Welcome to the Centre for Midlands History and Cultures Blog! Here you’ll find posts from members, staff, and students on our research activities, teaching, and public events, including monthly commentaries on our research seminars and longer ‘thought-pieces’ that explore the history of our region. Please do have a browse, and if you’d to submit content … Continue reading “Welcome to the Centre for Midlands History and Cultures Blog!”
Lansdowne MS 436 – The Romsey Legendary
In our first post of 2024, Catherine Clarke, PhD candidate at Keele University reveals the findings of a research visit to the British Library, made possible through a Midland History bursary. In 2023 I was able to visit the British Library to carry out research for my thesis on the monastic houses of Shropshire. One … Continue reading “Lansdowne MS 436 – The Romsey Legendary”
CMHC Host Events for Birmingham Heritage Week (8-17 September 2023)
Birmingham Heritage Week is an annual event that sees local spaces across the city open their doors to visitors who would like to learn more about Birmingham’s rich and vibrant heritage. This year, we’re delighted to host several events through the Centre, including a workshop on family archives with Dr Imogen Peck at the Cadbury … Continue reading “CMHC Host Events for Birmingham Heritage Week (8-17 September 2023)”
Research Student Showcase 2023
On the 4th April, the Centre for West Midlands History held its first ‘Research Student Showcase’ at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in the city centre. This was an opportunity for former students on our MA in West Midlands History to share their dissertation research with local residents, Centre members, and current students. Nine graduates … Continue reading “Research Student Showcase 2023”
The 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham, and the Role of the Territorial Force Nursing Service during WW1
At our February seminar, Sue Worrall, Director of Special Collections at UoB, presented her own research into the role of women working in the Territorial Force Nursing Service. In the post below, Justine Pick (doctoral candidate at UoB and MA West Midlands History) offers an overview…. Sue Worrall, as part of her doctoral research, is … Continue reading “The 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham, and the Role of the Territorial Force Nursing Service during WW1”
Exploring the landscape of English medieval towns: some West Midlands examples
CWMH Research Seminar, 19 January 2023 Dr Mike Shaw, a former City of Wolverhampton archaeologist and Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, gave a fascinating online talk on methods used in the analysis of the topography, origins, growth and development of English medieval towns. He began with an overview of the topic, highlighting a … Continue reading “Exploring the landscape of English medieval towns: some West Midlands examples”
Coventry’s Godly Magistrate: Robert Beake (1620-1708) soldier, mayor and MP
At our November seminar, Stewart Fergusson presented his ongoing research on Robert Beake. In the post below, Waseem Ahmed (doctoral candidate at UCL and UoB graduate) offers his thoughts on Coventry’s “godly” magistrate…