Matthew Roberts
@matqbritholiday.bsky.social
Matthew Roberts is on the PhD Text, Practice as Research (part-time) program at the University of Kent. He will be presenting a lunchtime lecture - Queering the British Holiday - Tue 27th January 2026 Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, London.
Pinned
Queering the British Holiday - Society of Antiquaries of London
This lecture explores queering the British holiday by intersecting the Long Eighteenth Century Grand Tour; the impact of Music Hall theatricality on the Victorian Coast by male impersonator, Vesta Til...
www.sal.org.uk
www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
Tuesday 27th January 2026 I will be presenting Queering the British Holiday @antiquaries.bsky.social Book tickets (FREE) in person or zoom. NO PASSPORT REQUIRED! 😊
Tuesday 27th January 2026 I will be presenting Queering the British Holiday @antiquaries.bsky.social Book tickets (FREE) in person or zoom. NO PASSPORT REQUIRED! 😊
7 days to go...
1830 meets Club 18-30 at the Society of Antiquaries Tue 27th Jan www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
#queer #holidays #britain #history #gulliverstravels #johnvanburgh #vestatilley #camp #holidaycamp #gender #sexuality #seaside #coast #skegness #ibiza #ayianapa
1830 meets Club 18-30 at the Society of Antiquaries Tue 27th Jan www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
#queer #holidays #britain #history #gulliverstravels #johnvanburgh #vestatilley #camp #holidaycamp #gender #sexuality #seaside #coast #skegness #ibiza #ayianapa
January 20, 2026 at 3:43 AM
7 days to go...
1830 meets Club 18-30 at the Society of Antiquaries Tue 27th Jan www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
#queer #holidays #britain #history #gulliverstravels #johnvanburgh #vestatilley #camp #holidaycamp #gender #sexuality #seaside #coast #skegness #ibiza #ayianapa
1830 meets Club 18-30 at the Society of Antiquaries Tue 27th Jan www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
#queer #holidays #britain #history #gulliverstravels #johnvanburgh #vestatilley #camp #holidaycamp #gender #sexuality #seaside #coast #skegness #ibiza #ayianapa
www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
"OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE"
⚓🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊😱
8 days to go #societyofantiquaries #queer #holiday #britain #history #bsecs #travel #identity #coasts #seaside #historyofadvertisingtrust #designmuseum #skegness #imperialwarmuseum #bishopsgateinstitute
"OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE"
⚓🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊😱
8 days to go #societyofantiquaries #queer #holiday #britain #history #bsecs #travel #identity #coasts #seaside #historyofadvertisingtrust #designmuseum #skegness #imperialwarmuseum #bishopsgateinstitute
Queering the British Holiday - Society of Antiquaries of London
2026 marks two tricentenaries: the publication of the iconic Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and the death of the dramatist and architect John Vanbrugh. It also marks the 90th anniversary of the ...
www.sal.org.uk
January 18, 2026 at 10:18 PM
www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri...
"OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE"
⚓🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊😱
8 days to go #societyofantiquaries #queer #holiday #britain #history #bsecs #travel #identity #coasts #seaside #historyofadvertisingtrust #designmuseum #skegness #imperialwarmuseum #bishopsgateinstitute
"OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE"
⚓🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊😱
8 days to go #societyofantiquaries #queer #holiday #britain #history #bsecs #travel #identity #coasts #seaside #historyofadvertisingtrust #designmuseum #skegness #imperialwarmuseum #bishopsgateinstitute
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
COMING SOON
Be among the first to see our newly renovated exhibition. Tickets for 2026 are now available, with reopening from 4 February. Book now link.outsavvy.com/9084latb
–
Images From Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer
Be among the first to see our newly renovated exhibition. Tickets for 2026 are now available, with reopening from 4 February. Book now link.outsavvy.com/9084latb
–
Images From Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer
January 6, 2026 at 6:01 PM
COMING SOON
Be among the first to see our newly renovated exhibition. Tickets for 2026 are now available, with reopening from 4 February. Book now link.outsavvy.com/9084latb
–
Images From Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer
Be among the first to see our newly renovated exhibition. Tickets for 2026 are now available, with reopening from 4 February. Book now link.outsavvy.com/9084latb
–
Images From Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
HIDDEN GEM 💎
We’ve been named a hidden gem - as if you didn’t already know 😉
Thanks to The Standard for including us in their London hidden gems list, alongside some other fabulous spots.
Full list 👉 standard.co.uk/going-out/attractions/london-hidden-gems-must-visit-b1264240.html
–
#queerbritain
We’ve been named a hidden gem - as if you didn’t already know 😉
Thanks to The Standard for including us in their London hidden gems list, alongside some other fabulous spots.
Full list 👉 standard.co.uk/going-out/attractions/london-hidden-gems-must-visit-b1264240.html
–
#queerbritain
40 of London's best-kept secrets
London is a city of secrets to uncover
standard.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 6:01 PM
HIDDEN GEM 💎
We’ve been named a hidden gem - as if you didn’t already know 😉
Thanks to The Standard for including us in their London hidden gems list, alongside some other fabulous spots.
Full list 👉 standard.co.uk/going-out/attractions/london-hidden-gems-must-visit-b1264240.html
–
#queerbritain
We’ve been named a hidden gem - as if you didn’t already know 😉
Thanks to The Standard for including us in their London hidden gems list, alongside some other fabulous spots.
Full list 👉 standard.co.uk/going-out/attractions/london-hidden-gems-must-visit-b1264240.html
–
#queerbritain
8 days to go: www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri... 😀🎉🌈♥️🌞⚓🧜 #queerbritain #englishseasidenetwork #butlins #gulliverstravels #pilgrimage
Queering the British Holiday - Society of Antiquaries of London
2026 marks two tricentenaries: the publication of the iconic Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and the death of the dramatist and architect John Vanbrugh. It also marks the 90th anniversary of the ...
www.sal.org.uk
January 18, 2026 at 10:12 PM
8 days to go: www.sal.org.uk/event/queeri... 😀🎉🌈♥️🌞⚓🧜 #queerbritain #englishseasidenetwork #butlins #gulliverstravels #pilgrimage
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
THE ETHERTON LECTURE
We were honoured to support The Etherton Lecture, delivered by Lord Michael Cashman for Fighting with Pride, at the Imperial War Museum last night - hosted by Russell Tovey.
–
Photos from Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain
We were honoured to support The Etherton Lecture, delivered by Lord Michael Cashman for Fighting with Pride, at the Imperial War Museum last night - hosted by Russell Tovey.
–
Photos from Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain
January 16, 2026 at 5:44 PM
THE ETHERTON LECTURE
We were honoured to support The Etherton Lecture, delivered by Lord Michael Cashman for Fighting with Pride, at the Imperial War Museum last night - hosted by Russell Tovey.
–
Photos from Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain
We were honoured to support The Etherton Lecture, delivered by Lord Michael Cashman for Fighting with Pride, at the Imperial War Museum last night - hosted by Russell Tovey.
–
Photos from Queer Britain
–
#queerbritain
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
One of the most gloriously bonkers moments in British broadcasting history. If you have an interest in satire and genuine "fake news" (!), it's a must listen 🎧
NEW PODCAST KLAXON! And it's a beauty.
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
The British Broadcasting Century with Paul Kerensa: #112 The First Radio Hoax: Broadcasting the Barricades - A Centenary Re-enactment
100 years ago from this podcast's release, the BBC broadcast the first known radio scare - 12 years before Orson Welles's famous War of the Worlds, and possibly inspiring it.It was hoax - although ...
pod.fo
January 16, 2026 at 6:22 PM
One of the most gloriously bonkers moments in British broadcasting history. If you have an interest in satire and genuine "fake news" (!), it's a must listen 🎧
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
It's here!
We are delighted to announce that Issue 8 of the RRR Journal, Play in the Long Nineteenth Century, is available to read now at the link below.
We can't wait to hear your thoughts on these brilliant articles!
www.rrrjournal.com/issue/8
We are delighted to announce that Issue 8 of the RRR Journal, Play in the Long Nineteenth Century, is available to read now at the link below.
We can't wait to hear your thoughts on these brilliant articles!
www.rrrjournal.com/issue/8
Issue 8: Play in the Long Nineteenth Century
Issue 8 of Romance, Revolution and Reform.
www.rrrjournal.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:12 PM
It's here!
We are delighted to announce that Issue 8 of the RRR Journal, Play in the Long Nineteenth Century, is available to read now at the link below.
We can't wait to hear your thoughts on these brilliant articles!
www.rrrjournal.com/issue/8
We are delighted to announce that Issue 8 of the RRR Journal, Play in the Long Nineteenth Century, is available to read now at the link below.
We can't wait to hear your thoughts on these brilliant articles!
www.rrrjournal.com/issue/8
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
I love this idea, venues such as castles, stately homes & other institutions should have public library reading rooms to encourage learning, make the venue feel more personal & provide extra services to visitors!
‘We want people to sit, pause, relax’: National Trust to open its libraries for public use
Charity plans to make stately homes more welcoming by inviting visitors to use furniture and reading rooms
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:06 PM
I love this idea, venues such as castles, stately homes & other institutions should have public library reading rooms to encourage learning, make the venue feel more personal & provide extra services to visitors!
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Last Chance: Pandemic Artefacts
We've extended the deadline for our call for objects to 30 Jan. Our project features items acquired by members of the public, across the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their personal stories.
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbri...
We've extended the deadline for our call for objects to 30 Jan. Our project features items acquired by members of the public, across the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their personal stories.
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbri...
January 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Last Chance: Pandemic Artefacts
We've extended the deadline for our call for objects to 30 Jan. Our project features items acquired by members of the public, across the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their personal stories.
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbri...
We've extended the deadline for our call for objects to 30 Jan. Our project features items acquired by members of the public, across the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their personal stories.
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbri...
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
The Pichette Auditorium is packed for @chloewigstonsmith.bsky.social's key note address 'Thinking With and Again Small Things' at #BSECS2026
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
January 8, 2026 at 2:06 PM
The Pichette Auditorium is packed for @chloewigstonsmith.bsky.social's key note address 'Thinking With and Again Small Things' at #BSECS2026
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
#skystorians #18thC 🗃️
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
I’ve arrived for #BSECS2026 - don’t worry, I am incredibly early because I am picking up the programmes from the printers (a very 18thC task). Looking forward to welcoming everyone to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social over the next few days! It’s going to be stimulating, convivial & rewarding …
January 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
I’ve arrived for #BSECS2026 - don’t worry, I am incredibly early because I am picking up the programmes from the printers (a very 18thC task). Looking forward to welcoming everyone to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social over the next few days! It’s going to be stimulating, convivial & rewarding …
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Cheese, wigs, and even some Shakespeare as I discuss Pepys’s diary on the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast for @folger.edu!
www.folger.edu/podcasts/sha...
www.folger.edu/podcasts/sha...
The Strange History of Samuel Pepys's Diary | Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Jo...
www.folger.edu
January 2, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Cheese, wigs, and even some Shakespeare as I discuss Pepys’s diary on the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast for @folger.edu!
www.folger.edu/podcasts/sha...
www.folger.edu/podcasts/sha...
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
What does 2026 have in store for you? Why not take a look through a late 17th-century Physician’s notebook to try and decode your future.
January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
What does 2026 have in store for you? Why not take a look through a late 17th-century Physician’s notebook to try and decode your future.
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Happy New Year #18thCists #skystorians!
We can't wait to welcome you to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social NEXT WEEK for #BSECS2026.
You can register FOR THE CONFERENCE ONLY [no accommodation or meals] at the registration desk from 8am, 7 January.
Programme available here:
www.bsecs.org.uk/conferences/...
We can't wait to welcome you to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social NEXT WEEK for #BSECS2026.
You can register FOR THE CONFERENCE ONLY [no accommodation or meals] at the registration desk from 8am, 7 January.
Programme available here:
www.bsecs.org.uk/conferences/...
BSECS Annual Conference
BSECS Annual Conference: the annual meeting of the British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies is Europe's largest and most prestigious annual conference
www.bsecs.org.uk
January 2, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Happy New Year #18thCists #skystorians!
We can't wait to welcome you to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social NEXT WEEK for #BSECS2026.
You can register FOR THE CONFERENCE ONLY [no accommodation or meals] at the registration desk from 8am, 7 January.
Programme available here:
www.bsecs.org.uk/conferences/...
We can't wait to welcome you to @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social NEXT WEEK for #BSECS2026.
You can register FOR THE CONFERENCE ONLY [no accommodation or meals] at the registration desk from 8am, 7 January.
Programme available here:
www.bsecs.org.uk/conferences/...
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Some useful info for anyone staying @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social for @bsecs.bsky.social #BSECS2026 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/guest-inform...
Guest Information: FAQs
www.pmb.ox.ac.uk
January 2, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Some useful info for anyone staying @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social for @bsecs.bsky.social #BSECS2026 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/guest-inform...
Matthew Roberts
Podcast Episode · Atypical Daydream · 01/01/2026 · 17m
podcasts.apple.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
2025 has been a busy year, not least for spreading the word about #AudioDrama. As well as a couple of articles for @thestage.co.uk I did quite a few pieces for #radio and podcasts, including an introduction to #Hamlet on #BBCRadio3
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#Shakespeare
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#Shakespeare
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
2025 has been a busy year, not least for spreading the word about #AudioDrama. As well as a couple of articles for @thestage.co.uk I did quite a few pieces for #radio and podcasts, including an introduction to #Hamlet on #BBCRadio3
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#Shakespeare
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#Shakespeare
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
There's still time to secure your place for The National Humanities Lecture on 3 February 2026. This year's lecture will be delivered by award-winning novelist and storyteller Elif Shafak and will celebrate the public value of the humanities. In person + online. Register now:
https://bit.ly/3KgvXEB
https://bit.ly/3KgvXEB
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
There's still time to secure your place for The National Humanities Lecture on 3 February 2026. This year's lecture will be delivered by award-winning novelist and storyteller Elif Shafak and will celebrate the public value of the humanities. In person + online. Register now:
https://bit.ly/3KgvXEB
https://bit.ly/3KgvXEB
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
There's still time to get a 10% discount on the @ihr.bsky.social #London #SummerSchool 2026 - 'Sickness and Health'. Use code HEALTH10. #Bursary applications open until 26 March. All info via link:
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
All those in #history are welcome on this friendly & inspiring week!
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
All those in #history are welcome on this friendly & inspiring week!
December 29, 2025 at 10:11 AM
There's still time to get a 10% discount on the @ihr.bsky.social #London #SummerSchool 2026 - 'Sickness and Health'. Use code HEALTH10. #Bursary applications open until 26 March. All info via link:
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
All those in #history are welcome on this friendly & inspiring week!
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
All those in #history are welcome on this friendly & inspiring week!
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, immediate best-seller & enduring classic, published #OTD 1726; political satire which introduced words Lilliput, Brobdingnag & Yahoos to English Language; inspired Voltaire, Joyce, Orwell, and political satirists.
Aquatint & etching by Gilray 1803, Met Museum
Aquatint & etching by Gilray 1803, Met Museum
October 28, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, immediate best-seller & enduring classic, published #OTD 1726; political satire which introduced words Lilliput, Brobdingnag & Yahoos to English Language; inspired Voltaire, Joyce, Orwell, and political satirists.
Aquatint & etching by Gilray 1803, Met Museum
Aquatint & etching by Gilray 1803, Met Museum
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
It's made in the form of a head of faun, or Silenus (companion and tutor of Dionysus), with the head sitting directly on two goat's legs. The horned head is hinged to receive the oil.
December 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
It's made in the form of a head of faun, or Silenus (companion and tutor of Dionysus), with the head sitting directly on two goat's legs. The horned head is hinged to receive the oil.
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
My face when I sneak even more Christmas lunch leftovers out of the fridge for my millionth snack of the day.
This rather impish figure is in fact a drawing from 1789 of a Roman antique bronze lamp, purchased out of the collection of Baron Wassenaer at the Hague 1750.
This rather impish figure is in fact a drawing from 1789 of a Roman antique bronze lamp, purchased out of the collection of Baron Wassenaer at the Hague 1750.
December 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
My face when I sneak even more Christmas lunch leftovers out of the fridge for my millionth snack of the day.
This rather impish figure is in fact a drawing from 1789 of a Roman antique bronze lamp, purchased out of the collection of Baron Wassenaer at the Hague 1750.
This rather impish figure is in fact a drawing from 1789 of a Roman antique bronze lamp, purchased out of the collection of Baron Wassenaer at the Hague 1750.
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
Book submissions for the George E. Haggerty Prize in LGBTQ+ Studies in 18th-Century Scholarship are now open—Jan 15 deadline. If you published a peer reviewed book in 2024 or 25, please submit! $500 cash prize. RT’s appreciated 🙏🏼 asecs.org/resources/ol...
George E. Haggerty Prize in LGBTQ+ Studies in Eighteenth-Century Scholarship – ASECS
asecs.org
December 15, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Book submissions for the George E. Haggerty Prize in LGBTQ+ Studies in 18th-Century Scholarship are now open—Jan 15 deadline. If you published a peer reviewed book in 2024 or 25, please submit! $500 cash prize. RT’s appreciated 🙏🏼 asecs.org/resources/ol...
Reposted by Matthew Roberts
"In an era where the authentic written word is under threat....English isn't just about reading the past--it's about understanding the power of words and narratives in the present and future and giving our students the skills to successfully navigate the world".
True of all UK English programmes.
True of all UK English programmes.
Today the Sunday Times discusses the decline in students studying A-level and beyond. I believe this is reversible. I believe it is necessary. And I’m glad to have some of my words on the importance of the discipline and the vibrancy of our degrees in English at York in the article.
December 21, 2025 at 10:23 AM
"In an era where the authentic written word is under threat....English isn't just about reading the past--it's about understanding the power of words and narratives in the present and future and giving our students the skills to successfully navigate the world".
True of all UK English programmes.
True of all UK English programmes.