Edge Hill University Archive Campus History Tours

The Campus History Tours series was created for Catalyst Communications (CatComms) at Edge Hill University as part of an Instagram project designed to showcase the rich history of the University Campus. Each reel pairs historic photographs with present-day visuals, accompanied by a narrated voiceover. The aim was to engage students by connecting them with the heritage of the campus where they study.First reel was made in April 2025 – Hale Memorial HallDescription: The video begins outside the main entrance of Edge Hill University. Black-and-white photographs of Edge Hill from the 1930s are shown, followed by footage of the present-day campus. The video then moves through the main entrance into the reception area, and then continues into Hale Memorial Hall. Inside the hall, the furniture and large glass windows are shown. Historical photographs from the 1930s are displayed, followed by a portrait of Sarah Hale and a view of her memorial booklet.Second reel was made in May 2025 – Old Swimming PoolDescription: The video begins on the rooftop of Edge Hill University, showing a wide view of the campus. It then moves into the archive, where electronically opening shelves are shown. A box is taken from the shelves and placed onto a trolley. The video follows a walk across the campus to the site of the old swimming pool. A photograph of the former building is displayed on screen, followed by black-and-white photos of students swimming in the pool. The video concludes with a photo album placed on a book cushion in the archive, showing additional images of swimming in the pool.Third reel was made in June 2025 – Laying the Foundation StoneDescription: The video begins on the rooftop of Edge Hill University, viewed from the Catalyst Building, showing the campus pond and waterfall. The video then moves into the archive, where shelves are opened and large map plan drawers are pulled out to reveal a newspaper documenting the laying of the foundation stone. A trolley is used to transport the materials as the video follows a walk through the main building to the outside of the main entrance of Edge Hill University. Photographs of staff who worked at Edge Hill on the day of the foundation stone ceremony are shown. The video returns to the archive, displaying the ceremonial trowel from the day of the stone laying, and concludes with a view of the foundation stone itself in the main reception, showing the stone that was laid on that day.Fourth reel was made in August 2025 – Student accommodationDescription: The video begins on the rooftop of Edge Hill University, showing a wide view of the campus. It then follows a walk across the campus with a trolley carrying archive materials. The video shows the current archive display in the hall on student accommodation. Footage of Forest Courts is shown, alongside photographs of the buildings while they were under construction. A campus map is displayed, highlighting former names of some halls. An example of Elsie Mary Butterworth Halls, which no longer exist, is shown, followed by her CV and photographs of her with other Edge Hill students.