29 November 2025

An Early History of Sheffield 

You can see here the cover of a typescript volume detailing the history of the Vincentian mission in Sheffield, written nearly completely in 1861. The original manuscript was written by Father Michael Burke ISCM [indignus Sacerdos Congregationis Missionis] before being typed. As can be seen from the photograph, the cover of the typescript document is very brittle, due to the acidity of the paper itself, and probably because of exposure to the surrounding environment over time. On the left and right, you can see where archival quality tape has been used to stabilise the edges so that they will not tear or crease further.

However, to the right of the centre, we can see where, in the past, a long tear was ‘repaired’ by conventional sticky tape. Over time, it has caused a yellowing of the page underneath, and when it eventually falls off, there will be a remaining residue of colour and small flakes of adhesive substance, as well as a return of the brittleness of the tear. The archival grade tape used to stabilise the edges of the cover are sufficient to stop a hand or sleeve catching on the uneven edges of the page and causing a worse tear, but the best solution is for a conservator to use Japanese tissue paper. A blog post by Preservation Equipment Limited shows how this is done: https://preservingforthefuture.blogspot.com/2016/01/paper-repairs-with-japanese-tissue.html

Regarding the cover of the typed history of the Vincentians in Sheffield in its first decade, it is interesting to see the extensive dedication of the Sheffield history to God by Father Michael Burke.

From the top of the page downwards, we see:

“Deo Vota Sit Vita Mea M.B.” – May my life [Michael Burke] be consecrated to God

“Haec olim meminisse juvabit” – Someday these things will be remembered with joy

“A.M.D.G.A.” – Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam [in Aeternam] – For the greater glory of God [forever]

“I humbly beg leave to dedicate this little Work imperfect as it is to Divine Providence of Whose doings and dispensations in regard of this Mission it is a faithful history.”

“Soli Deo Honor et Gloria” – To God Alone be Honour and Glory

“J.M.J.V.” – Jesus Mary Joseph Vincent