About the event
‘Diary of Mrs Starke, relative of the playwright and travel writer, Mariana Starke, 1791’
This was how a manuscript pocket diary was catalogued when acquired by the Bodleian Library in 2010. In 2011 it was proved that the writer of the diary was in fact Mrs Mary Crespigny (1750–1812). Many of the entries were written in the form of a cipher, and attracted the comment, 'it only now requires a cryptographer to set to work to decode the sections that she wished to keep safe from prying eyes'. Twelve years later this has been achieved by a technology enthusiast.
Come and see this mysterious diary, discover the intriguing story behind it and hear how Mrs Crespigny’s code was finally broken.
Speakers
Jim Clover is a Technical Advisor.
Michael Webb is Curator of Early Modern Archives & Manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries.
Nigel à Brassard is a freelance writer and historian.
Booking information
This event is available to attend in person at the Weston Library or online via Zoom.
The event is free and open to all but booking is required. When you have booked your place, the ticketing system will send you an automated confirmation.
Book now – in person
Book now – online
Details will be confirmed to registrants ahead of the event. If you have booked to attend online, you will receive a link to the Zoom webinar in the week before the event.
Friends of the Bodleian
This talk is supported by the Friends of the Bodleian. To enjoy closer access to the Bodleian, including exclusive events and priority access to online content, join the Friends today.
For more information email fob@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Location
This lecture will be held in person in the Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre at the Weston Library.
Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
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Wheelchair access
The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible.
