What’s behind the locked doors? A glimpse behind the scenes.

Come and visit the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Southampton. This hour-long session will include time to explore rare book and original archive material in our search room relating to Southampton in the Georgian and Regency eras, including places known to and reflecting the life of Jane Austen. We are also offering a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of our strong rooms, which are specialist storage areas where we house the archives and rare books. Also included is a tour of our conservation studios.

Timings & Tours 

Friday 12th September: 11am - 12pm and 2pm - 3pm

Location & directions 

Directions: We are situated on Level 4 of the Hartley Library but we’ll meet your at the Library main reception

Contact on day: Karen Robson

Telephone number: +442380592721

Accessibility Details

Please contact us if you require disabled parking

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required

Booking conditions: Please email us to book your place

Booking contact name: Archives & Special Collections

Booking telephone number: +442380592721

Booking email: archives@soton.ac.uk

Booking opens: 14th August 2025 @ 12am

Booking closes: 9th September 2025 @ 12am

Max no of people per tour: 20

Estimated tour duration: 1 hour