Julia Laite
@julialaite.bsky.social
Teller of small stories. Professor of history at Birkbeck. Rider of bikes, grower of vegetables, Brook custodian & friend to five ducks. Townie Cantabrigian. Eternally homesick Newfoundlander; researching the island's history & the legacies of empire.
Pinned
Julia Laite
@julialaite.bsky.social
· Jun 27
The Disappearance of Lydia Harvey
Lydia Harvey was meant to disappear. She was young and working class; she'd walked the streets, worked in brothels, and had no money of her own. In 1910, politi
blackwells.co.uk
Hello new followers! If you like small histories of women surviving against the patriarchal odds, are interested in the history of trafficking, and are a nerd for historical details, then my book might be for you!
blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Reposted by Julia Laite
Thank you thank you thank you! I see that my introductory article on Stella in Women's History Review (1997) is now open access online: www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
“I have never met the normal woman”: Stella Browne and the politics of womanhood
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www.tandfonline.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Thank you thank you thank you! I see that my introductory article on Stella in Women's History Review (1997) is now open access online: www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
I'm not going to share Stock's Unherd article. But here's the important part: "Abortions should only be done for a highly restricted set of reasons. They should not be just nodded through for any reason a pregnant woman likes."
The ven diagram of the anti-trans & the anti-woman lobby is a circle.
The ven diagram of the anti-trans & the anti-woman lobby is a circle.
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
I'm not going to share Stock's Unherd article. But here's the important part: "Abortions should only be done for a highly restricted set of reasons. They should not be just nodded through for any reason a pregnant woman likes."
The ven diagram of the anti-trans & the anti-woman lobby is a circle.
The ven diagram of the anti-trans & the anti-woman lobby is a circle.
Reposted by Julia Laite
You can add exemptions to immigration rules for different groups, it doesn't make a blind bit of difference. When you say that migrants are second class and "less than" others, as this government is doing, that feeds through to everyone. Migrants aren't a disposable resource to pick and choose from.
November 21, 2025 at 7:46 AM
You can add exemptions to immigration rules for different groups, it doesn't make a blind bit of difference. When you say that migrants are second class and "less than" others, as this government is doing, that feeds through to everyone. Migrants aren't a disposable resource to pick and choose from.
Reposted by Julia Laite
All those people, including current government, who falsely claim migrants are to blame for failings with the NHS, along with infrastructure in general, are in for one hell of a shock with how much worse things will get with Labour's anti-immigration policies.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers
Medical bodies warn that hostility towards migrants is behind a 26% rise in departures last year that imperils NHS
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:43 AM
All those people, including current government, who falsely claim migrants are to blame for failings with the NHS, along with infrastructure in general, are in for one hell of a shock with how much worse things will get with Labour's anti-immigration policies.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
I may have just witnessed the most Very British Problem moment of my life. Evening train to Cambridge. One articulate, well-spoken man compliments another, older but equally articulate, well-spoken man on his socks as the older man stands to exit the train...
November 20, 2025 at 9:52 PM
I may have just witnessed the most Very British Problem moment of my life. Evening train to Cambridge. One articulate, well-spoken man compliments another, older but equally articulate, well-spoken man on his socks as the older man stands to exit the train...
I know that Cory Doctorow warned us that enshittification is coming for everything, but boy has customer service just tanked lately. Is it just me? The train has given up pretending it has internet, I have a financial ombudsman complaint opened for my bank, apps don't work, etc etc. I know that...
November 20, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I know that Cory Doctorow warned us that enshittification is coming for everything, but boy has customer service just tanked lately. Is it just me? The train has given up pretending it has internet, I have a financial ombudsman complaint opened for my bank, apps don't work, etc etc. I know that...
I read this and thought the same about these named informants. Courage in a world where we are led by cowards.
Some of the people in this article have shared their recollections with me before - but on condition of anonymity. Coming forward now is an act of patriotism. Farage’s claim that it never happened is the opposite.
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
‘Deeply shocking’: Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school
Bafta-winning director among contemporaries urging contrition and apology from Reform UK leader, who denies the allegations
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I read this and thought the same about these named informants. Courage in a world where we are led by cowards.
I'm getting increasingly cynical about land acknowledgements, but if you are going to do it, please make at least a slight effort to pronounce the name of the land you are acknowledging and its people correctly!
ps. I'm collecting critical readings on land acknow/welcomes to country. Do recommend!
ps. I'm collecting critical readings on land acknow/welcomes to country. Do recommend!
November 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
I'm getting increasingly cynical about land acknowledgements, but if you are going to do it, please make at least a slight effort to pronounce the name of the land you are acknowledging and its people correctly!
ps. I'm collecting critical readings on land acknow/welcomes to country. Do recommend!
ps. I'm collecting critical readings on land acknow/welcomes to country. Do recommend!
It's really striking to me that Labour thinks that most people will disregard their basic morality & their fundamental sense of what is right & humane because ultimately they vote with their own narrow self interest in mind. Says a lot about Labour & nothing at all about me (a former Labour voter).
November 18, 2025 at 2:35 PM
It's really striking to me that Labour thinks that most people will disregard their basic morality & their fundamental sense of what is right & humane because ultimately they vote with their own narrow self interest in mind. Says a lot about Labour & nothing at all about me (a former Labour voter).
Behold my absolutely beautiful moccasins from Labrador, topped with locally-trapped rabbit fur, sewn and beaded by hand by local craftsperson Ivy Acremen. To say I'm in love is an understatement.
November 18, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Behold my absolutely beautiful moccasins from Labrador, topped with locally-trapped rabbit fur, sewn and beaded by hand by local craftsperson Ivy Acremen. To say I'm in love is an understatement.
Because there aren't many (any?) other moments in history when a country has joined another by referendum, there are not many cases where you have the voices of ordinary people reacting to this immense change. It's so fascinating!
Delighted to be part of this project: essays built around letters written to Newfoundland's first Premier after confederation with Canada in 1949. It's about hope, sovereignty, the welfare state & the voices of ordinary people. This messy history lives in my heart & my brain & I loved exploring it.
Woot! It's release day for Dear Mr. Smallwood! As we head towards our launch next week, I'll share hints of the book. First up: titles/authors of 4 of our 25 reflection pieces!
Dear Mr. Smallwood Launch
Wed, Nov 26 at 7 pm
The Great Hall, Queen's College (210 Prince Philip Drive)
free parking.
Dear Mr. Smallwood Launch
Wed, Nov 26 at 7 pm
The Great Hall, Queen's College (210 Prince Philip Drive)
free parking.
November 18, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Because there aren't many (any?) other moments in history when a country has joined another by referendum, there are not many cases where you have the voices of ordinary people reacting to this immense change. It's so fascinating!
In Montreal I visited one of my favourite stores on earth, Jeans Jeans Jeans. You walk into a giant warehouse & say 'I want some jeans'. They eyeball your size & pull some jeans from the vast racks. I got a pair of what feel like custom-fit Levi's for £40. Why can't all stores be Jeans Jeans Jeans?
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
In Montreal I visited one of my favourite stores on earth, Jeans Jeans Jeans. You walk into a giant warehouse & say 'I want some jeans'. They eyeball your size & pull some jeans from the vast racks. I got a pair of what feel like custom-fit Levi's for £40. Why can't all stores be Jeans Jeans Jeans?
In Newfoundland, my people are always in awe of the wonders of nature. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZVh...
A MOOSE SLIDING ON ICE
YouTube video by P Rob
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:06 PM
In Newfoundland, my people are always in awe of the wonders of nature. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZVh...
Delighted to be part of this project: essays built around letters written to Newfoundland's first Premier after confederation with Canada in 1949. It's about hope, sovereignty, the welfare state & the voices of ordinary people. This messy history lives in my heart & my brain & I loved exploring it.
Woot! It's release day for Dear Mr. Smallwood! As we head towards our launch next week, I'll share hints of the book. First up: titles/authors of 4 of our 25 reflection pieces!
Dear Mr. Smallwood Launch
Wed, Nov 26 at 7 pm
The Great Hall, Queen's College (210 Prince Philip Drive)
free parking.
Dear Mr. Smallwood Launch
Wed, Nov 26 at 7 pm
The Great Hall, Queen's College (210 Prince Philip Drive)
free parking.
November 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Delighted to be part of this project: essays built around letters written to Newfoundland's first Premier after confederation with Canada in 1949. It's about hope, sovereignty, the welfare state & the voices of ordinary people. This messy history lives in my heart & my brain & I loved exploring it.
Which badly taxidermized Labrador animal are you today?
November 13, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Which badly taxidermized Labrador animal are you today?
Reposted by Julia Laite
Breath-taking Labrador. Not (adequately) pictured: the sunset like I've never seen in, glowing blue like a glacier; mountains like a pink otherworldly hologram under a snow-grey sky; & the sheer breadth of scale, the tininess of the forest plants and the immenseness of the landscape. What a place.
November 11, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Breath-taking Labrador. Not (adequately) pictured: the sunset like I've never seen in, glowing blue like a glacier; mountains like a pink otherworldly hologram under a snow-grey sky; & the sheer breadth of scale, the tininess of the forest plants and the immenseness of the landscape. What a place.
Breath-taking Labrador. Not (adequately) pictured: the sunset like I've never seen in, glowing blue like a glacier; mountains like a pink otherworldly hologram under a snow-grey sky; & the sheer breadth of scale, the tininess of the forest plants and the immenseness of the landscape. What a place.
November 11, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Breath-taking Labrador. Not (adequately) pictured: the sunset like I've never seen in, glowing blue like a glacier; mountains like a pink otherworldly hologram under a snow-grey sky; & the sheer breadth of scale, the tininess of the forest plants and the immenseness of the landscape. What a place.
On of the most intimidating audiences I've ever spoken to....
Seriously though, thank you to all who came to hear my talk in Labrador. Thank you for listening & for sharing your stories. This place has 0.09 people and a million stories per square kilometre.
Seriously though, thank you to all who came to hear my talk in Labrador. Thank you for listening & for sharing your stories. This place has 0.09 people and a million stories per square kilometre.
November 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
On of the most intimidating audiences I've ever spoken to....
Seriously though, thank you to all who came to hear my talk in Labrador. Thank you for listening & for sharing your stories. This place has 0.09 people and a million stories per square kilometre.
Seriously though, thank you to all who came to hear my talk in Labrador. Thank you for listening & for sharing your stories. This place has 0.09 people and a million stories per square kilometre.
I ended my first 24 hours in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with an amazing performance from Silver Wolf Band, playing their hometown in a brilliant local arts centre. Check them out! www.silverwolfband.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I ended my first 24 hours in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with an amazing performance from Silver Wolf Band, playing their hometown in a brilliant local arts centre. Check them out! www.silverwolfband.com
Adventures in Nitassinan, in the flood plain of the Mishta-shipu River and in the shadow of the mountains called Akami-Uapishkᵁ. Where the sky and the land are twice the size as they are other places, where beavers and muskrat swim in icy cloud rivers & where the silence is so deep it has a sound.
November 8, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Adventures in Nitassinan, in the flood plain of the Mishta-shipu River and in the shadow of the mountains called Akami-Uapishkᵁ. Where the sky and the land are twice the size as they are other places, where beavers and muskrat swim in icy cloud rivers & where the silence is so deep it has a sound.
Up early to begin my journey to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador! I've wanted to go ever since I heard my grandpa's stories of 'going on the Labrador'. I'm going to talk about my work on the Beothuk & to think with folks there about how we re-story the troubling & fascinating history of our region.
November 7, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Up early to begin my journey to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador! I've wanted to go ever since I heard my grandpa's stories of 'going on the Labrador'. I'm going to talk about my work on the Beothuk & to think with folks there about how we re-story the troubling & fascinating history of our region.
I have personally witnessed this immense change since arriving in the UK 22 years ago and these stats confirm my observations. It feels like there are twice as many motor vehicles on the road because there are.
Cycles are not the problem. They are the solution.
Cycles are not the problem. They are the solution.
Cars the U.K are up to 55% larger today than they were in the 1970s and there are twice the number of motors on our roads as there were 30 years ago, but anti-Low Traffic Neighbourhood and anti-cycle lane campaigners keep claiming they 'cause congestion'.
Okay.
Okay.
November 4, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I have personally witnessed this immense change since arriving in the UK 22 years ago and these stats confirm my observations. It feels like there are twice as many motor vehicles on the road because there are.
Cycles are not the problem. They are the solution.
Cycles are not the problem. They are the solution.
Here's to the annual diwali-halloween-bonfire night mash-up with my friends. Here's to parkin & pumpkins & cider & samosas. Here's to light in the dark. Here's to all the blended cultures in the past and all the blended cultures yet to come
November 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Here's to the annual diwali-halloween-bonfire night mash-up with my friends. Here's to parkin & pumpkins & cider & samosas. Here's to light in the dark. Here's to all the blended cultures in the past and all the blended cultures yet to come
A perfect rainy autumn night to make my great-great-grandmother's gingerbread for her great-great-great grandchildren. A very old-fashioned recipe from my grandmother's head, scrawled by me.
November 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
A perfect rainy autumn night to make my great-great-grandmother's gingerbread for her great-great-great grandchildren. A very old-fashioned recipe from my grandmother's head, scrawled by me.