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digivictorian.bsky.social
Dr Bob Nicholson
@digivictorian.bsky.social
1.9K followers 360 following 40 posts
Historian • Broadcaster • Victorian Pop Culture • Presenter of 'Killing Victoria' on BBC Sounds 🎙️ • www.bobnicholson.co.uk
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digivictorian.bsky.social
Dr Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · Dec 18
I made a video for @wired.com answering questions from the internet about Victorian history! youtu.be/10iYlK7bsJw?...
Historian Answers Victorian England Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
youtu.be
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
ihr.bsky.social
More Research Training from the IHR . The term 2 calendar is now live.
www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
Calendar of IHR Research Training January to April 2026. All the details are in the web link in the body of the post.
January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
royalhistsoc.org
Applications are now invited for a new RHS programme for 2026, co-hosted with @ihr.bsky.social and @chalkefestival.bsky.social

'Pitch my Project' is for early career historians to present their research at the Chalke History Festival in June bit.ly/44kfUMM. Closing date: 6 February. #Skystorians
Pitch my Project: an opportunity for early career historians to present their work at the Chalke History Festival 2026 - RHS
Have you ever wanted to share your research with a wide audience? Would you like to gain experience in public speaking, and be supported to develop imaginative ways to communicate your research to the...
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
eve.gd
Here are 8 successful *proposals* for academic books/monographs. I am hoping that these help someone who is starting out trying to write one and wants to see what worked for me. They are provided as examples, rather than exemplars. A lot of it was just finding my own way eve.gd/2026/01/16/s...
Some example academic book proposal forms in case they help
A pivotal moment in my academic career, or at least one I remember clearly, was when a very senior professor in the US sent me his book proposal for an acade...
eve.gd
January 16, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
socialhistsoc.bsky.social
📣3 days to go until the deadline - we can't wait to see you for our 50th anniversary in Lancaster!
January 13, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
paulisci.bsky.social
We used to do real science
SCIENTISTS QUARREL OVER MARTIAN WOMEN One Says Ladies Have Two Thumbs and X-Ray Eyes ANOTHER SAYS BIG EARS --The Commercial Appeal, 22 Oct 1928
January 12, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
brodiewaddell.bsky.social
Birkbeck is hiring a Lecturer in Medieval Studies (c.1300-1500), full-time and open-ended.

They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.

Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Lecturer in Medieval Studies to join our dynamic team within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Autumn 2026. As Lecturer in Medieval Studies you will contribute to the teaching of Medieval English literature and Medieval history across the Faculty, within our School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication, and School of Historical Studies - this includes our BA English and BA History programmes, as well as postgraduate taught programmes in the two subject areas. This post is offered on a permanent contract at Birkbeck, full time 35 hours per week, with a salary of £44,247 rising to £60,858 per year. Teaching hours will vary from 6pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday. To be successful, you will bring research expertise in the literature, history and culture of the Late Medieval period (c.1300-1500), and demonstrate a capacity to contribute to interdisciplinary research and teaching, participate actively in curriculum development, supervise doctoral students, and help shape the intellectual life of our vibrant academic community. We would also welcome applicants who would be able to contribute to collaborative teaching programmes or research in the Faculty, in areas such as identity, race/ethnicity, or gender - experience of collaboration with cultural institutions, whether through research or teaching, is also welcome. Core responsibilities will initially include programme/module administration, teaching, supervision, assessment, student support and pastoral care. You will also be equipped to supervise doctoral students. With a PhD in any area of Medieval Studies, you will contribute the Faculty’s and Schools’ research impact and culture, and to the intellectual and cultural life of the institution and the various communities and partners with whom we work and serve.
January 8, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
gregjenner.bsky.social
People of the UK! 🇬🇧 There’s still time to vote for an inspiring history teacher — the entry criteria is on the HRP website. I’m proud to be on the judging panel and look forward to celebrating great history teachers www.hrp.org.uk/schools/insp...
Inspiring History Teaching Awards
Created by Historic Royal Palaces, these awards celebrate teachers who make history exciting, inclusive and meaningful. We want to recognise the impact that great teachers can make by bringing the pas...
www.hrp.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
gregjenner.bsky.social
If you missed it, series 11 of YOU’RE DEAD TO ME launched on Saturday with an episode about Roman Emperor Nero.

Our guests are the superstar double-act of Professor Mary Beard & Patton Oswalt

You can listen now in the UK on BBC SOUNDS, or it’ll be out on January 30th on all global podcast apps
The BBC You’re Dead To Me artwork is a humorous play on the Bayeux Tapestry. It shows King Harold with arrow in his eye, and William the Conqueror, born holding up a banner saying ‘New Series’ This image is Greg’s lazily-cobbled together montage of a marble bust of Emperor Nero flanked by photos of Professor Mary Beard and Patton Oswalt Beneath them, purple text shouts “NEW SERIES!”
January 5, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
gregjenner.bsky.social
🚨NEW SERIES ALERT‼️

You’re Dead To Me is back for series 11, and to launch us off I’m joined by the brilliant classicist @wmarybeard.bsky.social and the hilarious comedian @pattonoswalt.bsky.social
to discuss the controversial life & reputation of Roman Emperor Nero

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
January 3, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
richardlittler.bsky.social
Work in progress.
I'm slightly obsessed with turn-of-the-(19th)century theatre/pantomime/circus playbills at the moment, so I'm re-creating posters and ads for more recent productions (and products) in that style.

#graphics #movies #davidlynch #victorian
Eraserhead film poster recreated as a Victorian playbill
January 1, 2026 at 1:56 PM
digivictorian.bsky.social
Can anyone help me decipher a bit of handwriting from 1852? I'm trying to figure out the cause of death in this record.
December 31, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
drbeard79.bsky.social
This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
Tiny
Tim, who did
NOT die,

and who
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
he was delicious
so sweet
and so cold
peteorford.bsky.social Pete Orford @peteorford.bsky.social · Dec 25
"My name is Tiny Tim, who did NOT die,
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair"
plashingvole.bsky.social Plashing Vole @plashingvole.bsky.social · Dec 25
‘It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite, Tiny Tim who did NOT die, when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me’
December 26, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
markcrail.bsky.social
Prove you’re not a Whig.
December 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
digivictorian.bsky.social
The latest issue of @historyextra.bsky.social is out! I’m part of a new monthly feature called ‘Ask the Experts’ — each issue, a group of expert historians all answer the same question. This month, we’re asking who is the most ‘overrated’ figure in history? Who do you think I picked?
December 20, 2025 at 12:32 PM
digivictorian.bsky.social
I made a video for @wired.com answering questions from the internet about Victorian history! youtu.be/10iYlK7bsJw?...
Historian Answers Victorian England Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
royalhistsoc.org
This week we launch a new programme for early career researchers with @ihr.bsky.social & @chalkefestival.bsky.social

'Pitch my Project' is an opportunity for early career historians to present their research at the 2026 Chalke History Festival bit.ly/44kfUMM Applications now invited #Skystorians
Pitch my Project: an opportunity for early career historians to present their work at the Chalke History Festival 2026 - RHS
Have you ever wanted to share your research with a wide audience? Would you like to gain experience in public speaking, and be supported to develop imaginative ways to communicate your research to the...
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
ehunineteen.bsky.social
TODAY!
ehunineteen.bsky.social EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · Dec 1
For our next seminar, the wonderful @digivictorian.bsky.social is hosting our just as wondrous PhD researchers, Liam Pope, Laura Grande Mateu, Emily Hayes, & Emma Butler, for our #19thCFlashTalks.

Join us for a pre-Christmas treat on Wednesday 10th December from 6 pm. Free, online, all welcome!
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: EHU Nineteen Flash Talks from Postgraduate Researchers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for a Christmassy treat for the latest research from EHU Nineteen's postgraduate researchers!
us06web.zoom.us
December 10, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
ehunineteen.bsky.social
THIS WEEK! Join us!!
A scene from Farmer Giles’s Entertainment of various figures around a table enjoying Christmas dinner (there also a children’s table) which we’re imagining is how our flash talks with our PhD students will go
December 8, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
victorianlondon.bsky.social
19C literary folk - who was Mrs Lawrence? it's all good humour up until this point. she made quite an, erm, impression.
December 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
willpooley.bsky.social
all academic applications should have consolation prizes.

doesn’t have to be much, like a mug that says “i applied for leverhulme 2020”
or a t-shirt “UKRI reject 2023”
December 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
ehunineteen.bsky.social
For our next seminar, the wonderful @digivictorian.bsky.social is hosting our just as wondrous PhD researchers, Liam Pope, Laura Grande Mateu, Emily Hayes, & Emma Butler, for our #19thCFlashTalks.

Join us for a pre-Christmas treat on Wednesday 10th December from 6 pm. Free, online, all welcome!
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: EHU Nineteen Flash Talks from Postgraduate Researchers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for a Christmassy treat for the latest research from EHU Nineteen's postgraduate researchers!
us06web.zoom.us
December 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
drmatthewsweet.bsky.social
This is a wonderful thread. Scholarship, creativity, a portrait of a generation.
bfletcherwatson.bsky.social Ben Fletcher-Watson @bfletcherwatson.bsky.social · Nov 30
Eleven years ago, I wrote to Tom Stoppard to ask about this coup de théâtre from 1949. It took me down an unexpected rabbit hole - in memory of Stoppard, here's what I found.
"Years and years ago, there was a production of The Tempest, out of doors, at an Oxford college on a lawn, which was the stage, and the lawn went back towards the lake in the grounds of the college, and the play began in natural light. But as it developed, and as it became time for Ariel to say his farewell to the world of The Tempest, the evening had started to close in and there was some artificial lighting coming on. And as Ariel uttered his last speech, he turned and he ran across the grass, and he got to the edge of the lake and he just kept running across the top of the water — the producer having thoughtfully provided a kind of walkway an inch beneath the water. And you could see and you could hear the plish, plash as he ran away from you across the top of the lake, until the gloom enveloped him and he disappeared from your view. And as he did so, from the further shore, a firework rocket was ignited, and it went whoosh into the air, and high up there it burst into lots of sparks, and all the sparks went out, and he had gone. "When you look up the stage directions, it says, 'Exit Ariel.”
December 1, 2025 at 9:14 AM
digivictorian.bsky.social
I appear as an expert historian in a new documentary film about the trials of Oscar Wilde. Check it out on History Hit from today! access.historyhit.com/videos/a-ver...
November 27, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
stephencollins.bsky.social
[Scene is a MEDIEVAL PLAGUE PIT with all the bodies inside it. On the edge of it is a young peasant woman, in a sack cloth dress, covered in boils. She is lounging glamorously next to the pit. Her boyfriend is standing a few feet away, photographing her with an anachronistic mobile phone] GIRL: OK so I'll sit here... With my hair like this… Rubbing my cyst with the corpse's hand. [She produces a whithered severed hand and starts rubbing it on her face.] [We are treated to a revolting close up of her rubbing the severed hand on her disgusting massive cyst.] [Her boyfriend takes a photo of her.] SNAP GIRL: OK, now write this: "Hanging out at the burial pit, rubbing my sebaceous cyst with a severed corpse hand from #BurtsGraverobbers…” And then: #selfcare, #metime, #BurtsGraverobbers… ... nails emoji, heart emoji, cyst emoji. BOYFRIEND: Um... Should we really be promoting this? I mean… does rubbing a corpse's hand on a cyst actually work? GIRL: Look, Burt's done research, OK? And he's paying us four groats. BOYFRIEND: Hmm. [Boyfriend dutifully taps out the post on his phone] TAP TAP TAP BOYFRIEND: Cyst emoji? GIRL: Just use a fried egg. [Ends]
November 25, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Reposted by Dr Bob Nicholson
ehunineteen.bsky.social
NEXT WEEK - join us!
ehunineteen.bsky.social EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · Oct 17
Our second seminar is:

27/11/25: David Coates, ‘Amateur Theatricals: in Fiction and in Fact’, 6-7 pm

us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#EHU19SeminarSeries
A print called ‘A Private Theatrical of Jane Shore’ with a seated woman performing with book for variously involved seated guests, a cat and dog fighting in the middle of them
November 17, 2025 at 7:11 AM