Debbie Kilroy
@debbiekilroyauthor.bsky.social
Award-winning political historian and author of the forthcoming 'Members Behaving Badly'. All things political history - without the Politics!
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:25 AM
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
Did anyone else look at this for about five minutes thinking, 'That doesn't look very much like Tom Holland' before realising it's the actor not the historian?
just learned we won an award for our blog post about Tom Holland and stormwater management.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
What Tom Holland’s historic lip-sync showcase taught us about stormwater management
Grab your umbrella and your tights.
neorsd.medium.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Did anyone else look at this for about five minutes thinking, 'That doesn't look very much like Tom Holland' before realising it's the actor not the historian?
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
Our #1832AtoZ continues with S for Scotland. There were 51 Scottish constituencies in the 1832-67 period, returning 53 MPs. This post explores some of the features of the Scottish electoral system: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/t...
The Scottish dimension (2)
Following on from the first blog in this series in January, this post focuses on the distinctive nature of the Scottish representative system before and after the 1832 Scottish Reform Act. Both the…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Our #1832AtoZ continues with S for Scotland. There were 51 Scottish constituencies in the 1832-67 period, returning 53 MPs. This post explores some of the features of the Scottish electoral system: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/t...
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
Introducing… #MembersBehavingBadly: A History of Britain in 52 Parliamentary Rogues! From 1603 to 1945, @debbiekilroyauthor.bsky.social tells the outrageous stories of 52 MPs who made history for all the wrong reasons...
‘A riot of malfeasance and misbehaviour’ Roger Moorehouse
bit.ly/49SM4Cu
‘A riot of malfeasance and misbehaviour’ Roger Moorehouse
bit.ly/49SM4Cu
November 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Introducing… #MembersBehavingBadly: A History of Britain in 52 Parliamentary Rogues! From 1603 to 1945, @debbiekilroyauthor.bsky.social tells the outrageous stories of 52 MPs who made history for all the wrong reasons...
‘A riot of malfeasance and misbehaviour’ Roger Moorehouse
bit.ly/49SM4Cu
‘A riot of malfeasance and misbehaviour’ Roger Moorehouse
bit.ly/49SM4Cu
I might have dropped the ball somewhat while moving house!
This is Henry Du Pré Labouchère, aka Labby, an MP who actually was a clown. 1/2
This is Henry Du Pré Labouchère, aka Labby, an MP who actually was a clown. 1/2
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 PM
I might have dropped the ball somewhat while moving house!
This is Henry Du Pré Labouchère, aka Labby, an MP who actually was a clown. 1/2
This is Henry Du Pré Labouchère, aka Labby, an MP who actually was a clown. 1/2
On this day, 4 November, 1839, around 10,000 people marched to Newport in Wales to demand the release of local Chartist leaders. 1/
November 4, 2025 at 12:05 PM
On this day, 4 November, 1839, around 10,000 people marched to Newport in Wales to demand the release of local Chartist leaders. 1/
Dashwood was once described as ‘the worst chancellor of the Exchequer that ever appeared’, ‘the most confused, most incapable, and most ignorant of all, who ever accepted the seals of that high office’ - not least because he taxed cider. But he did have some redeeming features.
The Hellfire Club - a lively social club, or a place for devil worship?
With prominent members such as John Wilkes and Sir Francis Dashwood, this #Halloween we are exploring what exactly happened at these meetings at Medmenham Abbey 👇
With prominent members such as John Wilkes and Sir Francis Dashwood, this #Halloween we are exploring what exactly happened at these meetings at Medmenham Abbey 👇
TikTok - Make Your Day
www.tiktok.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Dashwood was once described as ‘the worst chancellor of the Exchequer that ever appeared’, ‘the most confused, most incapable, and most ignorant of all, who ever accepted the seals of that high office’ - not least because he taxed cider. But he did have some redeeming features.
It feels about time to repost this thread, for no particular reason... 👀
This lovely Elizabethan house is Roos Hall near Beccles in Suffolk. As well as allegedly being one of the most haunted houses in Britain, it was also owned by the MP Sir Robert Rich, who died on this day - 1 October - in 1699.
October 30, 2025 at 6:17 PM
It feels about time to repost this thread, for no particular reason... 👀
On this day, 28 October 1689, Henry Wharton, sufferer of road rage and killer of Nell Gwyn’s horse, died of a ‘raging sickness, occasioned by the unwholesomeness of the place, wet weather and ill food’ two months after landing in Ireland to fight against the forces of the deposed James II.
October 28, 2025 at 11:29 AM
On this day, 28 October 1689, Henry Wharton, sufferer of road rage and killer of Nell Gwyn’s horse, died of a ‘raging sickness, occasioned by the unwholesomeness of the place, wet weather and ill food’ two months after landing in Ireland to fight against the forces of the deposed James II.
For hell had opened upon us from front and either flank, and it kept open upon us during the minutes – they seemed hours – which passed while we traversed the mile and a quarter at the end of which was the enemy. 1/3
October 25, 2025 at 1:58 PM
For hell had opened upon us from front and either flank, and it kept open upon us during the minutes – they seemed hours – which passed while we traversed the mile and a quarter at the end of which was the enemy. 1/3
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
Great to see Helen Wilson, who was co-supervised by Amanda Goodrich and @histparl.bsky.social's own Robin Eagles (@georgianlords.bsky.social) featured on this term card. Helen's will be a joint session with the Parliaments, Politics and People seminar (for other PPP seminars, see the link).
October 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Great to see Helen Wilson, who was co-supervised by Amanda Goodrich and @histparl.bsky.social's own Robin Eagles (@georgianlords.bsky.social) featured on this term card. Helen's will be a joint session with the Parliaments, Politics and People seminar (for other PPP seminars, see the link).
On this day - 20 October - 1739, a Scottish slave ship landed at Donaghadee on the coast of Ireland to reprovision. But it was no ordinary slaver, and its inmates had not opted for transportation over the noose. 1/4
October 20, 2025 at 10:37 AM
On this day - 20 October - 1739, a Scottish slave ship landed at Donaghadee on the coast of Ireland to reprovision. But it was no ordinary slaver, and its inmates had not opted for transportation over the noose. 1/4
On this day – 17 October – 1708 was the court martial of the visually elusive John, Master of Sinclair. Elected as an MP in May 1708, he never had the chance to take up his seat in parliament. 1/4
October 17, 2025 at 9:09 AM
On this day – 17 October – 1708 was the court martial of the visually elusive John, Master of Sinclair. Elected as an MP in May 1708, he never had the chance to take up his seat in parliament. 1/4
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
We reflected on Professor Rush's career and the development of his groundbreaking Database on the #HistParl website.
Read about it here:
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/15/m...
Read about it here:
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/15/m...
Michael Rush and the Database - The History of Parliament
We were sad to hear recently of the death of Professor Michael Rush of the University of Exeter. Michael was a pioneering and indefatigable scholar of
historyofparliament.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
We reflected on Professor Rush's career and the development of his groundbreaking Database on the #HistParl website.
Read about it here:
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/15/m...
Read about it here:
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/15/m...
James Thomas Brudenell, Lord Cardigan, was born on this day - 16 October - 1797. He is best known for 'leading' the Charge of the Light Brigade, but that wasn't his only fault.
October 16, 2025 at 11:51 AM
James Thomas Brudenell, Lord Cardigan, was born on this day - 16 October - 1797. He is best known for 'leading' the Charge of the Light Brigade, but that wasn't his only fault.
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
Moving quickly to a world where students use AI to complete work, profs use AI to grade it, no one learns anything and we will live in a world of mediocrity and incompetence where only the billionaires benefit.
I strongly urge everyone to not just read this warning from @marcwatkins.bsky.social, but heed it, and be vocal and forceful pushing back against using AI to grade student writing. This must be anathema if we're going to have a world where learning means something. substack.com/inbox/post/1...
The Dangers of using AI to Grade
Nobody Learns, Nobody Gains
substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Moving quickly to a world where students use AI to complete work, profs use AI to grade it, no one learns anything and we will live in a world of mediocrity and incompetence where only the billionaires benefit.
MP Richard Barwell was born on this day - 8 October - 1741. It would be a life of blessings for him - although not for his Indian victims. 1/4
October 8, 2025 at 11:47 AM
MP Richard Barwell was born on this day - 8 October - 1741. It would be a life of blessings for him - although not for his Indian victims. 1/4
A constituency wasn't the only thing the two shared. When Lewis died in 1838, Disraeli courted his widow. After dismissing many reservations, she married him. Mary Anne Disraeli would later reportedly say, 'Dizzy married me for my money, but if he had the chance again, he would marry me for love.’
Born #OnThisDay 1780 the Conservative MP Wyndham Lewis. He was Disraeli’s running mate in the Maidstone constituency in 1837 and financed their election campaign. Find out more about his political career in our article: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/m...
MP of the month: Wyndham Lewis
Wyndham Lewis (1780-1838) is probably best remembered today for bankrolling the future prime minister Benjamin Disraeli’s election to Parliament. Lewis’s wife Mary, an aspiring society hostess with…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:45 AM
A constituency wasn't the only thing the two shared. When Lewis died in 1838, Disraeli courted his widow. After dismissing many reservations, she married him. Mary Anne Disraeli would later reportedly say, 'Dizzy married me for my money, but if he had the chance again, he would marry me for love.’
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
What connects Glastonbury Chalice Well with Winston Churchill? Kit Kowol explains all in his fascinating new article.
The Silent Minute
What do you do when your army has retreated, your ally has capitulated, and you face invasion? You pray.
gethistory.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 12:40 PM
What connects Glastonbury Chalice Well with Winston Churchill? Kit Kowol explains all in his fascinating new article.
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
I agree with every word Zelda Williams says. And this at the end from OpenAI makes me want to go full Ned Ludd. Creators can’t have a blanket opt-out on copyright infringement of their work and have to fill out a form appealing to OpenAI’s mercy every time? Fuck off into the sun
October 7, 2025 at 6:33 AM
I agree with every word Zelda Williams says. And this at the end from OpenAI makes me want to go full Ned Ludd. Creators can’t have a blanket opt-out on copyright infringement of their work and have to fill out a form appealing to OpenAI’s mercy every time? Fuck off into the sun
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
A surprising number of the MPs in our 1832-68 project came from humble backgrounds. John Rolt, born #OnThisDay 1804, began his working life as a draper’s apprentice. Find out more about his rise to the position of attorney-general here: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/f...
From draper’s apprentice to attorney-general: Sir John Rolt and the 1867 Reform Act
With this year marking the 150th anniversary of the passing of the Second Reform Act, our MP of the Month is one of the lesser known architects of this measure, the attorney-general, Sir John Rolt,…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
A surprising number of the MPs in our 1832-68 project came from humble backgrounds. John Rolt, born #OnThisDay 1804, began his working life as a draper’s apprentice. Find out more about his rise to the position of attorney-general here: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/f...
On this day, 4 October 1936, former MP Oswald Mosley attempted to lead 3,000 members of his British Union of Fascists on a march through London's East End. 1/3
October 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
On this day, 4 October 1936, former MP Oswald Mosley attempted to lead 3,000 members of his British Union of Fascists on a march through London's East End. 1/3
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
#FreeEvent on Tues 7 Oct, 2pm: "New Beginnings: Rebuilding after the Great Fire" talk by Jill Finch, City Guide.
New rules and regulations and new ideas meant a renewed City emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.
Please book via: (online & in-person event).
newbeginningstalk7oct.eventbrite.co.uk
New rules and regulations and new ideas meant a renewed City emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.
Please book via: (online & in-person event).
newbeginningstalk7oct.eventbrite.co.uk
New Beginnings: Rebuilding after the Great Fire
Work to rebuild the City of London began almost immediately after the Great Fire of 1666.
newbeginningstalk7oct.eventbrite.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 2:26 PM
#FreeEvent on Tues 7 Oct, 2pm: "New Beginnings: Rebuilding after the Great Fire" talk by Jill Finch, City Guide.
New rules and regulations and new ideas meant a renewed City emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.
Please book via: (online & in-person event).
newbeginningstalk7oct.eventbrite.co.uk
New rules and regulations and new ideas meant a renewed City emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.
Please book via: (online & in-person event).
newbeginningstalk7oct.eventbrite.co.uk
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
A great blog post by fellow @qubhistory.bsky.social PhD @jamesorchin.bsky.social exploring the Third Party of the 1790s. Insightful and well-researched. Well worth a read!
Today we welcome PhD student @jamesorchin.bsky.social with a guest post for the Georgian Lords on William Windham's 'Third Party', which split from the Foxites in the 1790s and was known as 'The Alarmists'...
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/02/t...
#HistParl
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/02/t...
#HistParl
‘The sect of Alarmists’: The Third Party and the reluctant leadership of William Windham, 1793-4 - The History of Parliament
In this latest post, the Georgian Lords welcomes a guest article by James Orchin, PhD student at Queen's University, Belfast, re-examining William Windham's
historyofparliament.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:15 PM
A great blog post by fellow @qubhistory.bsky.social PhD @jamesorchin.bsky.social exploring the Third Party of the 1790s. Insightful and well-researched. Well worth a read!
Reposted by Debbie Kilroy
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Who did what in early modern England?
New #OpenAccess book, 'The Experience of Work in Early Modern England' by @jwhittle.bsky.social, @markhailwood.bsky.social, @hkrobb.bsky.social & @aucointaylor.bsky.social, based on thousands of #EarlyModern court depositions 🗃️
Read it: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
New #OpenAccess book, 'The Experience of Work in Early Modern England' by @jwhittle.bsky.social, @markhailwood.bsky.social, @hkrobb.bsky.social & @aucointaylor.bsky.social, based on thousands of #EarlyModern court depositions 🗃️
Read it: doi.org/10.1017/9781...
October 2, 2025 at 10:45 AM
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