Applications are now open for Oxford University students to undertake a remote micro-internship with the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation in June 2021.
At Blenheim, for more than three hundred years, we have been privileged to serve as custodians of somewhere special.
Today, Blenheim Palace attracts visitors from around the world who can discover our unique history and enjoy a wealth of events and experiences throughout the year, as well as offering a venue for weddings, private and corporate hospitality and our own range of products, like Natural Mineral Water.
Blenheim Estate continues to care for the land; providing homes, commercial premises, jobs and produce from farming and forestry, for a thriving local economy.
Our vision is to both preserve and enhance our legacy, with a long-term plan to grow prosperity for the neighbouring communities who share this great place.
Background to Blenheim Archives
Blenheim Archives are owned by Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation and are housed at Blenheim Palace. The material largely consists of:
- Private and personal papers of the Spencer-Churchill family at Blenheim, the largest collection being those of the Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill 9th Duke of Marlborough.
- Daily transactions and records reflecting the administrative organisation of the Estate, including Estate Ledgers, Cash Books, correspondence, invoices and receipts.
- Manor Court Rolls.
- Land and property documents, maps and plans of the Estates in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Wiltshire.
- Records of those working and living on the Estates in the form of Wage Books, Cottage Rentals and correspondence, etc.
What you will do:
This 5 day placement will provide the opportunity to work remotely identifying and transcribing digital images of archival material relating to Blenheim Palace and the Dukes of Marlborough. It will also involve contributing to the creation of a staff database populated by identifying names from wage books dating from the 1850s. Tasks will be relevant to:
- Communications and social media
- Data collection; data mining
- Database management
- Restoration and conservation
Applicant Profile:
Skills & Knowledge
- Demonstrable evidence of a genuine interest in history and in preserving records for posterity. For example, a University degree in history or closely allied discipline and experience using archives and/or libraries for research purposes.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- A logical approach to practical tasks.
- Strong IT skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Personal Specification
- Honest, reliable and trustworthy.
- Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative, work alone, prioritise work and achieve targets.
- Readiness to work under the direction of and in consultation with the Archivist.
Further details & how to apply:
Please note that this placement will take place either in Week 9 (Monday 21 - Friday 25 June) OR Week 10 (Monday 28 June - Friday 2 July)
Students are required to commit to the full micro-internship - as with any professional placement - and any concerns about dates should be raised with the Internship Office in advance of making an application.
Application closing date: 10th May, 2021, 12pm.
Reference ID: 23NQM
For more information and to apply, visit the Careers Service website.
TORCH Heritage Programme
