Sophie Aldred

Research Topic

‘Reading at Lanhydrock’: the mental universe of Hannibal Gammon and Lord John Robartes (1619-1685)

My research is focused upon the Library at Lanhydrock House in Cornwall. I look at the marginalia and signs of 'book use' left by the libraries' seventeenth century owners (Lord John Robartes and Hannibal Gammon) and use this to make judgements as to their the religious, political and intellectual commitments. Owing to the breadth of material in the library I have been able to explore a number of additional themes including the relationship between Magic, religion and astronomy, and the practice of medicine within the houshold. I am also a co-convenor of the 'Britain in Revolution 1638-1660' seminar series.  

Supervisor: Grant Tapsell & George Southcombe