Conservation efforts are currently underway in Ireland to restore some of the country’s oldest documents, including a parish registry dating back to medieval times. The 650-year-old ecclesiastical register once belonging to Archbishop Milo Sweteman of Armagh is currently being meticulously restored by experts at the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
The initiative to preserve these important historical texts is vital, as many documents were destroyed or stolen during Ireland’s long history of foreign occupation, particularly by the British. The ecclesiastical registers contain copies of documents from the archbishops’ administration work, including legal papers, official letters, correspondence, receipts, and wills.
One such register, belonging to Archbishop John Swayne from 1418 to 1438, has already been restored and digitized with a translated summary. The restoration process involves removing acidic tracing paper that was placed on top of the pages in the early 20th century, which actually accelerated the corrosion of the ink and paper.
The team at PRONI is using specialized gel to remove the tracing paper before proceeding with a low-pressure washing process and repairing the pages with Japanese kozo paper and wheat starch paste. A similar process is being carried out on a third register that belonged to Archbishop Nicholas Fleming from 1400 to 1418.
Sarah Graham, head conservationist at PRONI, highlighted the rarity of paper predating 1450, particularly in Ireland where it didn’t come into use until a couple of centuries after the completion of the registers. Research has revealed that the paper used in the registers originated from Italy and Spain.
Preserving these centuries-old documents is crucial for future generations to understand their history and heritage. Graham emphasized the importance of conservation work in stabilizing collections for public access now and for generations to come. By ensuring the availability of primary historical sources, future generations will have the opportunity to learn about their roots and history.
The meticulous restoration efforts on these ancient documents showcase the dedication of conservation experts in safeguarding Ireland’s rich historical heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
