It is a rare occurence when European history can mix with Australian history, but that is the case with a truly unique collection of material at the Benedictine Monastic Town of New Norcia in Western Australia. The collection of diaries, letters, chronicles and journals forms a small part of the phenomena that is New Norcia. The monastic town itself is a historical artifact, its collection of artwork recently restored after being stolen and in some cases damaged as a result are on show to those people who make the journey northwards of Perth, WA. 

What makes this archive so unique is that few people know it is there, and consequently will not understand the cultural importance of such a collection - but that is about to change with the creation of a new scholarship to bring the archives to light. In honor of the late Abbot, Placid Spearritt - a great advocate of libraries, archives and museums - the scholarship will allow a scholar to visit the archives and to delve into the unique collection of material covering such diverse topics as aborigines, immigration, agriculture, education and religion.

Catholic Religious Australia - Monks to dust off archives

Western Australia's New Norcia is recognised as Australia's only monastic town. It is known by many for its buildings and for its cultural heritage, some people recognise the value of its movable culture - its library and museum and art collections.

Relatively few, however, are aware of the surprisingly large, varied and unbroken documentary record that forms a deeper layer of its heritage. Yet, it is this collection of diaries, letters, chronicles, records, photographs, maps and music that pre-eminently holds the story of New Norcia.

And it is to help shine light into the dusty corners of theses historical records that the monks of New Norcia have established a scholarship in honour of their late Abbot, Placid Spearritt, who died suddenly last year while in England.