Latest Posts
-
My Summer in the Archives: the Papers of Nancy Astor
This summer, our undergraduate student Courtney Murch spent time in the Reading Special Collections working with the papers of Nancy Astor, the first woman MP to take her seat in Parliament. Turning 18 in 2022 did not only mean that… Continue reading
-
“History needs to be about the present as far as I’m concerned”: an interview with Polyp
The artist Polyp began drawing political cartoons over forty years ago, while still a student. After a period as a care worker, he got his big break producing searing satirical cartoons for the New Internationalist magazine. Alongside a growing body… Continue reading
-
History around Reading: Basildon Park
Here in Reading, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by history – the ruins of Reading Abbey, reminders of the English Civil War, and the Victorian prison where Oscar Wilde penned his famous ballad. This summer, we’re exploring that local history.… Continue reading
-
Women firsts in Cabinet, a long view.
Dr Jacqui Turner After Rachel Reeves’ appointment as Chancellor, and in the wake of her first address to the public, Jacqui Turner reflects on the longer history of women in the Cabinet. Labour have won a historic landslide in 2024,… Continue reading
-
History Department Outreach: June 2024
Our department has been fortunate to welcome lots of school pupils over the past month. Sharing our craft is an important part of our department, and several events were organised by our outreach director, Dr Daniel Renshaw. Alongside him this… Continue reading
-
Your Vote Matters: 4th July Election, a Guide to Voting- By Abbie Tibbott
Many students within the department of history have been involved in political causes both within and outside of the classroom. As the July election creeps closer, it may feel overwhelming. It could be that you are facing your first general… Continue reading
-
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Rum: The curious history of pirate music
To celebrate the release of his new book, Richard Blakemore explores the musical side of pirate history. Pirates and music: I imagine what comes into your head is that haunting refrain from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, or perhaps the soaring… Continue reading
-
A Project to Uncover the Truth, by Ellie Grigsby
‘The little girl could not sleep because her thoughts were way too deep, her mind had gone out for a stroll and fallen down the rabbit hole.”– Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland, 1865. At my first supervision session in 2022,… Continue reading
-
Celebrating Doctoral Research: Fairbrother Showcase 2024
Each year, the Fairbrother showcase celebrates excellent doctoral research from across the university. This year, two of our brilliant doctoral researchers, Luke Walters and Dr Anne Jeavons, presented their work at the event, held at the Reading Biscuit Factory, an… Continue reading
-
Exam Season: Advice for Students
Students may have already had their fill of advice this assessment season, both in revision sessions and from the university centrally. From general exam guidance to the past paper archive, there are a lot of resources on the university website… Continue reading
READING HISTORY 