Meet Ingrid Thomson
Ingrid Thomson is the Archivist at Glamis Castle. Nestled in one of the castle’s turrets, Ingrid works exceptionally hard to conserve the castle’s archives dating back over six centuries. Here she opens the doors to the past through her fascinating work.
“With every enquiry you build up another little piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
Ingrid Thomson, Head of Conservation at Glamis Castle
What do you do at Glamis?
“I manage the archives, with a focus on conservation, cataloguing and answering a variety of enquiries. The job has evolved over the years since I started in 2010 and outreach has become more important. I am responsible for planning and installing new exhibitions in the Coach House.”
What service do you provide if a member of the public gets in touch?
“I undertake initial research for up to half an hour free of charge and send on relevant information, which can be followed up if the enquirer wishes. If I can’t find anything in our archives, I always provide alternative suggestions. For me, it’s always important to be as helpful as possible.”
What kind of enquiries do you receive?
“In addition to enquiries from family and local historians, school pupils and academics, I get a lot of enquiries about objects in the castle such as paintings or furniture. The Lyon family is extensive, with various branches around the world, for example Chile, the USA, Canada and Australia, so family history enquires are common. We also get a lot of enquiries about descendants of employees but have just a few surviving wage books and photographs.”
What would you say is unique about what you do?
“Reading old Scots documents requires palaeography skills because the further back you go, the more challenging they can be, particularly in the 17th century. I’ve worked in local government archives, business archives and university archives in the past, but castle archives are completely different. As I am the sole archivist, I have to keep an eye on everything really. Thankfully I have the assistance of some wonderful volunteers.”
What’s your favourite part of your job?
“I just love that no day is the same. My job is never monotonous and I love that I’m always learning. With every enquiry you build up another little piece of the jigsaw puzzle. I love writing whether that be for the commemorative book I’ve been working on, sending emails or writing reports. Sad but true! Just don’t ask me to do anything with numbers.”
What’s your proudest achievement in your time at Glamis?
“It would have to be the book we have produced for Glamis Castle’s 650th anniversary. A Glamis Treasury features contributions from the Strathmore family, friends from the local community and members of staff, past and present. Each person was asked to choose a favourite item or event from the castle or estate. It has been a two-year project, but a hugely rewarding experience and the Bowes Lyon family have been most supportive throughout. One of the family remarked: “It’s like giving birth to a child!”, which I thought was most apt!”
From a historical perspective, what would you recommend visitors look out for when exploring Glamis?
“It really depends on what they’re interested in but from a historical point of view you can’t beat the castle building itself. My favourite room is the Drawing Room; although it’s quite grand there is a cosiness about it. It has a strong sense of history with the portraits of previous Earls looking down on you. I would also encourage people to visit the seasonal exhibition in the Coach House because it can throw a different light on Glamis”
Do you have a favourite period in Glamis history?
“I like the 16th Century which is the Janet Douglas and Mary Queen of Scots era. I also have a soft spot for Mary Eleanor Bowes who married the 9th Earl in 1767 and has a remarkable story with many interesting archives.”
To find out more about our Archives click here (link to Archives page). If you have an enquiry please contact Archivist Ingrid Thomson.
By email: [email protected]
By phone: 01307 840393
