The Latest Breaking News from British Library

Otherlands author Thomas Halliday: ‘Some people have insisted on reading the book backwards’

The paleobiologist and author of Foyles’ nonfiction book of 2022 on Earth’s deep past, the joys of the British Library, and how early four-limbed vertebrates helped him find his feet

The Guardian - UK · Jan 28, 2023

How British theatre censorship laws have inadvertently created a rich archive of Black history

In an age of so-called “cancel culture” it’s important to remember that for much of British history it was the state, not the masses, who censored the work of artists.

The Conversation · Jan 17, 2023

Mystery markings in 20,000-year-old drawings decoded for first time

Ice Age hunter-gatherers used markings of animals prey to store information about the behaviour of species crucial to their survival

The Independent UK · Jan 5, 2023

'Why do we have to ask London for permission?' – New call to keep Lindisfarne Gospels in the North East

More than 50,000 people saw the ancient treasure during a display in Newcastle, but there are now renewed calls to bring the manuscript back to its home region permanently

Chronicle Live · Dec 15, 2022

Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition brings more than 50,000 visitors to the Laing Art Gallery

56,663 people visited the Gallery alone, though a year-long programme of events across the North East inspired by the Gospels is likely to have attracted even more

Chronicle Live · Dec 13, 2022

The most wanted Christmas presents of the decade - in the 1920s

A lot has changed over the past century and, unsurprisingly, that includes what people would have loved to get for Christmas

Wales Online · Dec 7, 2022

‘It’s complicated – but you can’t shy away from it’: everything you wanted to know about pronouns (but were afraid to ask)

There’s a quiet revolution happening over how we address people, and behind it lies a surprising history …

The Guardian - UK · Nov 26, 2022

Last chance to see Lindisfarne Gospels before world treasure leaves Newcastle - and there's 50% off tickets

There are just days remaining before the famous book is taken off display at Laing Art Gallery and here's how to book a last-minute visit - and take advantage of a new online discount deal

Chronicle Live · Nov 25, 2022

That’s blatherskite! Podcasts plan to save endangered dialects

The Durham term for ‘gossip’ is just one of the regional words which campaigners hope to breathe new life into

The Guardian - UK · Nov 20, 2022

Mary, Queen of Scoffs: jailed monarch ate only the best, papers reveal

Newly discovered official accounts show that, while a prisoner of Elizabeth I, her cousin lived a life of luxury

The Guardian - UK · Nov 5, 2022