Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 7h

Been at the @gladlib.bsky.social this week to get work done on my #JohnAubrey book. This place is so conducive to writing. I feel a million miles from my normal life and all its distractions.

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 1d

Transcribing a pastoral poem composed in 1613 (may be not published, not sure). It’s really charming. But wondering why we don’t use the phrase ‘lob cock-fashions’ anymore?

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 1d

Oooh no listing in ESTC but listed in Stationer’s Company in 1615. Expect I’ll blog this poem soon!

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 1d

Transcribing a pastoral poem composed in 1613 (may be not published, not sure). It’s really charming. But wondering why we don’t use the phrase ‘lob cock-fashions’ anymore?

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 3d

Inspired by a recent letter sent by @maidstonebc.bsky.social & the ongoing Witches of Scotland campaign, a blog
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/from-ma...

From Maidstone to Chippenham: Time to Pardon England's ‘Witches’? — Louise Ryland-Epton

This month, Maidstone Borough Council leader Stuart Jeffery wrote to the Home Secretary asking for the pardon of women executed as witches at Penenden Heath, Maidstone, in 1652 and for all those histo...

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Victoria County History @vch-home.bsky.social · 3d

We're pleased to share the latest in a mini-series of blogs for @ihr.bsky.social's 'On History' reflecting on the ways in which community partnerships inform our work.

@lrylandepton.bsky.social shows how engaging with the community of Langley Burrell near Chippenham fed into her new book. 1/2

From Heritage Trail to History Book: The Story of Langley Burrell - On History

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton describes the gestation of her Victoria County History (VCH), Partnership Publication, which illuminates how VCH research engages with local communities and, in partnership, can...

blog.history.ac.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 3d

Inspired by a recent letter sent by @maidstonebc.bsky.social & the ongoing Witches of Scotland campaign, a blog
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/from-ma...

From Maidstone to Chippenham: Time to Pardon England's ‘Witches’? — Louise Ryland-Epton

This month, Maidstone Borough Council leader Stuart Jeffery wrote to the Home Secretary asking for the pardon of women executed as witches at Penenden Heath, Maidstone, in 1652 and for all those histo...

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 4d

Next year sees the launch of @wiltshistory.bsky.social vol xx on #Chippenham & the surrounding parishes. With support from @chippenhammuseum.bsky.social @heritagewshc.bsky.social & many more we will be celebrating the event & all things Chippenham across 2026.
www.facebook.com/100001708735...

Melissa Barnett

What a fantastic community launch today for the 'Chippenham Our History' project ! A new, important history of Chippenham is being published next year by the Victoria County History Wiltshire...

www.facebook.com

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 6d

It is #WorldMentalHealthDay.
A good time to reflect on the importance of mental health so often underrated & not prioritised to our cost. Have a great day everyone!!

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre @heritagewshc.bsky.social · 7d

Really looking forward to hosting this event. Booking info below 👇

#digitalstorytelling #localhistory

Maxine Beuret @maxinebeuret.bsky.social · 7d

Local Historians come and make your own short film! One day free course at the @heritagewshc.bsky.social on Monday 10th November. Fun collaborative day learning new skills to share local history and heritage. For more information and to book visit: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

Digital Storytelling for Local History. One day free course on Monday 10th November at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Booking at https://www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/events/digital-storytelling-local-history-chippenham

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Mark Rees @reviewwales.bsky.social · 8d

Thousands join biggest-ever UK environmental lawsuit over river pollution:
Almost 4,000 people have signed up to the lawsuit over allegations of "extensive and widespread pollution" in three rivers - the Wye, Lugg and Usk.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

River Wye pollution prompts UK's largest environmental lawsuit

Livestock and water companies are accused of “extensive” pollution in the Wye, Lugg and Usk rivers.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 8d

🫢 it turns out my book is on display at the IHR 🤩 Amazing!
www.hobnobpress.co.uk/books/p/lang...

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 14d

Today I learned if you attach the bum of a pigeon to an adder bite it will draw out the poison. Unfortunately the pigeon has to remain attached until it dies, and the process has to be repeated.

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 14d

This book was such fun. It contains some amazing stories. The support of the community was incredible. I made friends and now feel connected to Langley Burrell and Kellaways. Cannot wait to be back for the village pub quiz in a week or two. Book also available at the local pub (the Langley Tap). 😁

Victoria County History @vch-home.bsky.social · 14d

A wonderful surprise this morning in the form of the latest publication from @wiltshistory.bsky.social.

Have a quick flick through @lrylandepton.bsky.social’s ’Langley Burrell and Kellaways, A History’, available now from @hobnobpress.bsky.social.

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Victoria County History @vch-home.bsky.social · 14d

A wonderful surprise this morning in the form of the latest publication from @wiltshistory.bsky.social.

Have a quick flick through @lrylandepton.bsky.social’s ’Langley Burrell and Kellaways, A History’, available now from @hobnobpress.bsky.social.

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Victoria County History @vch-home.bsky.social · 15d

More new *draft* text from @vchgloucester.bsky.social on the parish of #Coates, near #Cirencester.

All corrections, additions, or clarifications welcome! #Skystorians #LocalHistory

Gloucestershire vol. XVI - Cirencester and District

The research for the accounts of the prehistory of the area, the Abbey of Cirencester, the town and parish of Cirencester, Bagendon, Baunton, Daglingworth and Stratton.

www.history.ac.uk

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Catherine Clarke @cathamclarke.bsky.social · 15d

I'm hugely honoured and very excited to be giving this year's Historical Research #Lecture at @ihr.bsky.social, on 'Can popular #history be radical? Historical research and writing for the #public'. Tuesday 4 November, all welcome. More info in AltText. Book here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

In this lecture, Catherine Clarke will re-visit the question of what makes history radical, asking what kind of radical history we need in our public life and contemporary context today. In particular, she’ll explore ways in which popular history – trade publishing for a wide public audience – has the capacity to be radical, drawing on experiences and examples from her own new book A History of England in 25 Poems (Penguin Allen Lane, September 2025). Catherine’s lecture will move towards a manifesto for how research-led, scholarship-driven popular history can and does make necessary, vital public interventions – from opening inclusive conversations and confronting the rise of AI, to modelling radical empathy and imagination.

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 15d

Looks great Catherine. I’ve just signed up for it.

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Adam Chapman @adamchapman.bsky.social · 16d

Want to know more about the sorts of benefits that working with @vch-home.bsky.social could have, particularly for Early Career Researchers? Take a look at this blog. #Skystorians

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 16d

As #SuicidePrevention month comes to a close, it’s important to remember that it is not a new issue. Here I explore the life and tragic suicide of a successful clergyman and vice president of @stjohnsox.bsky.social who took his life in 1577.
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/most-mi...

Most Miserable Infamy: The Life and Suicide of John James — Louise Ryland-Epton

On January 30 1577 John James committed suicide at his home in West Dean, Wiltshire. And so, according to a contemporary, 'ended his lyefe with most misterable infamye.'

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 16d

As #SuicidePrevention month comes to a close, it’s important to remember that it is not a new issue. Here I explore the life and tragic suicide of a successful clergyman and vice president of @stjohnsox.bsky.social who took his life in 1577.
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/most-mi...

Most Miserable Infamy: The Life and Suicide of John James — Louise Ryland-Epton

On January 30 1577 John James committed suicide at his home in West Dean, Wiltshire. And so, according to a contemporary, 'ended his lyefe with most misterable infamye.'

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social · 20d

🎉The call for participation for #HAP26 is now open!

Alongside @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy, @royalhistsoc.org & @unisheffieldlib.bsky.social we invite you to explore the theme 'Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: The Impact of Archives and Historical Research'.

Apply today: bit.ly/46VfEVY

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Reposted by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 20d

Historical research sometimes takes unexpected turns. A reference to a suicide in a Tudor church institution took me down a rabbit hole. What could make a successful clergyman take his own life? #TudorHistory #MentalHealth
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/most-mi...

Most Miserable Infamy: The Life and Suicide of John James — Louise Ryland-Epton

On January 30 1577 John James committed suicide at his home in West Dean, Wiltshire. And so, according to a contemporary, 'ended his lyefe with most misterable infamye.'

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 20d

Historical research sometimes takes unexpected turns. A reference to a suicide in a Tudor church institution took me down a rabbit hole. What could make a successful clergyman take his own life? #TudorHistory #MentalHealth
www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/most-mi...

Most Miserable Infamy: The Life and Suicide of John James — Louise Ryland-Epton

On January 30 1577 John James committed suicide at his home in West Dean, Wiltshire. And so, according to a contemporary, 'ended his lyefe with most misterable infamye.'

www.louiserylandepton.co.uk

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Dr Louise Ryland-Epton @lrylandepton.bsky.social · 29d

My history of Langley Burrell, Wilts was recently launched here at Langley House (yes, by the pool). It was fun.
One story it contains is the shenanigans that took place at the previous house 🫣
#oneplacewednesday
Thanks to @vchlondon.bsky.social & local PC! 😀
www.hobnobpress.co.uk/books/p/lang...

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