Both at the University of York, Miriam won the Undergraduate Dissertation Prize with her work, ’The Household in 17th Century York' during her BA in Archaeology, she is currently studying an MA in Historic Buildings. Jack is currently studying for an MA in the Conservation of Historic Buildings after completing his BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at Durham University. Based at King’s Manor, opposite the Trust’s offices at De Grey House, it’s a stride across the road between lectures to help out the Trust’s Operation Manager Lizzie Taylor.
Miriam and Jack are currently helping to catalogue and digitise the building information that the Trust holds. The social history is fascinating, the names and dates of the evolving owners and businesses that have played a role in York’s life. Unfolded on the desk before them is the 1782 property deed for no. 12 Newgate. An impressive piece of vellum, beautifully written with multiple wax seals on the bottom.
“It’s so fascinating. Once you have been working on the archives for a while you begin to recognise names, jobs and families. When friends come to stay my walking tours around the city get longer and longer!”
Miriam Samuels
Both are looking forward to a future career in historic buildings and conservation and keen to get as much experience as possible. Miriam is also a member of the York Civic Trust Planning Club and back in Jack’s home town of Stafford, he’s currently running a campaign to save an art deco cinema building from demolition and redevelopment: ’Save Our Sandonia’.
We’re delighted to have their support with the archives and welcoming visitors to our buildings as part of our open days,
