Typically, Alex and I would have a couple of meetings per week to ensure we had a clear road-map for our research and to delegate tasks, incorporating other members of staff as they started coming off furlough through July. We also had regular catch-ups with Peter Frost-Pennington as the project progressed. We visited Muncaster twice during the internship, once to make use of the castle's library and documents held on-site, the second time staying for a week to write up our report and plan a visitor experience. During the second visit, we worked in spacious rooms in our own area of the castle, with lunch breaks outside overlooking the mountains on nice days. In the evenings we drove to local villages and beaches such as Ravenglass and Drigg to enjoy the scenery; one memorable day, we visited Wast Water together, taking a short hike before enjoying a meal at a local pub. We were also encouraged to experience other aspects of life at the castle, seeing displays at the Hawk & Owl centre and going behind the scenes to spend time with volunteers. Getting to experience the local landscape as part of our research was an unexpected bonus: we were encouraged to explore sites of built and natural heritage linked to our project, such as nearby Chapel's Monument built to commemorate the spot where Henry VI is said to have been found on the run from a battle. Lasting Impressions Peter and Iona put their hearts and souls into their work at the castle, creating a welcoming environment for everyone who visits - being able to experience that has definitely been a highlight of my summer. Although I am from the local area, I believe this internship has the added benefit of introducing other students to new areas of the UK, encouraging them to consider careers outside cities and to broaden their understanding of the opportunities available in rural areas. For me, taking part in this project as part of a duo was extremely beneficial; working with Alex not only gave me an insight into life as a DPhil student (a path I have been considering) but also provided me with an invaluable opportunity to learn from someone more experienced in producing academic documents, a skill I hope to carry forward to a career in history or heritage. One of the main things I have gained from this internship is a sense of confidence in my own ability to "do history" beyond my University essays. Being given the trust to complete a project of such significance to the site and to local historians using our own instincts, and
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