Medieval women British library tickets

[Montypig]

Hi

I have been waiting for ages to be free to go and see this, and stupidly failed to book tickets - its now completely sold out and closes on Sunday. Does anyone know if there is chance if I just turn up for returns, or if I become a member for the year could I get tickets that way ? Thanks !!

My friend and I went 2 weeks ago we just turned up and got tickets.

Very jealous - I sent a begging email and they said no point in just turning up, but I might try !!

I don’t think they do returns. When I went, the booking process was very clear that if I couldn’t go, the ticket was non-refundable and no way to say you couldn’t go. (Well there was the option to buy insurance so I wonder if someone claimed on that, a ticket might become available but I suspect a lot of people were tight like me and didn’t get it.)

I went last week. I couldn’t load my ticket as there was no signal. They just let me in.

Is it a long way to go on the off chance? You could always just go and marvel at the free permanent exhibition (think it’s called “highlights of the British library” or something like) which is fabulous if you’ve not seen in - or even if you have.

I have spent the morning sulking but you all inspired me - I am going to go and try my luck and see if they will let me in - thanks !

@Montypig Were you successful getting in? I was planning to go today, very surprised it's suddenly all booked despite being completely available for weeks!

Because it closes tomorrow?

I wasn't able to find time to go before today, and was going to buy tickets when I got paid yesterday. Only heard about it a few weeks ago. On Tuesday I checked and there was full availability for tickets all week.

Didn't realise a medieval history exhibition would be so popular but obviously I'm a naive underprepared fool aren't I! I've been to other exhibitions there that haven't sold out in the last weekend.

I bet loads of people saw this thread and booked! I also had an email from the British library warning me it was closing.

Sorry you missed it! I was packed when I went last week

@BitOutOfPractice Was it good/worth going? Highlights?

I have to say that it wasn’t the most thrilling exhibition I’ve been to at the BL. But I’m glad I went.

Highlight for me was the Paston Letters. I’ve heard so much about them since I studied history and to see them in the flesh was a thrill. Margaret Paston’s will was epic!

Yes, loved the bit about leaving money to her husband's illegitimate child!

I went but it was v crowded and hard to see things. If you buy the book for the exhibition, you get all the same info and nice pictures to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

And the lepers at the gates of Norwich. Somehow I’d never thought about leprosy in England.

I took your advice and gave it a go, and go in !! ( I had membership of the library but no ticket by that point) I thought it wonderful but deeply crowded. Joan of Arc was my highlight as well as some of the amazing illuminated pages - loved the fish with legs.

Thank you all for encouraging me to try - very very pleased I did

But what’s the point of that? The thrill for me is seeing things in real life and being amazed by them. I mean I could watch a YouTube video about the Tower of London but would that be the same as going there?

That's great @Montypig Glad you got to see it.

I had tickets for a few weeks ago but was ill on the day so have missed it now. Deeply disappointing.