Dr Laura Varnam
@drlauravarnam.bsky.social
Tutor in English Lit at Univ, Oxford. Medievalist. Poet. She/her. Co-founder @guildmedmak. Church as Sacred Space (2018). Encountering Margery Kempe (2021). Primers Volume Seven: Grendel’s Mother Bites Back (2024). Next books on Du Maurier, and Beowulf.
First time I’ve given a lecture at the Schwarzman without a previous group coming out first! It was giving ‘alone in the VIP’ 😂 (I’m glad an audience did turn up!! Much appreciated everyone, esp on a Friday morning!).
January 30, 2026 at 12:16 PM
First time I’ve given a lecture at the Schwarzman without a previous group coming out first! It was giving ‘alone in the VIP’ 😂 (I’m glad an audience did turn up!! Much appreciated everyone, esp on a Friday morning!).
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
‘No wonder I got drunk that night. I’d been Chaucer for a week!’
- my article on Kipling’s Dayspring Mishandled, his entertaining and peculiar account of a Chaucerian forgery, is out now with the Review of English Studies! I absolutely *loved* working on this.
academic.oup.com/res/advance-...
- my article on Kipling’s Dayspring Mishandled, his entertaining and peculiar account of a Chaucerian forgery, is out now with the Review of English Studies! I absolutely *loved* working on this.
academic.oup.com/res/advance-...
‘I’d been Chaucer for a week!’: Forging the Medieval in Kipling’s ‘Dayspring Mishandled’
ABSTRACT. Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Dayspring Mishandled’ describes the creation of a Chaucerian forgery in immense detail. The short story, first published in 19
academic.oup.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:36 AM
‘No wonder I got drunk that night. I’d been Chaucer for a week!’
- my article on Kipling’s Dayspring Mishandled, his entertaining and peculiar account of a Chaucerian forgery, is out now with the Review of English Studies! I absolutely *loved* working on this.
academic.oup.com/res/advance-...
- my article on Kipling’s Dayspring Mishandled, his entertaining and peculiar account of a Chaucerian forgery, is out now with the Review of English Studies! I absolutely *loved* working on this.
academic.oup.com/res/advance-...
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
In our latest blog post, Kirsty Bolton reflects on her experience of claiming a space of her own and the ways mothers occupied and used space within #medieval romances. Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/ZGItAjv
@lusignanmermaid.bsky.social #medievalsky #skystorians #womenhistory
@lusignanmermaid.bsky.social #medievalsky #skystorians #womenhistory
January 30, 2026 at 7:15 AM
In our latest blog post, Kirsty Bolton reflects on her experience of claiming a space of her own and the ways mothers occupied and used space within #medieval romances. Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/ZGItAjv
@lusignanmermaid.bsky.social #medievalsky #skystorians #womenhistory
@lusignanmermaid.bsky.social #medievalsky #skystorians #womenhistory
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
York St William shrine shown in Minster for first time in 500 years - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
York St William shrine shown in Minster for first time in 500 years
St William's shrine in York Minster was dismantled and buried in the city during the Reformation.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 7:35 AM
York St William shrine shown in Minster for first time in 500 years - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Still listening to this- it’s excellent!- but it reminded me that when we did the Gawain & the Green Knight episode in 2024, I meant to recommend Murdoch’s novel THE GREEN KNIGHT as a fantastic adaptation / response. Check it out @backlisted.bsky.social friends!
So excited for the @backlisted.bsky.social episode on Iris Murdoch! I was OBSESSED with her when I was a grad student, and for years I refused to read the one last novel of hers on my list because I didn’t want to live in a world where there was no more Iris for me to read!! 🥹
January 29, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Still listening to this- it’s excellent!- but it reminded me that when we did the Gawain & the Green Knight episode in 2024, I meant to recommend Murdoch’s novel THE GREEN KNIGHT as a fantastic adaptation / response. Check it out @backlisted.bsky.social friends!
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
I ADORE this poem ❤️🔥🔥 @drlauravarnam.bsky.social
Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment and well deserved success. Thank you also for your kindness and generosity. 🥰
Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment and well deserved success. Thank you also for your kindness and generosity. 🥰
Absolutely over the moon to have three new poems from my Beowulf collection in the latest issue of @rialtopoetry.bsky.social 🎊✨ A dream publication! My queer love poem for Grendel’s Mother is dedicated to, and inspired by, the brilliant work of @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social ✨🙏🏻🥰
January 29, 2026 at 9:09 AM
I ADORE this poem ❤️🔥🔥 @drlauravarnam.bsky.social
Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment and well deserved success. Thank you also for your kindness and generosity. 🥰
Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment and well deserved success. Thank you also for your kindness and generosity. 🥰
Absolutely over the moon to have three new poems from my Beowulf collection in the latest issue of @rialtopoetry.bsky.social 🎊✨ A dream publication! My queer love poem for Grendel’s Mother is dedicated to, and inspired by, the brilliant work of @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social ✨🙏🏻🥰
January 29, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Absolutely over the moon to have three new poems from my Beowulf collection in the latest issue of @rialtopoetry.bsky.social 🎊✨ A dream publication! My queer love poem for Grendel’s Mother is dedicated to, and inspired by, the brilliant work of @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social ✨🙏🏻🥰
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Welcome to all our new followers thanks to the latest @backlisted.bsky.social episode! If you're new here, you might like to check out our podcast series, perhaps starting here:
soundcloud.com/user-5488042...
soundcloud.com/user-5488042...
Iris Murdoch for Beginners Podcast
Joining me to present a general introduction to Murdoch's life and work are Prof. Cheryl Bove (Ball State University, USA), Prof. Avril Horner (Kingston University, UK), and Kieran Setiya (MIT, USA).
soundcloud.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Welcome to all our new followers thanks to the latest @backlisted.bsky.social episode! If you're new here, you might like to check out our podcast series, perhaps starting here:
soundcloud.com/user-5488042...
soundcloud.com/user-5488042...
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Some powerfully resonant quotes from 'Salvation by Words' near the end of @backlisted.bsky.social on Iris Murdoch:
'Tyrants always fear art because tyrants want to mystify while art tends to clarify. The good artist is a vehicle of truth'
@irismurdoch.bsky.social
www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
'Tyrants always fear art because tyrants want to mystify while art tends to clarify. The good artist is a vehicle of truth'
@irismurdoch.bsky.social
www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
256. The Sacred and Profane Love Machine by Iris Murdoch — Backlisted
Ian Patterson, author of Books: A Manifesto (W&N), returns to Backlisted for a joyful discussion of Iris Murdoch and her sixteenth novel The Sacred and Profane Love Machine  ...
www.backlisted.fm
January 27, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Some powerfully resonant quotes from 'Salvation by Words' near the end of @backlisted.bsky.social on Iris Murdoch:
'Tyrants always fear art because tyrants want to mystify while art tends to clarify. The good artist is a vehicle of truth'
@irismurdoch.bsky.social
www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
'Tyrants always fear art because tyrants want to mystify while art tends to clarify. The good artist is a vehicle of truth'
@irismurdoch.bsky.social
www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Faber is set to publish several new editions of Sylvia Plath works in 2026, including new editions of The Bell Jar and Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams, a "landmark" volume of Plath’s poetry and a selection of her reflections on writing 👇 #BookSky
Faber unveils 'ambitious' raft of Sylvia Plath publishing
ebx.sh
January 28, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Faber is set to publish several new editions of Sylvia Plath works in 2026, including new editions of The Bell Jar and Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams, a "landmark" volume of Plath’s poetry and a selection of her reflections on writing 👇 #BookSky
This term the Team English Breakfast Reading Group is Richardson’s PAMELA (1740) and you know what? I bloody LOVE it!!! Very well chosen by our students. Epistolary novel, incredible page-turner, fascinating female characters, and goes well with bacon & egg 😉 Can’t wait for next week!
January 28, 2026 at 10:02 AM
This term the Team English Breakfast Reading Group is Richardson’s PAMELA (1740) and you know what? I bloody LOVE it!!! Very well chosen by our students. Epistolary novel, incredible page-turner, fascinating female characters, and goes well with bacon & egg 😉 Can’t wait for next week!
So excited for the @backlisted.bsky.social episode on Iris Murdoch! I was OBSESSED with her when I was a grad student, and for years I refused to read the one last novel of hers on my list because I didn’t want to live in a world where there was no more Iris for me to read!! 🥹
January 28, 2026 at 9:54 AM
So excited for the @backlisted.bsky.social episode on Iris Murdoch! I was OBSESSED with her when I was a grad student, and for years I refused to read the one last novel of hers on my list because I didn’t want to live in a world where there was no more Iris for me to read!! 🥹
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Penultimate new episode up now. The Sacred and Profane Love Machine by Iris Murdoch, with guest Ian Patterson in Socratic dialogue with Andy Miller, Una McCormack and Nicky Birch. @unamccormack.bsky.social @iammilliam.bsky.social www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
256. The Sacred and Profane Love Machine by Iris Murdoch — Backlisted
Ian Patterson, author of Books: A Manifesto (W&N), returns to Backlisted for a joyful discussion of Iris Murdoch and her sixteenth novel The Sacred and Profane Love Machine  ...
www.backlisted.fm
January 27, 2026 at 7:16 AM
Penultimate new episode up now. The Sacred and Profane Love Machine by Iris Murdoch, with guest Ian Patterson in Socratic dialogue with Andy Miller, Una McCormack and Nicky Birch. @unamccormack.bsky.social @iammilliam.bsky.social www.backlisted.fm/episodes/256...
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Julian of Norwich's cell in St Julian's Church, Norwich. Julian's cell was discovered as a result of WWII bombing and reconstructed. Now a beautiful, tranquil and peaceful space for reflection and prayer.
📸December 2024
📸December 2024
January 27, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Julian of Norwich's cell in St Julian's Church, Norwich. Julian's cell was discovered as a result of WWII bombing and reconstructed. Now a beautiful, tranquil and peaceful space for reflection and prayer.
📸December 2024
📸December 2024
It was a pleasure to host you! What a fantastic talk! Sign up to support @maternetwork.bsky.social everyone!
Thanks to @drlauravarnam.bsky.social, Univ & the English Faculty for hosting me very warmly and to the 50(!) or so people who came to my talk today. Do join @maternetwork.bsky.social - let’s fight fascism!
January 27, 2026 at 5:09 PM
It was a pleasure to host you! What a fantastic talk! Sign up to support @maternetwork.bsky.social everyone!
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Really looking forward to this - already bothering the ever-patient @rahhh.bsky.social with all my ideas!
Keynotes for GMS26 are @hellomizk.bsky.social @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social @mirabelledomine.bsky.social @lukeewalker.bsky.social. Sessions incl traditional papers, lightning talks, roundtable, creative showcase & exhibition. Please note there will be *no* parallel sessions, so fewer slots than usual.
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
January 27, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Really looking forward to this - already bothering the ever-patient @rahhh.bsky.social with all my ideas!
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Residency for two emerging writers to explore the feminist archive at Nottingham Women's Library.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
Emerging Writer's Residency 2026 - Nottingham City of Literature
A paid residency for emerging writers. Applications are open to explore the feminist archive at the Nottingham Women's Library.
nottinghamcityofliterature.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Residency for two emerging writers to explore the feminist archive at Nottingham Women's Library.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Very happy to be speaking with @drlauravarnam.bsky.social and @lukeewalker.bsky.social at her Gender & Medieval Studies conference this September, along with her Margery Kempe Society co-founder @laurakalas.bsky.social and @hellomizk.bsky.social and Teresa Pilgrim. Thank you Laura x
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
January 26, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Very happy to be speaking with @drlauravarnam.bsky.social and @lukeewalker.bsky.social at her Gender & Medieval Studies conference this September, along with her Margery Kempe Society co-founder @laurakalas.bsky.social and @hellomizk.bsky.social and Teresa Pilgrim. Thank you Laura x
Check out the CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference in Oxford in Sept! Theme is ✨GENDER & CREATIVITY✨ Conf generously support by University College, Oxford; the John Fell Fund (Oxford University); the Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship; the GMS group; & @guildmedmak.bsky.social
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
January 26, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Check out the CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference in Oxford in Sept! Theme is ✨GENDER & CREATIVITY✨ Conf generously support by University College, Oxford; the John Fell Fund (Oxford University); the Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship; the GMS group; & @guildmedmak.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
“Failures have this way of lingering, and perhaps the best we can often do is to linger with them.”
New post on “6 Axioms of (Historical) Failure”
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/s... 🗃️
New post on “6 Axioms of (Historical) Failure”
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/s... 🗃️
January 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM
“Failures have this way of lingering, and perhaps the best we can often do is to linger with them.”
New post on “6 Axioms of (Historical) Failure”
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/s... 🗃️
New post on “6 Axioms of (Historical) Failure”
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/s... 🗃️
Reposted by Dr Laura Varnam
Just 7 places left in Wednesday’s FREE workshop on ‘How to Start Learning Grant Writing’ (4-5pm CET / 3-4pm GMT):
www.eventbrite.com/e/1980620828...
www.eventbrite.com/e/1980620828...
PBP ‘How to Start Learning Grant Writing: A Free PhD/ECR Webinar’
This 60-minute beginners’ webinar is intended as an introduction to the process of learning how to write strong research grant proposals.
www.eventbrite.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:11 AM
Just 7 places left in Wednesday’s FREE workshop on ‘How to Start Learning Grant Writing’ (4-5pm CET / 3-4pm GMT):
www.eventbrite.com/e/1980620828...
www.eventbrite.com/e/1980620828...
Keynotes for GMS26 are @hellomizk.bsky.social @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social @mirabelledomine.bsky.social @lukeewalker.bsky.social. Sessions incl traditional papers, lightning talks, roundtable, creative showcase & exhibition. Please note there will be *no* parallel sessions, so fewer slots than usual.
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
January 25, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Keynotes for GMS26 are @hellomizk.bsky.social @pilgrimteresa.bsky.social @mirabelledomine.bsky.social @lukeewalker.bsky.social. Sessions incl traditional papers, lightning talks, roundtable, creative showcase & exhibition. Please note there will be *no* parallel sessions, so fewer slots than usual.
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
January 25, 2026 at 10:22 AM
The CFP for the Gender & Medieval Studies conference 2026 is now LIVE! The theme is Gender & Creativity. The conf will be held in Oxford, 8-10 Sept, abstracts due to me by 13 April. Full details on the GMS website (artwork by @hellomizk.bsky.social) medievalgender.co.uk/2026-oxford/
Just finished THE WOLF & HIS KING by @finnlongman.com and I loved it! 👏 Really moving, beautifully written, and sent me back to Marie de France’s lai. Highly recommend! 🐺👑
So pleased to have finally met @finnlongman.com in person! And thank you so much, Finn, for the copy of your new novel inspired by Bisclavret, THE WOLF & HIS KING 🐺👑 Check out that cover and those spredges!!
January 24, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Just finished THE WOLF & HIS KING by @finnlongman.com and I loved it! 👏 Really moving, beautifully written, and sent me back to Marie de France’s lai. Highly recommend! 🐺👑
As ever, incredibly inspiring words from Rachel 👏🥹❤️
January 23, 2026 at 8:13 PM
As ever, incredibly inspiring words from Rachel 👏🥹❤️