Research Volunteers – Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries
Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries is a conservation, research, and outreach project focusing on the mausoleum of Sir Richard Francis Burton (d. 1890) and Lady Isabel Burton (d. 1896). The mausoleum was built in 1891 by Messrs Dyke & Son to the instruction of Lady Isabel. Inspired by the Bedouin tents the Burtons slept in whilst travelling through the Syrian desert, the mausoleum is an idiosyncratic convergence of Islamic and Catholic symbolism. Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries is working to recontextualise Sir Richard Burton, his work and travels. We are looking for volunteers to help us to find out more about the Burtons’ story, impact on Victorian and religious communities, and continuing influence today.
Research opportunities include:
- Sir Richard Francis Burton, background & biography
- Lady Isabel Burton, explorer & builder
- Constructing the mausoleum, Messrs Dyke & Son
- History of Mortlake & St Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church
- Burton’s relationship with Empire & religion
- 19th century Islamic practices and community
- Victorian exploration and context
This research will include travel to archives such as the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, National Archives at Kew, and Richmond Local Studies. Reasonable costs for travel & photography permits will be expensed.
The time commitment will be dependent on you, but we envisage a maximum of 4 hours a week across a 3-6 month period.
To apply, please send a short sample of your previous research to Caitlin Jones, Burton Project Manager caitlin@habitatsandheritage.org.uk. Our aim is for inductions on w/c 16th September or 30th September.