Adam Chapman
@adamchapman.bsky.social
Medieval historian interested in Wales, Somerset exile, inept cricketer, General Editor of the longest-running and largest local history project yet devised, the Victoria County History of England. Probably drinking tea.
Pinned
Adam Chapman
@adamchapman.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Good morning (UK time), to new followers.
I’m a medieval historian working on Wales 🏴 (personally), and using the lens of place, working on the histories of England from way back to right now, editing the amazing @vchlondon.bsky.social.
Also, place, landscapes, cricket (sorry), fuelled by tea.
I’m a medieval historian working on Wales 🏴 (personally), and using the lens of place, working on the histories of England from way back to right now, editing the amazing @vchlondon.bsky.social.
Also, place, landscapes, cricket (sorry), fuelled by tea.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
The simplest definition of "enshittification" is this:
Google has made it ridiculously difficult to google things and get a genuinely useful result.
Google has made it ridiculously difficult to google things and get a genuinely useful result.
November 20, 2025 at 8:43 PM
The simplest definition of "enshittification" is this:
Google has made it ridiculously difficult to google things and get a genuinely useful result.
Google has made it ridiculously difficult to google things and get a genuinely useful result.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Cymru: "daliwch ein cwrw!"
November 20, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Cymru: "daliwch ein cwrw!"
Reposted by Adam Chapman
But mostly THIS. Which fairly conceivably is the actual chemise of St Louis, but *definitely* has a curatorial label from the 15th cent stitched on. (It says whose shirt it is, and that it was already missing just the one sleeve when this person catalogued it.)
November 20, 2025 at 6:19 PM
But mostly THIS. Which fairly conceivably is the actual chemise of St Louis, but *definitely* has a curatorial label from the 15th cent stitched on. (It says whose shirt it is, and that it was already missing just the one sleeve when this person catalogued it.)
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Call for papers #CFP
Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present
18 June 2026: 1 day conference + NUM archive exhibition
Submit abstracts / express interest at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Deadline: 25 Jan 2026
Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present
18 June 2026: 1 day conference + NUM archive exhibition
Submit abstracts / express interest at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Deadline: 25 Jan 2026
November 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Call for papers #CFP
Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present
18 June 2026: 1 day conference + NUM archive exhibition
Submit abstracts / express interest at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Deadline: 25 Jan 2026
Blood is the Price of Coal: Coal Communities, Health and Welfare in Britain and Beyond from the 19th Century to the Present
18 June 2026: 1 day conference + NUM archive exhibition
Submit abstracts / express interest at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Deadline: 25 Jan 2026
Reposted by Adam Chapman
More concrete proof—if any were needed—that mindlessly shoehorning AI into everything, including Higher Education, causes not progress but decay.
‘We could have asked ChatGPT’: students fight back over course taught by AI
Staffordshire students say signs material was AI-generated included suspicious file names and rogue voiceover accent
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
More concrete proof—if any were needed—that mindlessly shoehorning AI into everything, including Higher Education, causes not progress but decay.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
'The UK should establish a network of “disruptive invention” labs outside of the university system to pursue frontier science and technology'. (Tony Blair Institute)
The UK should stabilise the disrupted university system before faffing about with shiny new disruptive networks. (actual researcher)
The UK should stabilise the disrupted university system before faffing about with shiny new disruptive networks. (actual researcher)
UK needs new ‘disruptive’ labs for frontier science, says think tank.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
November 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM
'The UK should establish a network of “disruptive invention” labs outside of the university system to pursue frontier science and technology'. (Tony Blair Institute)
The UK should stabilise the disrupted university system before faffing about with shiny new disruptive networks. (actual researcher)
The UK should stabilise the disrupted university system before faffing about with shiny new disruptive networks. (actual researcher)
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Applications are now invited for the Society's 2026-27 Centenary PhD Fellowships for early career historians completing a doctorate bit.ly/48pWB72
Fellowships provide support of £8500 per award for 6 months and are held jointly with @ihr.bsky.social. Closing date: 31 January 2026 #Skystorians
Fellowships provide support of £8500 per award for 6 months and are held jointly with @ihr.bsky.social. Closing date: 31 January 2026 #Skystorians
Applications invited for the Society's Centenary PhD Fellowships, 2026-27 - RHS
Applications are now invited for the Royal Historical Society’s Centenary PhD Fellowships to support postgraduate historians to complete a doctorate. Two Fellowships, of six months each, are offered f...
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Applications are now invited for the Society's 2026-27 Centenary PhD Fellowships for early career historians completing a doctorate bit.ly/48pWB72
Fellowships provide support of £8500 per award for 6 months and are held jointly with @ihr.bsky.social. Closing date: 31 January 2026 #Skystorians
Fellowships provide support of £8500 per award for 6 months and are held jointly with @ihr.bsky.social. Closing date: 31 January 2026 #Skystorians
Reposted by Adam Chapman
St Edmund's legend tells that after his martyrdom his body was decapitated, and his crowned head was protected by a wolf for three days. This scene appears on a number of 15C East Anglian bench ends, as here at Stonham Aspal, Suffolk. 1/3
Stonham Aspal: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stonhamaspal...
Stonham Aspal: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stonhamaspal...
November 20, 2025 at 7:14 AM
St Edmund's legend tells that after his martyrdom his body was decapitated, and his crowned head was protected by a wolf for three days. This scene appears on a number of 15C East Anglian bench ends, as here at Stonham Aspal, Suffolk. 1/3
Stonham Aspal: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stonhamaspal...
Stonham Aspal: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stonhamaspal...
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Well, this is cheerful (not unsurprising, perhaps, and partly structural), but who would have thought it?
🚨 BREAKING: Kent County Council is hurtling towards financial oblivion under Reform.
A shocking new council report reveals a projected budget black hole of £46.5 million for this year. The Reform Administration has completely lost control of our finances. 🔶
A shocking new council report reveals a projected budget black hole of £46.5 million for this year. The Reform Administration has completely lost control of our finances. 🔶
November 20, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Well, this is cheerful (not unsurprising, perhaps, and partly structural), but who would have thought it?
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Allslops is an idiot.
Wealthier Londoners using their Freedom Passes mean fewer cars on the roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Wealthier Londoners using their Freedom Passes mean fewer cars on the roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Freedom Pass row: Is it a fair perk or an expensive policy?
The Freedom Pass allows residents over 66 to travel across the capital for free.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Allslops is an idiot.
Wealthier Londoners using their Freedom Passes mean fewer cars on the roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Wealthier Londoners using their Freedom Passes mean fewer cars on the roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Adam Chapman
This is lovely.
My latest cricket interview is with musician Michael Hiscock. A cricket fan who lives in one of the world’s great cities, yet virtually nobody there shares his love of the game. Radio is his salvation as you can read below
rainstoppedplayinspectionat3.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/m...
rainstoppedplayinspectionat3.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/m...
Michael Hiscock Interview
I had some lovely feedback on the interview with Julien, that I posted in October. I think it prompted memories for quite a few of you. This time around my guest is the musician Michael Hiscock, a …
rainstoppedplayinspectionat3.wordpress.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:15 PM
This is lovely.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Having spent a wonderful academic year there, I cannot recommend these fellowships enough and I’m happy to answer any questions
🎉 All stipendiary IHR Fellowships, Bursaries, & Prizes are now LIVE! 🎉
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
Programs - School of Advanced Study
universityoflondon.smapply.io
November 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Having spent a wonderful academic year there, I cannot recommend these fellowships enough and I’m happy to answer any questions
Reposted by Adam Chapman
"Nigel Farage has been paid over £330,000 by GB News in the last year alone.
Farage is deep in the pockets of a company that aims to replace the BBC".
Punchy video from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk.
Farage is deep in the pockets of a company that aims to replace the BBC".
Punchy video from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk.
Donald Trump is gunning for the BBC, and Farage is cheering him on. Want to know why? Follow the money…
November 19, 2025 at 6:14 PM
"Nigel Farage has been paid over £330,000 by GB News in the last year alone.
Farage is deep in the pockets of a company that aims to replace the BBC".
Punchy video from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk.
Farage is deep in the pockets of a company that aims to replace the BBC".
Punchy video from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
The Friends' Meeting House, Glastonbury (for a spell, in the 17th century) - better known as the Abbot's Kitchen.
November 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The Friends' Meeting House, Glastonbury (for a spell, in the 17th century) - better known as the Abbot's Kitchen.
Reading up for a talk later, I discovered that the principal Quaker centre in southern Somerset was not C&J Clark's town of Street, but - and I don't know why I was surprised - Glastonbury.
In the 1660s, their first recorded meeting house was, in fact, the Abbot's Kitchen, which was A Choice. 🗃️
In the 1660s, their first recorded meeting house was, in fact, the Abbot's Kitchen, which was A Choice. 🗃️
November 19, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reading up for a talk later, I discovered that the principal Quaker centre in southern Somerset was not C&J Clark's town of Street, but - and I don't know why I was surprised - Glastonbury.
In the 1660s, their first recorded meeting house was, in fact, the Abbot's Kitchen, which was A Choice. 🗃️
In the 1660s, their first recorded meeting house was, in fact, the Abbot's Kitchen, which was A Choice. 🗃️
Reposted by Adam Chapman
🎉 All stipendiary IHR Fellowships, Bursaries, & Prizes are now LIVE! 🎉
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
Programs - School of Advanced Study
universityoflondon.smapply.io
November 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
🎉 All stipendiary IHR Fellowships, Bursaries, & Prizes are now LIVE! 🎉
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
I rather think that's up to the good people of Norwich South, Clive.
Left-wing Labour MP offers Burnham his seat to replace Starmer on.ft.com/4801Vg4
Left-wing Labour MP offers Burnham his seat to replace Starmer
Move by Clive Lewis reflects increasing discontent with prime minister’s leadership
on.ft.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
I rather think that's up to the good people of Norwich South, Clive.
Reposted by Adam Chapman
We’re delighted to announce the latest recipients of Research and Innovation Grants!
Congratulations to Chief Archivists in Local Government Group (within @araukie.bsky.social) & @kresenkernow.bsky.social
Read more here: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sec...
📷 Kresen Kernow
Congratulations to Chief Archivists in Local Government Group (within @araukie.bsky.social) & @kresenkernow.bsky.social
Read more here: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sec...
📷 Kresen Kernow
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
We’re delighted to announce the latest recipients of Research and Innovation Grants!
Congratulations to Chief Archivists in Local Government Group (within @araukie.bsky.social) & @kresenkernow.bsky.social
Read more here: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sec...
📷 Kresen Kernow
Congratulations to Chief Archivists in Local Government Group (within @araukie.bsky.social) & @kresenkernow.bsky.social
Read more here: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sec...
📷 Kresen Kernow
Huge thanks to our friends @balhnews.bsky.social for allowing us to reblog this (and, as ever, to Sarah for all her efforts).
Reflections on launching a landmark volume for us, being our 250th and the very first for Westmorland from our wonderful colleague and friend, Sarah Rose.
In this blog, Sarah looks back on the processes of research, writing, and collaboration in the context of VCH Cumbria and its work. 🗃️
In this blog, Sarah looks back on the processes of research, writing, and collaboration in the context of VCH Cumbria and its work. 🗃️
Bringing the VCH to Westmorland: Launching Lonsdale Ward, the First Red Book for Cumbria - On History
In this blogpost, Dr Sarah Rose, Assistant Editor of the Victoria County History (VCH) project in Cumbria, describes the milestone achievement of producing Westmorland volume I, Lonsdale Ward. This is...
blog.history.ac.uk
November 19, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Huge thanks to our friends @balhnews.bsky.social for allowing us to reblog this (and, as ever, to Sarah for all her efforts).
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Delighted to be starting work for @vch-home.bsky.social in Herefordshire on #Ledbury with Alastair Ayton. Looking forward to seeing what this gorgeous place has in store for us. 😁
November 19, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Delighted to be starting work for @vch-home.bsky.social in Herefordshire on #Ledbury with Alastair Ayton. Looking forward to seeing what this gorgeous place has in store for us. 😁
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Do you have students working on medieval or renaissance books? We have online winter school courses that might help them. More information about the January 2026 courses here 👇
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
IES: LIPS & LRBS Winter School | 2026
ies.sas.ac.uk
November 19, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Reposted by Adam Chapman
Great to see Dorothy Annan's 1960 ceramic murals for the old Fleet House on Farringdon St were rescued and rehung in the Barbican. But where in the Barbican? Does anyone recognise this corridor?
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Great to see Dorothy Annan's 1960 ceramic murals for the old Fleet House on Farringdon St were rescued and rehung in the Barbican. But where in the Barbican? Does anyone recognise this corridor?
That feeling when, having resigned yourself to the fact that the PowerPoint you had intended to use for teaching was lost and you were going to start again from scratch, the dratted thing shows up in an entirely different folder in the material you were looking to cannibalise...
a close up of a man 's face with the website www.i-traps.com visible in the corner
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the website www.i-traps.com visible in the corner
media.tenor.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 AM
That feeling when, having resigned yourself to the fact that the PowerPoint you had intended to use for teaching was lost and you were going to start again from scratch, the dratted thing shows up in an entirely different folder in the material you were looking to cannibalise...
Reposted by Adam Chapman
I was just thinking the other day that it is mad that if this continues then the book I'm writing, about London 1560-1630, will contain basically no British Library manuscript material. Would have been unthinkable to me but there hasn't been a manuscript catalogue for two years now!
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM
I was just thinking the other day that it is mad that if this continues then the book I'm writing, about London 1560-1630, will contain basically no British Library manuscript material. Would have been unthinkable to me but there hasn't been a manuscript catalogue for two years now!