Today the LIS group visited the Maritime Library in Greenwich. We traveled by a clipper boat to Greenwich and once there, we walked through the grounds of the Navy College and made our way to the Maritime Museum. Once inside, we were shown to the library. The library is only open three days a week for two years due to some new developments with the museum. Therefore, we were able to view the library when it is not open to the public.The Caird library and it's collection was founded by Sir James Caird in the 1930s. The Library collection includes over 100,000 books, 20,000 bound periodicals including 200 current titles and 8000 rare books dating from 1474 to 1850.
We were given a presentation of a few of the artifacts and rare books the library has in its' possession. We viewed a book dating from the 14th century, a few journals from sea Captains, and a book of maps intended for pirates.
In the rare books collection, the library has in its' possession several small books made from the wood of the ship the Royal George, who sank, without warning, in 1782. It was the worst peacetime maritime disaster. An estimated 900 dock hands, shipmates, and women and children visiting men lost their lives in the sinking.
One story that circulated about the disaster is that one little boy survived the sinking by clinging to a sheep as it swam for shore. So traumatized by the incident, the boy didn't remember his name and was therefore christened John Lamb on before of his rescuer. It isn't known if that is real or myth, but either way it is a cute story.
Until next time.
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