Primary Sources
This video presents a basic overview for how to read, interpret and understand historical primary sources, using four examples from letters and rival newspapers during the 1725 Malt Tax Riots. The video intends to highlight key aspects of primary sources to consider, including writer's bias, political/ emotional tones, subjectivity due to geographic differences, and other non-objective elements of historical sources which students should be aware of when researching.
Useful links and resources
Our thanks to the Bodleian Library for the use of the image in our banner: "William Green Jr. (fl. 1732–1752), Scene at an Oxford Book Auction, oil on canvas, 1747; Bodleian Library. Portrait LP.701, 1F.”