: www.sounds.bl.uk
The British Library holds nearly 200 sound recordings relating to Skokholm, of which over 30 (mostly from the 1960s) are accessible online. The rest can be found via an online search of the catalogue but it is necessary to make an appointment to listen to them in the Library.
British Trust for Ornithology
The Nunnery,
Thetford,
Norfolk,
IP24 2PU.
Tel: 01842 750050
Email: library@bto.org
Website: https://www.bto.org/library
Online catalogue: https://britor.cirqahosting.com/
The BTO holds an extremely comprehensive collection of material relating to birds. It is primarily for the use of staff and members but non-members can also use it, and a guide “Using the BTO Chris Mead Library” is provided on the website. Particularly useful is the ONLINE RESOURCES section which provides links to open access information, including numerous journals.
Cornwall Record Office.
Old County Hall,
Truro,
Cornwall,
TR1 3AY.
Tel: 01872 323127
Email: cro@cornwall.gov.uk
Website: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/community-and-living/records-archives-and-cornish-studies/
Online catalogue:
https//www.cornwall.gov.uk/community-and-living/records-archives-and-cornish-studies/online-catalogues/
Information about the Alice Williams. See records FS.3/1520, CE/F/4/8, MSR/13(1-9) Log books from early 1870s, 1890, 1893 and 1894.
NB The Cornwall Record Office will be closed from autumn 2018 before reopening in 2019 as part of Kresen Kernow.Dyfed Archaeological Trust
The Corner House, 6 Carmarthen St., Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6AE.
Tel: 01558 823121/823131
Email: info@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk
Website: www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk
Archwilio, the online access system to the Historic Environment Records (HERs) of Wales, is available at: www.archwilio.org.uk and includes 5 records relating to Skokholm.
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
Clerkenwell
EC1R 0HB
Tel: 020 7332 3820
Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Online catalogue: http://search.lma.gov.uk/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/LMA?LOGONFORM
You will need to register for a “History Card” before you can access original documents, but you can register either online before visiting or when you get there.
The LMA holds archives from Trinity House (because it is within the City of London) and therefore some documents relating to the building and running of the lighthouse on Skokholm.
See Trinity House Wardens Committee Minutes (1916), Trinity House Board Minutes (1915, 1916), Trinity House Visiting Committee (1913-18, 1922-24), Trinity House Lighthouse Service Station Book, Trinity House Register of Pensionable Employees (1870-1931), Trinity House Service Seniority Register (1914-72), Trinity House Light Committee Minutes (1941, 1966).
Mary Gillham Archive
Website: http://www.marygillhamarchiveproject.com/
Skokholm Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/albums/72157693378173235
National Library of Wales
Penglais Rd.,
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3BU.
Tel: 01970 632933
Email: enquiry@llgc.org.uk or use online form
Website: https://www.llgc.org.uk
An online search for “Skokholm” in the catalogue brings up 185 items, 60 of which can be accessed online. Searches can be refined in a variety of ways. A search for “Lockley, R. M.” brings up over 400 items! To access material in the library you will have to register for a Reader’s Ticket but this can be done partly online before you visit.
Natural Resources Wales
Library,
Maes y Ffynnon,
Penrhos Road,
Bangor,
Gwynedd,
LL57 2DW.
Tel: 0300 065 4121/4890
Email: library@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Website: https://naturalresources.wales/
Online catalogue: https://libcat.naturalresources.wales/webview/
A search on “Skokholm” as a keyword produces 51 results, mostly scientific but also more popular material including Lockley’s books. The library is open to the public but you should make an appointment first.
Pembrokeshire County Record Office/Pembrokeshire Archives
Prendergast,
Haverfordwest,
SA61 2PE
Tel: 01437 775456
E-mail: record.office@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Website: http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=107,1447&parent_directory_id=646
Online catalogue: http://records.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/calmview/
You will need to register for an Archives Wales Reader’s Ticket, using a form which can be downloaded, in order to access any documents.
Because it includes legal documents, the Archives holds information on the ownership, leasing, condition and management of Skokholm, but it is also the depository for the writings of individuals such as John Fursdon and Roscoe Howells who wrote about the island.
Pembrokeshire Local Studies Library
Prendergast,
Haverfordwest,
SA61 2PE.
Tel:01437 445248
Email: haverfordwestlibrary@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
This is now located within the Pembrokeshire Archives and you will need to register for an Archives Wales Reader’s Ticket to access documents (see Pembrokeshire Archives above). The Local Studies Index (which identifies items relating to Skokholm) is available in the research room but most of the material itself is in the Archive Repository and has to be retrieved by a member of staff. The Library holds a large collection of cuttings from local and national newspapers, magazines and journals, as well as copies of leaflets, booklets and books about the islands.
Royal Commission Ancient & Historic Monuments Wales
Ffordd Penglais,
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3BU.
Tel: 01970 621200
Email: nmr.wales@rcahmw.gov.uk
Website: https://rcahmw.gov.uk/home/
Search facility via Coflein Mapping at: map.coflein.gov.uk/
Using “Skokholm” or “Skomer” as search term brings up a map and records of sites on the islands as well as associated material.
Welsh Wildlife Centre (part of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales)
Cilgerran,
Cardigan,
Pembrokeshire,
SA43 2TB.
Tel: 01239 621 600
Holds runs of Nature in Wales, Trust Bulletin, Welsh Wildlife, West Wales Naturalists’ Trust, Dyfed Wildlife Trust, Wildlife, Natural World Wales, Welsh Wildlife (1955-2011), Skokholm Bird Observatory Reports (1936-1972), Skokholm & Skomer Nature Reserves Report (1973-76), The Island Naturalist (1995-2003) and other odd items.
NB. Not sure that these are easily accessible – trying to find out!Wildlife Sound Recording Society
Website: https://www.wildlife-sound.org/
Enquiries: https://www.wildlife-sound.org/contact-us/57-contact-us/279-contact-us-form
The Society has visited Skokholm in the past and members have made recordings on the Island.
NB The Society does not hold an archive but some recordings are archived in the British Library Sound Archive (see above).