Mike Covell’s Blogg

There are still some “Holes” that need looking into regarding Robert D’Onston Stephenson, one of which are the claims that his records exist covering his employement at Hull Customs during the latter half of the 1860’s.

One author actually stated they were in Hull…..Not so!

I have spoke to staff at Hull Uni Archives, Hull City Archives, Hull Local Studies, Hull Museums and Art Galleries, Hull Uni Maritime Studies Section, and several smaller groups associated with Hull’s history.

I spoke to the National Maritime Museum in Liverpool, who were sadly unable to help, unless I took out a second mortgage to pay for research!

Then I contacted the National Archives.

Now, I understand the importance of preserving history, and making it accessable, but what I discovered shocked me.

For 15 minutes research, I would be charged £15!! 

So for a researcher from their team to look for documents I would have to pay £15 per 15 minutes, lets say this runs over, £60 an hour!!

Now I used to work in a very busy retail store, running both my own shop and assisting with the running in other stores within our area, often meaning long travelling, long hours and for £8 an hour, which was considered a great wage!

Imagine then these guys are getting £60 an hour just to look!!

Add to that the cost of copying and postage!!

I have decided to take a trip there when I am better and do it myself, after all a return ticket from Hull to Kew is £86.00, which gives me a full day to research!!