This is a collection of material brought together by, or relating to, local nineteenth century collectors John and Thomas Bell. There are four boxes relating to the local book trade, seven more relating to the Port of Tyne, and forty packets of cuttings, correspondence and other miscellaneous items which are useful for local history.

The Marine Technology Special Collection (MTSC), is a unique historical resource of marine technical documents from British shipbuilding, including the less well documented marine engine building, ship repairing, and ship breaking industries. The collection spans the mid-19th century to 2000, with an emphasis on North East England. The collection includes company documents, technical publications and ‘British Shipbuilding Database’, which is a database of 80,000 British-built ships of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Newcastle University has made a significant contribution to this industrial heritage, while its School of Marine Science and Technology is renowned throughout the world. For over a century, it has played a leading role in the teaching and research of the marine technologies including naval architecture, shipbuilding, and marine engineering.

The MTSC, formerly managed by the School of Marine Science and Technology was transferred to the University Library in September 2024. Visit MTSC’s website to find out more details. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/about-us/facilities/marine/