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An intriguing item in the Caird Library rare book collection: 'The Mariners' Marvellous Magazine : or wonders of the ocean : containing the most remarkable adventures and relations of mariners in various parts of the globe' was begging to be introduced.

The ship's wheel is one of the most recognisable parts of Cutty Sark, and is also one of the most photographed items on board. But its popularity can also be its downfall.

Discover the story of Cutty Sark's magnificent gilding

Exotic animals have a long history in Britain. The Royal menagerie at the Tower of London was probably created in 1204 (during the reign of King John). There was an aviary at Greenwich Palace constructed for Queen Anne, which probably included both native and exotic birds, and there were other Royal menageries at Windsor, Richmond Lodge and Kew.

Whilst cataloguing a collection of papers from the early 19th century, we came across an intriguing note.

Every day at the Queen's House is like a fashion show, every portrait on display is dressed to impress. When you are surrounded by the likes of Elizabeth I, Henry VIII or James I, it's important to look your best. Luckily, the curatorial team is on hand to help. We have put together a handy list of the 16th century's must-have fashion items to keep you looking on trend in the presence of their majesties.

At the recent Caird Library Open Day it was great to welcome more than 400 people to look at some of the fascinating items we have in the library and archive collections. Two of the items on display were a volume of Navy Board In Letters and Orders and an edition of Great Britain's Coasting Pilot by Greenville Collins both from the latter part of the 17th Century. We discovered recently that these two items have a very interesting link.

On 23 August 2017, International Slavery Remembrance Day, hundreds of people walked from the gates of the National Maritime Museum, past the Old Royal Naval College and the statue of King George II to face the river Thames. They stood together in remembrance of the families separated, people displaced and the millions of lives lost as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

When browsing the shelves in the library you occasionally come across a title or name that makes you want to investigate further. One such title that stood out for me was an account of the unusually named Captain William Death and his final voyage as commander of the Terrible privateer operating from London during the Seven Years War.

Malta, rich in history, is visited by millions of tourists every year, myself included. Famous for its home of the Knights of Saint John, records of Malta's history can be found as far back as the Neolithic period. No matter where you turn on the island you run into a historical building. One such building often mentioned in the manuscripts is Fort St Angelo.