Martin Spychal
@martinspychal.bsky.social
Senior Research Fellow, History of Parliament, House of Commons, 1832-1945 project. History, politics, prints, cats - maybe music & cricket. New book 'Mapping the State' OUT NOW. bit.ly/3RQmUeK
Reposted by Martin Spychal
The 1832 Reform Act marked a pivotal moment in the extension of the franchise, but who was able to vote?
@martinspychal.bsky.social explores topic, which may not be as straightforward as you think.
@martinspychal.bsky.social explores topic, which may not be as straightforward as you think.
How many people could vote in the UK after the 1832 Reform Act? - The History of Parliament
Dr Martin Spychal examines how many people could vote in the UK after the 1832 Reform Act.
historyofparliament.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The 1832 Reform Act marked a pivotal moment in the extension of the franchise, but who was able to vote?
@martinspychal.bsky.social explores topic, which may not be as straightforward as you think.
@martinspychal.bsky.social explores topic, which may not be as straightforward as you think.
Reposted by Martin Spychal
We were saddened to hear that Sir Roland Jackson, who was due to speak to our IHR seminar this term, died earlier this month.
The Royal Institution have published a moving tribute here.
The Royal Institution have published a moving tribute here.
In memory of Sir Roland Jackson, 1954-2026
We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir Roland Jackson who was very well-regarded member, Fellow and Trustee of the Royal Institution (Ri) and a pivotal figure in the fields of science…
www.rigb.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:19 PM
We were saddened to hear that Sir Roland Jackson, who was due to speak to our IHR seminar this term, died earlier this month.
The Royal Institution have published a moving tribute here.
The Royal Institution have published a moving tribute here.
Reposted by Martin Spychal
📣 We’re hiring!
The History of Parliament are seeking a Research Fellow for our House of Lords 1660-1832 project. @georgianlords.bsky.social
We’re looking for a historian with a PhD in 18thC British political or cultural history to join our expert team.
🔗 Details below:
#AcademicJobs #HistoryJobs
The History of Parliament are seeking a Research Fellow for our House of Lords 1660-1832 project. @georgianlords.bsky.social
We’re looking for a historian with a PhD in 18thC British political or cultural history to join our expert team.
🔗 Details below:
#AcademicJobs #HistoryJobs
Job Vacancy: Research Fellow, 1660-1832 House of Lords - The History of Parliament
The History of Parliament are excited to advertise for a research fellow to join our House of Lords 1660-1832 project.
historyofparliament.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:33 AM
📣 We’re hiring!
The History of Parliament are seeking a Research Fellow for our House of Lords 1660-1832 project. @georgianlords.bsky.social
We’re looking for a historian with a PhD in 18thC British political or cultural history to join our expert team.
🔗 Details below:
#AcademicJobs #HistoryJobs
The History of Parliament are seeking a Research Fellow for our House of Lords 1660-1832 project. @georgianlords.bsky.social
We’re looking for a historian with a PhD in 18thC British political or cultural history to join our expert team.
🔗 Details below:
#AcademicJobs #HistoryJobs
Reposted by Martin Spychal
#ICYMI earlier this week, Robin Eagles of the Georgian Lords posted on uncovering the lives of Black Londoners, among them one who almost certainly joined John London in voting in the 1749 Westminster by-election:
historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/s...
#HistParl #BSECS2026
historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/s...
#HistParl #BSECS2026
Steps towards identifying new Black voters in 18th-century Westminster and Hertfordshire - The History of Parliament
A few months ago, the History welcomed a guest post by Dr Gillian Williamson with her groundbreaking research into John London, to date the earliest known
historyofparliament.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:06 PM
#ICYMI earlier this week, Robin Eagles of the Georgian Lords posted on uncovering the lives of Black Londoners, among them one who almost certainly joined John London in voting in the 1749 Westminster by-election:
historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/s...
#HistParl #BSECS2026
historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/s...
#HistParl #BSECS2026
Reposted by Martin Spychal
We are all back at our desks for 2026 and we start with a reminder of some of our research from 2025. We look forward to sharing more highlights over the coming months. historyofparliament.com/2026/01/01/h...
Happy New Year from the Victorian Commons for 2026! - The History of Parliament
Here’s wishing all our readers a very enjoyable New Year! 2025 was a particularly memorable year for our 1832-68 House of Commons project and the History of
historyofparliament.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:38 AM
We are all back at our desks for 2026 and we start with a reminder of some of our research from 2025. We look forward to sharing more highlights over the coming months. historyofparliament.com/2026/01/01/h...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Next in our #1832AtoZ is U, which is for University seats. Find out more about University constituencies in @martinspychal.bsky.social's article on the University of London seat: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2018/11/22/t...
The University of London, representation and the 1867 Reform Act
Last week, as part of UK Parliament Week, we held a special event with the University of London to mark the 150th anniversary of the university returning its first MP to parliament. At the 1868 gen…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Next in our #1832AtoZ is U, which is for University seats. Find out more about University constituencies in @martinspychal.bsky.social's article on the University of London seat: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2018/11/22/t...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
The Victorian Commons team enjoyed catching up with Lisa and other friends and colleagues at this event, and it was great to hear our director @jhdavey.bsky.social introduce proceedings with an overview of @histparl.bsky.social's activities in 2025. It has been a busy year!
A packed room for @histparl.bsky.social’s annual lecture!
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
December 17, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The Victorian Commons team enjoyed catching up with Lisa and other friends and colleagues at this event, and it was great to hear our director @jhdavey.bsky.social introduce proceedings with an overview of @histparl.bsky.social's activities in 2025. It has been a busy year!
Reposted by Martin Spychal
A packed room for @histparl.bsky.social’s annual lecture!
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
December 17, 2025 at 7:59 AM
A packed room for @histparl.bsky.social’s annual lecture!
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
A great evening and lecture given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds on ‘Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
Reposted by Martin Spychal
A reminder of this month's new post from our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social, who continues his series on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, with research into McLagan's father: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/p...
Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860): enslaver, plantation owner and landed proprietor
Dr Martin Spychal explores the life of Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860). A farmer’s son from Perthshire, McLagan senior acquired considerable wealth as an enslaver and plantation owner in Demerara …
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A reminder of this month's new post from our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social, who continues his series on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, with research into McLagan's father: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/p...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Following on from his article on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, Dr Martin Spychal has explored the life of his father, Peter McLagan senior, and his ownership of enslaved people in Demerara (modern-day Guyana):
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860): enslaver, plantation owner and landed proprietor - The History of Parliament
Dr Martin Spychal explores the life of Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860). A farmer’s son from Perthshire, McLagan senior acquired considerable wealth as an enslaver and plantation owner in Demerara…
historyofparliament.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Following on from his article on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, Dr Martin Spychal has explored the life of his father, Peter McLagan senior, and his ownership of enslaved people in Demerara (modern-day Guyana):
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Great to see our colleague @martinspychal.bsky.social's book Mapping the State reviewed by Matthew Roberts as 'a work of impressive scholarship which deserves to be widely read'. Mapping the State is available on Open Access here: uolpress.co.uk/book/mapping...
December 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Great to see our colleague @martinspychal.bsky.social's book Mapping the State reviewed by Matthew Roberts as 'a work of impressive scholarship which deserves to be widely read'. Mapping the State is available on Open Access here: uolpress.co.uk/book/mapping...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
After the hard work that goes into a peer-reviewed article, very pleased to be in print today! Come for the constructions of women’s sexuality in the 19th century Lords; stay for new diary source on the hidden attic from which women watched the Commons below onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
Ringside seat? Women's modes of entry to the early 19th‐century parliament
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onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:12 PM
After the hard work that goes into a peer-reviewed article, very pleased to be in print today! Come for the constructions of women’s sexuality in the 19th century Lords; stay for new diary source on the hidden attic from which women watched the Commons below onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
Reposted by Martin Spychal
I'm really thrilled that my interview was included as part of Radio 4's 'Pick of the Week' yesterday evening. It starts at 07:22 here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or for the fuller version see the post quoted below.
December 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
I'm really thrilled that my interview was included as part of Radio 4's 'Pick of the Week' yesterday evening. It starts at 07:22 here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or for the fuller version see the post quoted below.
Reposted by Martin Spychal
The Victorian Commons team are looking forward to hearing this paper and congratulating Dr Wilson on her recent PhD!
Tonight Helen Wilson will speak at a joint session of the IHR’s Parliaments, Politics and People and British History in the Long 18th Century seminars, discussing her paper on 'Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850'.
You can attend online or in-person:
You can attend online or in-person:
Black and Political: Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850
Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.
www.history.ac.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:12 AM
The Victorian Commons team are looking forward to hearing this paper and congratulating Dr Wilson on her recent PhD!
Reposted by Martin Spychal
For #StAndrewsDay we are sharing @martinspychal.bsky.social's recent post on Scottish county politics between 1832 and 1868, drawing on @histparl.bsky.social's research on Scotland’s constituencies: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2024/08/27/s...
Scottish county politics between the 1832 and 1868 Scottish Reform Acts
Last month Durham University, supported by the History of Parliament, hosted the Histories of Scottish Politics in the Age of Union, c.1700-1945 conference. At the conference, Dr Martin Spychal, a …
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM
For #StAndrewsDay we are sharing @martinspychal.bsky.social's recent post on Scottish county politics between 1832 and 1868, drawing on @histparl.bsky.social's research on Scotland’s constituencies: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2024/08/27/s...
Reposted by Martin Spychal
On 3 December, Helen Wilson will be speaking at a special joint session of the IHR’s Parliaments, Politics and People and British History in the Long 18th Century seminars.
Find out more about her paper on 'Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850' below:
Find out more about her paper on 'Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850' below:
Black and Political: Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850 - The History of Parliament
Dr Helen Wilson will be discussing Black participation in British Politics between 1750 and 1850.
historyofparliament.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
On 3 December, Helen Wilson will be speaking at a special joint session of the IHR’s Parliaments, Politics and People and British History in the Long 18th Century seminars.
Find out more about her paper on 'Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850' below:
Find out more about her paper on 'Reconstructing Black Participation in British Politics, 1750-1850' below:
Reposted by Martin Spychal
On today's episode of 'Materials of State' on BBC Radio 4, David Cannadine alongside Dr Mari Takayanagi
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
On today's episode of 'Materials of State' on BBC Radio 4, David Cannadine alongside Dr Mari Takayanagi
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Really great paper from @nemgarrett.bsky.social, and for anyone who missed it, the good news is that an extended version is being published next year in a collection edited by my @histparl.bsky.social colleague Naomi Lloyd-Jones.
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New Dai...
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Really great paper from @nemgarrett.bsky.social, and for anyone who missed it, the good news is that an extended version is being published next year in a collection edited by my @histparl.bsky.social colleague Naomi Lloyd-Jones.
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New Dai...
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New Dai...
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
Reposted by Martin Spychal
In the second episode of 'Materials of State', David Cannadine will be exploring the importance of the Sword of State, which you can listen to at 1:45pm today on BBC Radio 4.
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
In the second episode of 'Materials of State', David Cannadine will be exploring the importance of the Sword of State, which you can listen to at 1:45pm today on BBC Radio 4.
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Reposted by Martin Spychal
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:25 AM
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
Reposted by Martin Spychal
If you're interested in Scottish national identity, eighteenth-century fashion, and/or women in politics, you may be interested in the paper I'm presenting at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People seminar next Tuesday. Best of all, it's online!
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
On 25 November, Dr Natalie Garrett will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where they will be presenting on Jane, duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812.
Find out more and how to attend below:
Find out more and how to attend below:
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New…
historyofparliament.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
If you're interested in Scottish national identity, eighteenth-century fashion, and/or women in politics, you may be interested in the paper I'm presenting at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People seminar next Tuesday. Best of all, it's online!
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Members of the Victorian Commons team will be on the #HistParl stand from 11-11:45 and 2-2:45 for all your 19th century history needs, and other brilliant colleagues will also be on hand throughout the day!
Come and say hello to the #HistParl team at History Day next week! We're excited to talk about our research and catch up with new and old friends working in the sector.
Find out more via @ihr.bsky.social #HistDay25
Find out more via @ihr.bsky.social #HistDay25
1 week to go until History Day - don't forget to sign up! Read about why History Day is such a fantastic event in this blog by Claire Langhamer: buff.ly/ySfBuWR
#HistDay25 @senatehouselib.bsky.social
#HistDay25 @senatehouselib.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Members of the Victorian Commons team will be on the #HistParl stand from 11-11:45 and 2-2:45 for all your 19th century history needs, and other brilliant colleagues will also be on hand throughout the day!
Reposted by Martin Spychal
Ready and waiting to meet people at #HistDay25.
November 4, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Ready and waiting to meet people at #HistDay25.