Yule never baa-lieve it: a case for the Yule Goat at Christmas
The MERL’s Collections Researcher, Tim Jerrome investigates pagan influence on Christmas traditions, and asks why we don’t include the Yule Goat in our celebrations in England.
Full Steam Ahead!
Learn about the 100,000+ agricultural engineering drawings held at The Museum of English Rural Life and the University Special Collections.
The campaigns of the Women’s Institute
Work experience student, Amelie Roome, delves into the archives of the Women’s Institute to examine the Institute’s role in the historical and contemporary English countryside.
From rats to laps: cat domestication and the role of the farm
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Tales from Beyond the White Door: written heritage conservation
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Ploughing Pioneers: Tractor history through The MERL collections
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The story of Suttons Seeds: 1806 – present
Learn about the history of Suttons Seeds, a Reading company who revolutionised the UK seed-growing industry.
An introduction to the Barnett project
The Barnett project explores the history of the sewing machine and engages in issues relevant to the textile industry in the modern day.
Why do we eat turkey for Christmas dinner?
This blog explores the history of why we eat turkey at Christmas and the story behind its growth in popularity over the last 500 years.
Heritage bakes: three historical biscuit recipes from our collections
Explore and follow three heritage recipes for baking historical biscuits, including an original recipe by Huntley & Palmers.