DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
@drdeclankavanagh.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in 18th-century Studies (Queer & Disability Studies). Author of *Effeminate Years* (2017); co-editor of *The Edinburgh Companion to Queer Reading* (2025). Views my own, not employer’s.
Pinned
Film: Disability in Britain and Ireland – 1714 to 1785
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
Really pleased that the lecture I gave on disability in history for @histassoc.bsky.social is now live and #openaccess #DisabilityHistoryMonth #CriptheCurriculum #18C #WilliamHay #LifeWriting Link: eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
In a sector in free fall, it’s good to see two institutions work together to find lasting solutions. It’s clear that help is not coming from gov & waiting to see what might happen isn’t a plan. Let’s hope this merger leads to exciting opportunities for both partners: www.kent.ac.uk/news/uncateg...
Universities of Greenwich and Kent confirm new multi-university group to go ahead
www.kent.ac.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:36 PM
In a sector in free fall, it’s good to see two institutions work together to find lasting solutions. It’s clear that help is not coming from gov & waiting to see what might happen isn’t a plan. Let’s hope this merger leads to exciting opportunities for both partners: www.kent.ac.uk/news/uncateg...
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
*drum roll*
Here is the cover for my book, which will be published by @cornellupress.bsky.social on 15 April 2026!
I thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on who these men were and how their lives and interests inspired the design...
Here is the cover for my book, which will be published by @cornellupress.bsky.social on 15 April 2026!
I thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on who these men were and how their lives and interests inspired the design...
February 2, 2026 at 4:26 PM
*drum roll*
Here is the cover for my book, which will be published by @cornellupress.bsky.social on 15 April 2026!
I thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on who these men were and how their lives and interests inspired the design...
Here is the cover for my book, which will be published by @cornellupress.bsky.social on 15 April 2026!
I thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on who these men were and how their lives and interests inspired the design...
Office door tat hits different
February 2, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Office door tat hits different
I am teaching a seminar today on Samuel Richardson + responding to all the emails I let slip whilst moving. There’s also a @bsecs exec meeting, which will be a good opportunity to pour over feedback on the January conference. What are you up to? #Acwri
February 2, 2026 at 8:39 AM
I am teaching a seminar today on Samuel Richardson + responding to all the emails I let slip whilst moving. There’s also a @bsecs exec meeting, which will be a good opportunity to pour over feedback on the January conference. What are you up to? #Acwri
Belinda feels at home already
February 1, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Belinda feels at home already
February 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM
After 12 solid hours of moving, I am finally in my new apartment. I am never moving again (too time consuming, boring, having to deal with belongings I have no memory of buying: no). Current view
January 30, 2026 at 9:49 PM
After 12 solid hours of moving, I am finally in my new apartment. I am never moving again (too time consuming, boring, having to deal with belongings I have no memory of buying: no). Current view
On my gravestone will be written ‘Please italicise the titles of singular published works’.
January 27, 2026 at 4:53 PM
On my gravestone will be written ‘Please italicise the titles of singular published works’.
So the shed has been cleared out. My back is broken. I’ve discovered species of spiders that I am sure are scarily evolved. I never want to have to move again. Or sell anything. I feel like Winnie in Happy Days. A giant mound of stuff issuing and issuing without end. I never ever want to move again!
January 25, 2026 at 8:26 PM
So the shed has been cleared out. My back is broken. I’ve discovered species of spiders that I am sure are scarily evolved. I never want to have to move again. Or sell anything. I feel like Winnie in Happy Days. A giant mound of stuff issuing and issuing without end. I never ever want to move again!
No one ever told me that when you have long hair you wake up with a mouthful of it. I am breaking the silence.
January 25, 2026 at 6:52 PM
No one ever told me that when you have long hair you wake up with a mouthful of it. I am breaking the silence.
The absolute stress of selling a house in England.
January 24, 2026 at 11:37 AM
The absolute stress of selling a house in England.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
Whatever you think about the rights and wrongs of the student loans system, its sheer complexity makes justifying its use for a predominantly teenage population dicey.
Student loans: ‘My debt rose £20,000 to £77,000 even though I’m paying’
Millions of graduates are trapped by ballooning debts, as their repayments are dwarfed by the interest added
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Whatever you think about the rights and wrongs of the student loans system, its sheer complexity makes justifying its use for a predominantly teenage population dicey.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
Remembering Michael Longley, who sadly passed away a year ago today.
January 22, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Remembering Michael Longley, who sadly passed away a year ago today.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
'Several universities’ undergraduate student intakes fell by between 20 and 30 per cent for this academic year, as many elite institutions reported record numbers.' Sector as a whole accepted 2% more students. Russell Group up 9% (29% of all UK enrolments). 1/3
Intakes down by a third at some providers, latest Ucas data show
Half of Russell Group universities accept record number of undergraduates, according to end-of-cycle admissions figures
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:04 PM
'Several universities’ undergraduate student intakes fell by between 20 and 30 per cent for this academic year, as many elite institutions reported record numbers.' Sector as a whole accepted 2% more students. Russell Group up 9% (29% of all UK enrolments). 1/3
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
French judge explains how Trump sent people from the US Embassy to try to intimidate her during Marine Le Pen's trial for embezzlement — and details how he has used similar fascistic tactics to intimidate other judges around the world who rule against his alt-right friends.
January 20, 2026 at 5:54 PM
French judge explains how Trump sent people from the US Embassy to try to intimidate her during Marine Le Pen's trial for embezzlement — and details how he has used similar fascistic tactics to intimidate other judges around the world who rule against his alt-right friends.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
there are plenty of reasons Air Force One would suddenly turn around. for example, they may have forgotten Kevin
January 21, 2026 at 5:37 AM
there are plenty of reasons Air Force One would suddenly turn around. for example, they may have forgotten Kevin
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
Year after year these Scandinavians repeatedly fail to give me the Nobel Peace Prize so I’ve given up on Peace as concept. Let the galaxy drown in blood.
January 19, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Year after year these Scandinavians repeatedly fail to give me the Nobel Peace Prize so I’ve given up on Peace as concept. Let the galaxy drown in blood.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, has died. She was 95.
Dr. Gladys West, Mathematician Whose Work Made GPS Possible, Dies at 95
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, has died. She passed away
thezebra.org
January 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, has died. She was 95.
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
#EnglishCreates: Futures continues this week with a focus on the 'Blue Humanities':
'Oceans have always seemed mysterious, vast and invulnerable... Until recently, that is...'
universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
#EnglishStudies #HigherEducation #Ecocriticism #bluehumanities
'Oceans have always seemed mysterious, vast and invulnerable... Until recently, that is...'
universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
#EnglishStudies #HigherEducation #Ecocriticism #bluehumanities
January 19, 2026 at 3:27 PM
#EnglishCreates: Futures continues this week with a focus on the 'Blue Humanities':
'Oceans have always seemed mysterious, vast and invulnerable... Until recently, that is...'
universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
#EnglishStudies #HigherEducation #Ecocriticism #bluehumanities
'Oceans have always seemed mysterious, vast and invulnerable... Until recently, that is...'
universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreat...
#EnglishStudies #HigherEducation #Ecocriticism #bluehumanities
I have successfully defrosted the freezer!
January 18, 2026 at 3:43 PM
I have successfully defrosted the freezer!
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
Disgusting that such bigotry is being encouraged and celebrated by the court, the press, and a billionaire transphobe.
"Trans zealots" - it was one trans woman who'd worked without issue for 4 years until this lot came along
January 18, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Disgusting that such bigotry is being encouraged and celebrated by the court, the press, and a billionaire transphobe.
My book haul from #BSECS2026 is now materially present on my bookshelf. Exciting times ahead. Thanks to all of the wonderful exhibiting publishers including @manchesterup.bsky.social & @boydellandbrewer.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 7:14 PM
My book haul from #BSECS2026 is now materially present on my bookshelf. Exciting times ahead. Thanks to all of the wonderful exhibiting publishers including @manchesterup.bsky.social & @boydellandbrewer.bsky.social
And that’s a rap on #BSECS2026 - a huge thanks to @fancyhistorian.bsky.social & @hardeepdhindsa.bsky.social for being boss co-organisers & to all the team @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social for their wonderful support for our annual conference. See you all next year!
January 9, 2026 at 7:11 PM
And that’s a rap on #BSECS2026 - a huge thanks to @fancyhistorian.bsky.social & @hardeepdhindsa.bsky.social for being boss co-organisers & to all the team @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social for their wonderful support for our annual conference. See you all next year!
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
How many scholarly societies have a President who sings to them?! @historymatt.bsky.social's rendition of 'We are the very model of a scholarly society' brought the house down last night at the #BSECS2026 conference dinner @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social #skystorians #18thC 🗃️
January 9, 2026 at 7:35 AM
How many scholarly societies have a President who sings to them?! @historymatt.bsky.social's rendition of 'We are the very model of a scholarly society' brought the house down last night at the #BSECS2026 conference dinner @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social #skystorians #18thC 🗃️
Reposted by DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social
How do we communicate the 18thC to modern audiences both "big" and "small"?? Join us in the Pichette Auditorium now to hear panellists from publishing, public engagement, podcasting, and writing share their experiences #BSECS2026
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
January 8, 2026 at 6:43 PM
How do we communicate the 18thC to modern audiences both "big" and "small"?? Join us in the Pichette Auditorium now to hear panellists from publishing, public engagement, podcasting, and writing share their experiences #BSECS2026
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️