Simon Briercliffe
@simonbriercliffe.bsky.social
Historian at the Black Country Museum and elsewhere: talk to me about the Black Country, Shropshire, modern and local British history, the Irish in Britain, museums, local heritage and all stops in between. Baby gaeilgeoir. https://simonbriercliffe.com/
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
Our current project at @bclivingmuseum.bsky.social is a rather beautiful library, to be set in 1963. We've had thousands of books donated by the local community. I've been shelving history this morning and there's some classics.
February 13, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Our current project at @bclivingmuseum.bsky.social is a rather beautiful library, to be set in 1963. We've had thousands of books donated by the local community. I've been shelving history this morning and there's some classics.
Our current project at @bclivingmuseum.bsky.social is a rather beautiful library, to be set in 1963. We've had thousands of books donated by the local community. I've been shelving history this morning and there's some classics.
February 13, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Our current project at @bclivingmuseum.bsky.social is a rather beautiful library, to be set in 1963. We've had thousands of books donated by the local community. I've been shelving history this morning and there's some classics.
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
And the only reason he's being platformed on the topic at all is that he's so rich people think it matters when he makes ridiculous nasty noises with one of the holes in his face.
February 11, 2026 at 6:47 PM
And the only reason he's being platformed on the topic at all is that he's so rich people think it matters when he makes ridiculous nasty noises with one of the holes in his face.
I hadn't really made the link before that Mandelson had been in charge of the Millennium Dome - just like his grandad Herbert Morrison had been in charge of the Festival of Britain with its own dome. History is weird.
February 7, 2026 at 7:38 PM
I hadn't really made the link before that Mandelson had been in charge of the Millennium Dome - just like his grandad Herbert Morrison had been in charge of the Festival of Britain with its own dome. History is weird.
This is a fascinating insight into American architecture; my instinct was that you can't bury the body under the porch.
let me start an entirely inconsequential debate: are patios ALWAYS on the back of your place, vs. are porches ALWAYS on the front?
Like if I say "i'm on my porch," I 100% mean I'm on the front of my place, if I say "I'm on my patio" I think I could credibly be in front or behind (but mostly behind)
Like if I say "i'm on my porch," I 100% mean I'm on the front of my place, if I say "I'm on my patio" I think I could credibly be in front or behind (but mostly behind)
February 3, 2026 at 7:52 AM
This is a fascinating insight into American architecture; my instinct was that you can't bury the body under the porch.
I am of course obliged to ask: whose horse is that? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Horse on tracks causes disruption to train services
Network Rail says staff removed the horse, and normal services have resumed.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 9:59 PM
I am of course obliged to ask: whose horse is that? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
👉The Irish Language in Liverpool / An Ghaeilge cois Seteia👈
Experts from Ireland, Canada and the US will discuss Liverpool’s contribution to the Irish language
📅6:30pm, 4 March
🧭Rathbone Theatre @liverpooluni.bsky.social
FREE registration: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981144632...
Experts from Ireland, Canada and the US will discuss Liverpool’s contribution to the Irish language
📅6:30pm, 4 March
🧭Rathbone Theatre @liverpooluni.bsky.social
FREE registration: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981144632...
The Irish Language in Liverpool / An Ghaeilge cois Seteia
This event brings together world-leading experts from Ireland, Canada and the US to discuss Liverpool’s contribution to the Irish language.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 4:26 PM
👉The Irish Language in Liverpool / An Ghaeilge cois Seteia👈
Experts from Ireland, Canada and the US will discuss Liverpool’s contribution to the Irish language
📅6:30pm, 4 March
🧭Rathbone Theatre @liverpooluni.bsky.social
FREE registration: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981144632...
Experts from Ireland, Canada and the US will discuss Liverpool’s contribution to the Irish language
📅6:30pm, 4 March
🧭Rathbone Theatre @liverpooluni.bsky.social
FREE registration: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981144632...
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
Proud to have been one of the 9,200 people who submitted that name to the contest. Lol blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/28/a...
'Abolish ICE' Submitted 9,200 Times For Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest, Records Show
Anti-ICE sentiments made up nearly 80 percent of submissions. Voting for the top six names opens Sunday and runs through Feb. 14.
blockclubchicago.org
January 29, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Proud to have been one of the 9,200 people who submitted that name to the contest. Lol blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/28/a...
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
🎉My first peer reviewed article just published in Urban History as FirstView!
Following on from my thesis, it covers privy pails & ashpits, the fly problem, public health, mortality & sanitation investment
A smooth & stress free publishing experience @urbanhistory.bsky.social
#OpenAccess #histmed
Following on from my thesis, it covers privy pails & ashpits, the fly problem, public health, mortality & sanitation investment
A smooth & stress free publishing experience @urbanhistory.bsky.social
#OpenAccess #histmed
Perilous privies and public health: the nature and impact of ‘dry’ municipal conservancy systems in urban England, 1870s–1920s | Urban History | Cambridge Core
Perilous privies and public health: the nature and impact of ‘dry’ municipal conservancy systems in urban England, 1870s–1920s
www.cambridge.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:59 AM
🎉My first peer reviewed article just published in Urban History as FirstView!
Following on from my thesis, it covers privy pails & ashpits, the fly problem, public health, mortality & sanitation investment
A smooth & stress free publishing experience @urbanhistory.bsky.social
#OpenAccess #histmed
Following on from my thesis, it covers privy pails & ashpits, the fly problem, public health, mortality & sanitation investment
A smooth & stress free publishing experience @urbanhistory.bsky.social
#OpenAccess #histmed
No boss but The Boss.
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 9:10 PM
No boss but The Boss.
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
The field of British “far-right and fascism” studies, which straddles political science, history & sociology, has yet to grapple with Goodwin. He began writing about the BNP & has ended up standing for a party filling the same political space. His earlier work shows traces of this later trajectory.
NEW: Former academic Matt Goodwin has been announced as Reform UK's candidate for the Gorton & Denton byelection.
January 27, 2026 at 2:56 PM
The field of British “far-right and fascism” studies, which straddles political science, history & sociology, has yet to grapple with Goodwin. He began writing about the BNP & has ended up standing for a party filling the same political space. His earlier work shows traces of this later trajectory.
Great, but there may be options not related to a terrible politician?
‘The only woman for the job!’ Nigella Lawson must be the new Bake Off judge
‘The only woman for the job!’ Nigella Lawson must be the new Bake Off judge
The TV chef is rumoured to be replacing Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off. She is exactly what the show needs right now
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Great, but there may be options not related to a terrible politician?
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
Fab looking conference from @mrcwarwick.bsky.social - Blood is the price of coal.
Call for papers open until Sunday - have a look!
18 June for the event itself - hoping to be a part of it!
warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Call for papers open until Sunday - have a look!
18 June for the event itself - hoping to be a part of it!
warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Call for papers
warwick.ac.uk
January 22, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Fab looking conference from @mrcwarwick.bsky.social - Blood is the price of coal.
Call for papers open until Sunday - have a look!
18 June for the event itself - hoping to be a part of it!
warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Call for papers open until Sunday - have a look!
18 June for the event itself - hoping to be a part of it!
warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
‘We’ve gone on holiday by mistake’
January 21, 2026 at 9:26 PM
‘We’ve gone on holiday by mistake’
@paulba31.bsky.social hi Paul, any chance you could drop me an email? Think I've only got an outdated one for you!
January 21, 2026 at 2:15 PM
@paulba31.bsky.social hi Paul, any chance you could drop me an email? Think I've only got an outdated one for you!
I love this, such a straightforward and honest way to think about patriotism.
Falling in love with bits of your environment and culture as you get to know them is a natural human habit. It's not a meaningful philosophy that should guide your conscience.
January 20, 2026 at 2:20 PM
I love this, such a straightforward and honest way to think about patriotism.
I'm now imagining your man attempting to argue that Kidderminster should be ceded to the US. Those are strategically important carpet factory shops and the enthusiasm for US troops at the steam railway 1940s day makes it clear that it's an American outpost.
January 18, 2026 at 7:57 PM
I'm now imagining your man attempting to argue that Kidderminster should be ceded to the US. Those are strategically important carpet factory shops and the enthusiasm for US troops at the steam railway 1940s day makes it clear that it's an American outpost.
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
I'm stepping out of my normal period a bit - can anyone suggest sources which might show how/where raw materials were bought for the manufacture of ships in the 18th century? Can be military or civilian, but I'd like to find out where shipbuilders were getting certain metal supplies from.
January 16, 2026 at 12:12 PM
I'm stepping out of my normal period a bit - can anyone suggest sources which might show how/where raw materials were bought for the manufacture of ships in the 18th century? Can be military or civilian, but I'd like to find out where shipbuilders were getting certain metal supplies from.
I'm stepping out of my normal period a bit - can anyone suggest sources which might show how/where raw materials were bought for the manufacture of ships in the 18th century? Can be military or civilian, but I'd like to find out where shipbuilders were getting certain metal supplies from.
January 16, 2026 at 12:12 PM
I'm stepping out of my normal period a bit - can anyone suggest sources which might show how/where raw materials were bought for the manufacture of ships in the 18th century? Can be military or civilian, but I'd like to find out where shipbuilders were getting certain metal supplies from.
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
The UK has declined a new Elbit Systems contract, leading Palestine Action prisoners to end the hunger strike that had three of them on the brink of death. The Tesco worker suspended for refusing to handle Israeli goods has been reinstated and will no longer have to handle them. We can and will win
January 15, 2026 at 7:43 AM
The UK has declined a new Elbit Systems contract, leading Palestine Action prisoners to end the hunger strike that had three of them on the brink of death. The Tesco worker suspended for refusing to handle Israeli goods has been reinstated and will no longer have to handle them. We can and will win
Rough times ahead for everyone at Ironbridge: www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-h...
Up to 50 jobs to go at Ironbridge Museums as National Trust gears up to take over
Up to 50 jobs are set to go at Ironbridge's museums as the National Trust gears up to take over.
www.shropshirestar.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Rough times ahead for everyone at Ironbridge: www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-h...
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
Want to learn more about SABRE Maps? Not sure which #maps we have available or how to find them? Or what other mapping functions we have? Perhaps you just like maps, history or the railways? Join us for our first-ever Zoom session, Wed 14 Jan 2026 - free at 1930 UK/Ireland time. buff.ly/JxwTeg1
January 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Want to learn more about SABRE Maps? Not sure which #maps we have available or how to find them? Or what other mapping functions we have? Perhaps you just like maps, history or the railways? Join us for our first-ever Zoom session, Wed 14 Jan 2026 - free at 1930 UK/Ireland time. buff.ly/JxwTeg1
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
What's your favourite thing about the SHS Conference?
As our applications are currently *OPEN*, we look back at what some of 2025's attendees loved about the SHS Conference!
(No fairground this year, but lots of 50th anniversary celebrations!)
As our applications are currently *OPEN*, we look back at what some of 2025's attendees loved about the SHS Conference!
(No fairground this year, but lots of 50th anniversary celebrations!)
January 6, 2026 at 9:50 AM
What's your favourite thing about the SHS Conference?
As our applications are currently *OPEN*, we look back at what some of 2025's attendees loved about the SHS Conference!
(No fairground this year, but lots of 50th anniversary celebrations!)
As our applications are currently *OPEN*, we look back at what some of 2025's attendees loved about the SHS Conference!
(No fairground this year, but lots of 50th anniversary celebrations!)
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
✨ Call for Papers ✨
Are you a postgrad, ECR, independent scholar, or heritage professional researching any aspect of Midlands history?
We'd love to hear about your work at our New Voices in Midland History Conference on Saturday 6 June at Newark Museum.
CfP details below 👇 deadline 31 March.
Are you a postgrad, ECR, independent scholar, or heritage professional researching any aspect of Midlands history?
We'd love to hear about your work at our New Voices in Midland History Conference on Saturday 6 June at Newark Museum.
CfP details below 👇 deadline 31 March.
January 12, 2026 at 1:10 PM
✨ Call for Papers ✨
Are you a postgrad, ECR, independent scholar, or heritage professional researching any aspect of Midlands history?
We'd love to hear about your work at our New Voices in Midland History Conference on Saturday 6 June at Newark Museum.
CfP details below 👇 deadline 31 March.
Are you a postgrad, ECR, independent scholar, or heritage professional researching any aspect of Midlands history?
We'd love to hear about your work at our New Voices in Midland History Conference on Saturday 6 June at Newark Museum.
CfP details below 👇 deadline 31 March.
Reposted by Simon Briercliffe
Comedy is all about timing. In this case, 3 decades.
January 12, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Comedy is all about timing. In this case, 3 decades.