Archivist learns Latin to unlock ancient secrets
16 Apr 2025
Dedicated Northumberland archivist Sarah Littlefear is embarking on a new academic quest to help uncover the rich history buried in the region’s oldest documents - by learning Latin from scratch.
Funded by a grant from The National Archives, Sarah is taking a four-month part-time Latin course as part of her Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
The aim of the course, delivered remotely via the University of Dundee, is to equip her with the skills to interpret ancient texts, some dating back to the 12th Century.
Latin was once the common language of scholars, governments and religious institutions and remains a vital key to understanding historical records. From royal charters to ecclesiastical records a large proportion of the older documents housed in Northumberland’s archives are written in the classical language.
Sarah said: “Latin forms the basis of so many languages - it’s a great subject to learn and to be able to put into use.
“I am sure it will be challenging, but I am really looking forward to it. Being able to read original documents that are more than 800 years old will be an incredible experience that I am very grateful for.”
The opportunity to study Latin comes at a time when the future of the subject in schools has come under fresh scrutiny. The Government recently announced plans to scale back Latin teaching in state schools due to concerns about curriculum relevance and uptake.
However, historians and educators say that Latin not only offers insights into the past but also strengthens linguistic and analytical skills.
Sarah agrees, and said: “Latin remains a valuable skill for archivists. We have letters, legal records, and property deeds that span centuries. Being able to read them directly means we can uncover new details about Northumberland’s social, political and cultural history.”
The grant awarded by The National Archives is part of a wider initiative to upskill professionals working in heritage and archival fields, ensuring that vital historical knowledge is preserved and accessible.
Sarah’s course is designed specifically for working professionals, with flexibility to accommodate full-time roles, focusing on reading and interpreting historical Latin texts.
Sue Wood, Head of Archives, at Northumberland County Council said: “We are incredibly proud of Sarah’s commitment to professional development. We already have one member of the team, based in Berwick, who knows Latin.
“Sarah’s work plays a crucial role in helping to connect our communities with their heritage. An ability to understand and interpret original documents will only strengthen that connection.”