JoannaMWilliams
@joannamw.bsky.social
Historian, nature and music lover. Author of historical biographies on Mancunian Victorians Abel Heywood and Lydia Becker.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
This week in 1990 Dodie Smith died. Born in Whitefield and living in Old Trafford until a teenager, she wrote ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ and ‘I Capture the Castle’, as well as autobiography ‘Look Back with Love: A Manchester Childhood’.
November 22, 2025 at 11:16 AM
This week in 1990 Dodie Smith died. Born in Whitefield and living in Old Trafford until a teenager, she wrote ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ and ‘I Capture the Castle’, as well as autobiography ‘Look Back with Love: A Manchester Childhood’.
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This week in 1849 author of ‘The Secret Garden’, Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
Image – postbox in Albert Square decorated to honour her for World Book Day 2019.
Image – postbox in Albert Square decorated to honour her for World Book Day 2019.
November 23, 2025 at 8:03 AM
This week in 1849 author of ‘The Secret Garden’, Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
Image – postbox in Albert Square decorated to honour her for World Book Day 2019.
Image – postbox in Albert Square decorated to honour her for World Book Day 2019.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
24 November 1806 William Webb Ellis was born in Salford. He was baptised at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford. The story of his invention of rugby is refuted but the Rugby World Cup trophy is named after him.
Images – Salford Firsts sculpture by Emma Rodgers, Chapel St Salford, featuring rugby ball
Images – Salford Firsts sculpture by Emma Rodgers, Chapel St Salford, featuring rugby ball
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 AM
24 November 1806 William Webb Ellis was born in Salford. He was baptised at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford. The story of his invention of rugby is refuted but the Rugby World Cup trophy is named after him.
Images – Salford Firsts sculpture by Emma Rodgers, Chapel St Salford, featuring rugby ball
Images – Salford Firsts sculpture by Emma Rodgers, Chapel St Salford, featuring rugby ball
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
This week in 1923 a Salford paper reported on bare legs in a ballroom when three society girls wore golden sandals and no stockings. Another girl ‘trying hard to climb the ladder to fame’ removed her stockings but with black shoes and frock ‘her appearance was the cause of mirth’.
November 18, 2025 at 7:54 AM
This week in 1923 a Salford paper reported on bare legs in a ballroom when three society girls wore golden sandals and no stockings. Another girl ‘trying hard to climb the ladder to fame’ removed her stockings but with black shoes and frock ‘her appearance was the cause of mirth’.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
19 (or 18) November 1819 John Rhodes died. He had received a sabre wound to the head three months earlier at the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester but authorities were keen to attribute his death to natural causes – the coroner’s verdict.
November 19, 2025 at 7:42 AM
19 (or 18) November 1819 John Rhodes died. He had received a sabre wound to the head three months earlier at the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester but authorities were keen to attribute his death to natural causes – the coroner’s verdict.
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20 November 1856 A meeting in favour of the abolition of capital punishment was held in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
November 20, 2025 at 7:34 AM
20 November 1856 A meeting in favour of the abolition of capital punishment was held in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
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The timetable of the parliamentary day has long been the subject of debate. #OnThisDay 1837 Joseph Brotherton, MP for Salford, failed in one of his many attempts to limit sittings after midnight. Find out more about him in our post: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2021/10/27/i...
‘I shall persist’: Joseph Brotherton (1783-1857) and late hours in the Commons
Joseph Brotherton by Samuel William Reynolds Jr (1836) (C) NPG In 1832 the borough of Salford elected its first MP, who would represent the constituency for the next quarter-century. Described in 1…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:46 PM
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This week in 1923 a tram ran into a flock of sheep being driven along Cross Lane, Salford and killed one of them. Later that day, on the same road one of a herd of cows jumped on the bonnet of a van, breaking one of the headlights.
November 21, 2025 at 8:13 AM
This week in 1923 a tram ran into a flock of sheep being driven along Cross Lane, Salford and killed one of them. Later that day, on the same road one of a herd of cows jumped on the bonnet of a van, breaking one of the headlights.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
17 November 1906 A meeting of 70 journalists at the Albion Hotel, Manchester, led to a national campaign for a journalists’ union. The @nujofficial.bsky.social was founded the next year.
November 17, 2025 at 7:37 AM
17 November 1906 A meeting of 70 journalists at the Albion Hotel, Manchester, led to a national campaign for a journalists’ union. The @nujofficial.bsky.social was founded the next year.
Why aren’t the media talking about this???
Remarkably, Lib Dems have won more seats since May than Tories, Labour, Green Party, SNP & Plaid combined.
Aggregate Result of the 160 Council By-Elections (for 163 Seats) since the 2025 Local Elections:
RFM: 55 (+47)
LDM: 48 (+18)
CON: 16 (-20)
LAB: 13 (-38)
GRN: 13 (+2)
Ind: 9 (-3)
Local: 4 (-6)
SNP: 3 (=)
PLC: 2 (=)
Explore: electionmaps.uk/byelections-...
RFM: 55 (+47)
LDM: 48 (+18)
CON: 16 (-20)
LAB: 13 (-38)
GRN: 13 (+2)
Ind: 9 (-3)
Local: 4 (-6)
SNP: 3 (=)
PLC: 2 (=)
Explore: electionmaps.uk/byelections-...
November 16, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Why aren’t the media talking about this???
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
Remarkably, Lib Dems have won more seats since May than Tories, Labour, Green Party, SNP & Plaid combined.
Aggregate Result of the 160 Council By-Elections (for 163 Seats) since the 2025 Local Elections:
RFM: 55 (+47)
LDM: 48 (+18)
CON: 16 (-20)
LAB: 13 (-38)
GRN: 13 (+2)
Ind: 9 (-3)
Local: 4 (-6)
SNP: 3 (=)
PLC: 2 (=)
Explore: electionmaps.uk/byelections-...
RFM: 55 (+47)
LDM: 48 (+18)
CON: 16 (-20)
LAB: 13 (-38)
GRN: 13 (+2)
Ind: 9 (-3)
Local: 4 (-6)
SNP: 3 (=)
PLC: 2 (=)
Explore: electionmaps.uk/byelections-...
November 15, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Remarkably, Lib Dems have won more seats since May than Tories, Labour, Green Party, SNP & Plaid combined.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." Malcolm X.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:41 AM
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." Malcolm X.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Or else join the Lib Dems.
The Labour Government reeling off the same far-right talking points on immigration. And look who is celebrating. The far-right.
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
November 16, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Or else join the Lib Dems.
He was also anti women’s votes.
16 November 1811 John Bright was born in Rochdale. MP for Manchester and later Birmingham, he was anti-slavery, anti-war and an advocate of free trade. His statue stands in Albert Square Manchester.
November 16, 2025 at 2:53 PM
He was also anti women’s votes.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
The Yorkshire Dales National Park was established on this day 1954 and extended 2016. Most is in North Yorkshire, with a sizeable area in Cumbria and a small part in Lancashire (photo Ribblehead Viaduct).
November 16, 2025 at 9:38 AM
The Yorkshire Dales National Park was established on this day 1954 and extended 2016. Most is in North Yorkshire, with a sizeable area in Cumbria and a small part in Lancashire (photo Ribblehead Viaduct).
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
For the story of Kitty Marion and a detailed picture of the extent of such ‘Suffragette Outrages’ see @drfernriddell.bsky.social's ‘Death in Ten Minutes’.
November 11, 2025 at 8:03 AM
For the story of Kitty Marion and a detailed picture of the extent of such ‘Suffragette Outrages’ see @drfernriddell.bsky.social's ‘Death in Ten Minutes’.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
11 November 1913 In the early hours, a bomb destroyed the cactus house at Alexandra Park Manchester, planted by Suffragette Kitty Marion. This was part of an escalating, violent campaign of bombs, arson, and chemical attacks, by the WSPU under the direction of Christabel Pankhurst.
November 11, 2025 at 8:02 AM
11 November 1913 In the early hours, a bomb destroyed the cactus house at Alexandra Park Manchester, planted by Suffragette Kitty Marion. This was part of an escalating, violent campaign of bombs, arson, and chemical attacks, by the WSPU under the direction of Christabel Pankhurst.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
Postwar state support for agriculture in the UK has been hailed as a great success, but it had unexpected consequences.
🔓 John Martin’s new History Matters is free for 7 days
www.historytoday.com/archive/hist...
🔓 John Martin’s new History Matters is free for 7 days
www.historytoday.com/archive/hist...
Ploughing Up Postwar Britain
www.historytoday.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Postwar state support for agriculture in the UK has been hailed as a great success, but it had unexpected consequences.
🔓 John Martin’s new History Matters is free for 7 days
www.historytoday.com/archive/hist...
🔓 John Martin’s new History Matters is free for 7 days
www.historytoday.com/archive/hist...
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
Leeds, 1954, photo by Marc Riboud.
November 11, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Leeds, 1954, photo by Marc Riboud.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
Having survived the rigours of the #FirstWorldWar, soldiers faced the return to civilian life. For some, it presented an even greater challenge.
🔓 This archive article is free for #ArmisticeDay
www.historytoday.com/archive/feat...
🔓 This archive article is free for #ArmisticeDay
www.historytoday.com/archive/feat...
The End of the First World War
www.historytoday.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Having survived the rigours of the #FirstWorldWar, soldiers faced the return to civilian life. For some, it presented an even greater challenge.
🔓 This archive article is free for #ArmisticeDay
www.historytoday.com/archive/feat...
🔓 This archive article is free for #ArmisticeDay
www.historytoday.com/archive/feat...
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
9 November 1909 Architect Thomas Worthington died. His Manchester works include the Albert Memorial in the centre of Albert Square, Minshull St Courts, Memorial Hall (pictured). His designs for Manchester Town Hall were rejected in favour of those by Alfred Waterhouse.
November 9, 2025 at 7:50 AM
9 November 1909 Architect Thomas Worthington died. His Manchester works include the Albert Memorial in the centre of Albert Square, Minshull St Courts, Memorial Hall (pictured). His designs for Manchester Town Hall were rejected in favour of those by Alfred Waterhouse.
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
10 November 1665 Charles II granted a charter to Chetham’s school and library, Manchester, incorporating the charity governed by 24 feoffees (trustees).
November 10, 2025 at 7:26 AM
10 November 1665 Charles II granted a charter to Chetham’s school and library, Manchester, incorporating the charity governed by 24 feoffees (trustees).
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
Published today: 'Forging Fraternity in Late Medieval Society. The Palmers' Guild of Ludlow', by Rachael Harkes bit.ly/49CIDzC
Rachael's new book is the latest title in the Society's New Historical Perspectives series. It's now available free Open Access & paperback print @uolpress.bsky.social 1/2
Rachael's new book is the latest title in the Society's New Historical Perspectives series. It's now available free Open Access & paperback print @uolpress.bsky.social 1/2
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Published today: 'Forging Fraternity in Late Medieval Society. The Palmers' Guild of Ludlow', by Rachael Harkes bit.ly/49CIDzC
Rachael's new book is the latest title in the Society's New Historical Perspectives series. It's now available free Open Access & paperback print @uolpress.bsky.social 1/2
Rachael's new book is the latest title in the Society's New Historical Perspectives series. It's now available free Open Access & paperback print @uolpress.bsky.social 1/2
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
On 24 Nov. we welcome Dr Catriona Kennedy (York), to speak about her new book 'Women, politics, and the Irish public sphere'. All welcome (hybrid) www.qub.ac.uk/schools/Iris...
Irish Studies Seminar: Catriona Kennedy, 'Women, politics, and the Irish public sphere'
www.qub.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 8:20 AM
On 24 Nov. we welcome Dr Catriona Kennedy (York), to speak about her new book 'Women, politics, and the Irish public sphere'. All welcome (hybrid) www.qub.ac.uk/schools/Iris...
Reposted by JoannaMWilliams
What a fabulously curated and presented site this is. Clean & clear to navigate, lots of fascinating data & artifacts. And to hear newly recorded political songs from the era! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@philipwblood.bsky.social
ecppec.ncl.ac.uk
@philipwblood.bsky.social
ecppec.ncl.ac.uk
Eighteenth-Century Political Participation & Electoral Culture
18th-century Britain is notorious for corrupt and restrictive politics, when few could vote, bribery and debauchery were commonplace. But it was also an age when modern democracy was being shaped.
ecppec.ncl.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 6:43 AM
What a fabulously curated and presented site this is. Clean & clear to navigate, lots of fascinating data & artifacts. And to hear newly recorded political songs from the era! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@philipwblood.bsky.social
ecppec.ncl.ac.uk
@philipwblood.bsky.social
ecppec.ncl.ac.uk