History @ Bham

The turn of the sixteenth century was a period of great change in Europe and across the world with many figures such as Henry VIII, Leonardo da Vinci and Christopher Columbus reshaping the political, social and economic landscape of the time. Yet, as with many periods in history, the economics is often forgotten and the … Continue reading “Jakob Fugger. The Man Behind the Early-Modern Revolution – William Rogers”

Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan, three women who until recently were relatively unknown, but their work drew a path for future generations of women at NASA. Originally known as ‘human computers’, they were responsible for calculating complex maths equations for various airplanes and space flights, but all three went on to play a significant role in the Space Race. Their story has recently been brought … Continue reading “Women’s History Month – Hidden Figures at NASA: Katherine G. Johnson, Mary W. Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan”

Third-year history student Jack Gunn shares with us the final installment of his pilgrimage journey from Winchester to Canterbury. On the 27th, I passed through Otford. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it was the most British village I’ve ever encountered. A duck pond served as the roundabout around which cottages from every era back to … Continue reading “Pilgrim’s Progress #3 – Jack Gunn”

Ada Lovelace (1815 – 1852) is a perfect example of a woman overcoming the restrictions of her time. Despite being born in nineteenth century England, Ada Lovelace progressed to be a brilliant, young and well-known mathematician – later even known as ‘the first programmer’ although this is an ongoing debate. Upon her mother’s instructions, Ada … Continue reading “Women in History – Ada Lovelace”

Histories of sexuality emerged dramatically towards the end of the twentieth century with historical figures’ sexuality emerging into greater public attention. Stories of Alexander the Great, Wilfred Owen and Alan Turing showed that many major figures struggled with societal pressures and laws, yet the story of Chevalier d’Eon is often forgotten, despite presenting one of … Continue reading “Chevalier d’Eon. A Forgotten pioneer – William Rogers”

Jack Gunn continues his series recounting his pilgrimage from Winchester to Canterbury, and the history he found along the way.  Rain in persistency is the weather the pilgrim, and indeed the camper, dreads. For us, it was a pattern which hit on the walk from Shere to Westhumble. This took us at one point along … Continue reading “Pilgrim’s Progress #2- Jack Gunn”

Shedding light on marginalised people of history is important and many incredible women are unfortunately a part of that. While some of these women with their actions are by no means role models, they show us the rise of women in a society where patriarchy was rife, and oppression was the norm. Phoolan Devi’s story … Continue reading “Women in History – Phoolan Devi”

In remembrance of a time when going outside wasn’t government regulated, third-year history student Jack Gunn takes us with him on a pilgrimage from Winchester to Canterbury, and relays the historical treats he found along the way.  In the latter part of August, I was lucky enough to embark on a pilgrimage. Alongside a couple … Continue reading “Pilgrim’s Progress #1 – Jack Gunn”

In honouring LGBTQIA+ History Month I wanted to highlight one of the key figures of the 1960s and 1970s, Marsha P. Johnson, who was a black transgender-rights activist and who was also, one of the pioneers of the Stonewall Riots in 1969.  Johnson was born in New Jersey on 24th January 1945 but moved to New York after graduating high school. … Continue reading “LGBTQIA+ History Month: Marsha P. Johnson”