The Museum of English Rural Life
@themerl.bsky.social
The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading. We explore the history of the English countryside and its people. Chaotic Good.
https://merl.reading.ac.uk/
https://merl.reading.ac.uk/
Pinned
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
Interested in art? Join @unirdg-artcol.bsky.social tonight for a free online talk!
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Closer Look: Conversations with a Curator - The Museum of English Rural Life
Join us for our second season of exciting free online talks, where you’ll get the chance to dive deep into the world of art with our expert curators, conservators and scholars. Discover the stories be...
merl.reading.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Interested in art? Join @unirdg-artcol.bsky.social tonight for a free online talk!
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
It was indeed really great to talk with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 6, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It was indeed really great to talk with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
roses are red
some wolves are dire
some wolves are dire
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
roses are red
some wolves are dire
some wolves are dire
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 6, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
I have the most excellent colleagues.
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I have the most excellent colleagues.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
came across this with no context but you know what, sure okay
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 2:33 PM
came across this with no context but you know what, sure okay
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Gentlemen...
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Gentlemen...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
AC/DC lyric. Called it
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
AC/DC lyric. Called it
fun fact: Halloween in the north of England used to be known as nut-crack night.
people would mark nuts with the names of lovers and place them around a fire.
nuts that sizzled, spat or jumped indicated romantic incompatibility. nuts that burned together suggested peaceful, happy partnerships.
people would mark nuts with the names of lovers and place them around a fire.
nuts that sizzled, spat or jumped indicated romantic incompatibility. nuts that burned together suggested peaceful, happy partnerships.
November 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM
fun fact: Halloween in the north of England used to be known as nut-crack night.
people would mark nuts with the names of lovers and place them around a fire.
nuts that sizzled, spat or jumped indicated romantic incompatibility. nuts that burned together suggested peaceful, happy partnerships.
people would mark nuts with the names of lovers and place them around a fire.
nuts that sizzled, spat or jumped indicated romantic incompatibility. nuts that burned together suggested peaceful, happy partnerships.
if you're at History Day 2025, drop by our stand to collect a beautiful badge and dazzle your friends, neighbours and coworkers
University of Reading Special Collections and @themerl.bsky.social have arrived at History Day 2025! Come and have a go at our badge making. We’re really excited to look at all the other stalls too! #histday25 @ihr.bsky.social @ihrlibrary.bsky.social @senatehouselib.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 11:03 AM
if you're at History Day 2025, drop by our stand to collect a beautiful badge and dazzle your friends, neighbours and coworkers
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
I completely forgot about this podcast. And queer rural history? Heck yeah.
In case you missed it: last week, we released two new episodes of our podcast, Absolute Units!
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 4, 2025 at 10:59 AM
I completely forgot about this podcast. And queer rural history? Heck yeah.
In case you missed it: last week, we released two new episodes of our podcast, Absolute Units!
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 4, 2025 at 10:50 AM
In case you missed it: last week, we released two new episodes of our podcast, Absolute Units!
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Learn about tracing queer rural history in our archives with @timjerrome.bsky.social. And/or explore the history of Halloween with @folklorepod.bsky.social.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
detoxing from ⚽️ by listening to a history/museum podcast by @themerl.bsky.social
youtu.be/C2c-6-ZxdNU?...
youtu.be/C2c-6-ZxdNU?...
Halloween Special: Death, Rebirth, and Scooby Doo (with Mark Norman)
YouTube video by The Museum of English Rural Life
youtu.be
November 1, 2025 at 7:50 PM
detoxing from ⚽️ by listening to a history/museum podcast by @themerl.bsky.social
youtu.be/C2c-6-ZxdNU?...
youtu.be/C2c-6-ZxdNU?...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Did enjoy, will listen again
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 31, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Did enjoy, will listen again
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
The horrors! Two episodes of Absolute Units in one week. And an absolute shocker this time too, all about Halloween and folklore (with done discussion if Scooby Doo). This time, @joevaughan.net and I are joined by the amazing Mark Norman, host of @folklorepod.bsky.social. Enjoy!
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 31, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The horrors! Two episodes of Absolute Units in one week. And an absolute shocker this time too, all about Halloween and folklore (with done discussion if Scooby Doo). This time, @joevaughan.net and I are joined by the amazing Mark Norman, host of @folklorepod.bsky.social. Enjoy!
did someone say HaMERLween
Wishing you all a HAPPY HAMILLWEEN !!! 🎃 👻 😱 💀 🧙♀️ 🐈⬛
My costume this year is from one of my favorite Disney movies: Pinocchio.
How do you like me as Geppetto?
My costume this year is from one of my favorite Disney movies: Pinocchio.
How do you like me as Geppetto?
October 31, 2025 at 3:46 PM
did someone say HaMERLween
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Favourite @themerl.bsky.social items
October 31, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Favourite @themerl.bsky.social items
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
It's a special spooky podcast episode from @themerl.bsky.social
With me, for reasons that anyone is yet to truly fathom.
Go and listen!
With me, for reasons that anyone is yet to truly fathom.
Go and listen!
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 31, 2025 at 12:46 PM
It's a special spooky podcast episode from @themerl.bsky.social
With me, for reasons that anyone is yet to truly fathom.
Go and listen!
With me, for reasons that anyone is yet to truly fathom.
Go and listen!
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 31, 2025 at 12:43 PM
the bravest podcast listeners are about to meet their mightiest match, for our extremely nefarious bonus Halloween episode has arrived.
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
candles out, headphones on, & listen now — if you dare!*
(*wherever you get your podcasts)
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
This episode of the MERL's podcast is amazing. It made me want to read @timjerrome.bsky.social 's book but I don't think it's written yet.
And they've got someone on talking about folklore tomorrow for Halloween.
And they've got someone on talking about folklore tomorrow for Halloween.
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
This episode of the MERL's podcast is amazing. It made me want to read @timjerrome.bsky.social 's book but I don't think it's written yet.
And they've got someone on talking about folklore tomorrow for Halloween.
And they've got someone on talking about folklore tomorrow for Halloween.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Back again with the brilliant @timjerrome.bsky.social and the very finest of podcast co-presenters, @joevaughan.net. Latest episode of Absolute Units now out!
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Back again with the brilliant @timjerrome.bsky.social and the very finest of podcast co-presenters, @joevaughan.net. Latest episode of Absolute Units now out!
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Another fantastic episode! 🏳️🌈🐑
The two podcasts with @timjerrome.bsky.social, @olliedouglas.bsky.social, & @joevaughan.net together provide a masterclass in 'How To Do' queer history. Commitment and persistence are key and Tim personifies both in abundance. Wonderful for students . . . #lgbtq 🌈🗃️
The two podcasts with @timjerrome.bsky.social, @olliedouglas.bsky.social, & @joevaughan.net together provide a masterclass in 'How To Do' queer history. Commitment and persistence are key and Tim personifies both in abundance. Wonderful for students . . . #lgbtq 🌈🗃️
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Another fantastic episode! 🏳️🌈🐑
The two podcasts with @timjerrome.bsky.social, @olliedouglas.bsky.social, & @joevaughan.net together provide a masterclass in 'How To Do' queer history. Commitment and persistence are key and Tim personifies both in abundance. Wonderful for students . . . #lgbtq 🌈🗃️
The two podcasts with @timjerrome.bsky.social, @olliedouglas.bsky.social, & @joevaughan.net together provide a masterclass in 'How To Do' queer history. Commitment and persistence are key and Tim personifies both in abundance. Wonderful for students . . . #lgbtq 🌈🗃️
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Genuine pleasure to be an absolute unit once more! Curious to hear listeners’ opinions on the speculatory nature of this research, and how that might clash with archival neutrality.
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 30, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Genuine pleasure to be an absolute unit once more! Curious to hear listeners’ opinions on the speculatory nature of this research, and how that might clash with archival neutrality.
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
October 30, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Absolute Units is back!
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
We continue our conversation with @timjerrome.bsky.social (University of Brighton; formerly, The MERL) about his research into queer rural life.
Discover what Tim has found in our archives to date & the research challenges he's faced.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
This Friday, I ruin a perfectly good podcast about rural life by appearing on Absolute Units from @themerl.bsky.social
we're also delighted to reveal that on Friday we'll be releasing a 🎃bonus Halloween episode🎃 featuring Mark Norman (host of @folklorepod.bsky.social), chatting about the origins of Halloween, the spooky and the rural, and your friend and mine: Scooby Doo!
reehehehe
reehehehe
October 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
This Friday, I ruin a perfectly good podcast about rural life by appearing on Absolute Units from @themerl.bsky.social