Latest Posts

  • The Democratic Convention

    by Dafydd Townley At this year’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia Hillary Clinton will be officially declared as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. Despite the challenge from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, it’s been a relatively easy affair. Clinton had the… Continue reading

    The Democratic Convention

  • The Republican Convention

    Dafydd Townley (@hanesydd) on the Republican Convention in our newest US Election Special post Continue reading

    The Republican Convention

  • Peter Jolly ‘A Study of Bigamists in Pre-Victorian London’

    We’re pleased to announce that postgraduate student, Peter Jolly, has recently had an article published in Local Population Studies.  For any who are interested, a copy of journal can be found in the Reading Room in Special Collections, MERL. Abstract:… Continue reading

  • Marriage, Motherhood and being an MP: the Long View

    by Dr Jacqui Turner The famous Harold Wilson misquote that a week is a long time in politics was an understatement last week, half an hour was a long time in politics. On Wednesday afternoon I had a coffee with… Continue reading

    Marriage, Motherhood and being an MP: the Long View

  • Two Reminders for Our Finalists

    Careers Interviews: Dr Elizabeth Matthew wants to remind all finalists that there is still time to arrange a Careers interview.  This could be particularly beneficial to anyone who is still undecided about their future direction. If do find yourself undecided… Continue reading

    Two Reminders for Our Finalists

  • Two 3-week Placements Available at Berkshire Record Office

    UPDATE 01/07/16 Mark Stevens, County Archivist, says thank you so much to the students who so promptly expressed interest in the summer placements at the Berkshire Record Office. He is now looking to take two of the applications forward. So… Continue reading

    Two 3-week Placements Available at Berkshire Record Office

  • Before we were the University of Reading

    by Dr Ruth Salter As many of you are probably aware, this year marks the 90th anniversary of Reading receiving its University Charter.  Reading, which was given the charter by George V in 1926, was the only institution to be… Continue reading

    Before we were the University of Reading

  • The Language of the Migration ‘Crisis’ – Past and Present

    by Dr Daniel Renshaw On mainland Europe a status quo that has preserved peace on the continent for the last half century is beginning to fall apart.  Meanwhile, back in the United Kingdom, attitudes and policy towards long-established relationships with… Continue reading

    The Language of the Migration ‘Crisis’ – Past and Present

  • A Bluffer’s Guide to the Medieval Papacy

    By Dr Rebecca Rist, Associate Professor in Medieval History For some reason my students often find it difficult to remember their medieval popes. I can’t think why. So in the spirit of 1066 and All That here, in chronological order,… Continue reading

    A Bluffer’s Guide to the Medieval Papacy

  • The Sex Pistols at Reading, 30 May 1976

    by Prof Matthew Worley As Sex Pistols gigs go, it was not one of the more notorious. By the late spring of 1976, the band’s reputation was just beginning to grow. Having made their debut in November 1975 at St… Continue reading

    The Sex Pistols at Reading, 30 May 1976