Matt Houlbrook
@tricksterprince.bsky.social
Cultural history, Britain, cities, sexuality & gender, #20s30s.
Now - Songs of Seven Dials: An intimate history of 1920s and 1930s London (MUP)
Next - The Self-Improvers: The people who remade themselves and made the modern world
Now - Songs of Seven Dials: An intimate history of 1920s and 1930s London (MUP)
Next - The Self-Improvers: The people who remade themselves and made the modern world
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
This is an excellent question for @thetimes.com. What would be the threshold racism had to cross for you to recognize it as racism, and not as “racism”?
Hey @thetimes.com what is ’racism’ - surely depicting the Obamas as monkeys is just old fashioned racism?
February 6, 2026 at 8:01 PM
This is an excellent question for @thetimes.com. What would be the threshold racism had to cross for you to recognize it as racism, and not as “racism”?
... because I wanted him. Do you understand? Because I wanted him!
The 🇬🇧British neo-noir suspense film "VICTIM" directed by Basil Dearden and starring Dirk Bogarde, Sylvia Syms, Dennis Price and Anthony Nicholls premiered #OnThisDay in 1962 at the Cinema I and Cinema II theaters in New York City
🎥 Rank Film Distributors 🇬🇧
🎞 Neo-Noir
🎥 Rank Film Distributors 🇬🇧
🎞 Neo-Noir
February 6, 2026 at 9:19 PM
... because I wanted him. Do you understand? Because I wanted him!
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Laughing at testimony from the Port of London Solicitor. They never won a theft case in the West Ham quarter sessions, as all the households in the area were all dockers or stevedores relatives and workers who knew the defendants. PLA had never got a single conviction from the West Ham sessions...
February 6, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Laughing at testimony from the Port of London Solicitor. They never won a theft case in the West Ham quarter sessions, as all the households in the area were all dockers or stevedores relatives and workers who knew the defendants. PLA had never got a single conviction from the West Ham sessions...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
No, it really isn't.
February 6, 2026 at 8:47 PM
No, it really isn't.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
I have spent years explaining that the characters in my historical novels almost never smoke because I can't be bothered to manage the stage business of cigarettes.
I am now in 2nd draft of a MS with a smoking character and I'm pleased to say I was right all along: it is a *huge* pain in the arse.
I am now in 2nd draft of a MS with a smoking character and I'm pleased to say I was right all along: it is a *huge* pain in the arse.
February 6, 2026 at 12:58 PM
I have spent years explaining that the characters in my historical novels almost never smoke because I can't be bothered to manage the stage business of cigarettes.
I am now in 2nd draft of a MS with a smoking character and I'm pleased to say I was right all along: it is a *huge* pain in the arse.
I am now in 2nd draft of a MS with a smoking character and I'm pleased to say I was right all along: it is a *huge* pain in the arse.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
As someone who is in an academic department that is positively pullulating with global talent, I would just like to note the gratuitous, excessive emotional and financial stress and strain suffered by talented globals in the context of swingeing visa regimes and hostile environments.
Government to explore expansion of UK Global Talent Fund.
Ministers will review scheme for attracting elite international researchers, as government trails further visa reforms.
Free to read.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Ministers will review scheme for attracting elite international researchers, as government trails further visa reforms.
Free to read.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Government to explore expansion of UK Global Talent Fund - Research Professional News
Ministers will review scheme for attracting elite international researchers, as government trails further visa reforms
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
As someone who is in an academic department that is positively pullulating with global talent, I would just like to note the gratuitous, excessive emotional and financial stress and strain suffered by talented globals in the context of swingeing visa regimes and hostile environments.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
This line Starmer's supporters keep reciting about him being "a decent man" is honestly just disgusting to me.
A self-degrading thing to say out loud.
A self-degrading thing to say out loud.
When I paid my annual subscription for “Force-feeding the British public Peter Mandelson’s sleaze in ten easy steps,”, I did not expect that the British public would then be force-fed Mandelson’s sleaze. This is an outrage and a tragedy
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
This line Starmer's supporters keep reciting about him being "a decent man" is honestly just disgusting to me.
A self-degrading thing to say out loud.
A self-degrading thing to say out loud.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
DECENT? The 'island of strangers' guy? The 'they do have that right' guy? The '10 pledges' guy? The 'I did know' guy?
Are you fucking serious?
Are you fucking serious?
February 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM
DECENT? The 'island of strangers' guy? The 'they do have that right' guy? The '10 pledges' guy? The 'I did know' guy?
Are you fucking serious?
Are you fucking serious?
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Dr Sam Rutherford (@echomikeromeo.bsky.social) and learn more about the last 150 years of trans history in Scotland. More info and tickets (free): edin.ac/4tecKoD
#Lgbtq #Lgbtqhistorymont #Transhistory #Scottishistory #History #Edinburgh #WorldDayOfSocialJustice
#Lgbtq #Lgbtqhistorymont #Transhistory #Scottishistory #History #Edinburgh #WorldDayOfSocialJustice
February 6, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Dr Sam Rutherford (@echomikeromeo.bsky.social) and learn more about the last 150 years of trans history in Scotland. More info and tickets (free): edin.ac/4tecKoD
#Lgbtq #Lgbtqhistorymont #Transhistory #Scottishistory #History #Edinburgh #WorldDayOfSocialJustice
#Lgbtq #Lgbtqhistorymont #Transhistory #Scottishistory #History #Edinburgh #WorldDayOfSocialJustice
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Pressure building on govt to come clean about Mandelson's role in bringing US spy-tech firm Palantir into the heart of our NHS.
The fingerprints of Mandelson and his lobbying firm are all over these deals.
The rot goes to the heart of this Labour govt
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The fingerprints of Mandelson and his lobbying firm are all over these deals.
The rot goes to the heart of this Labour govt
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Calls to halt UK Palantir contracts grow amid ‘lack of transparency’ over deals
Opposition MPs urge Labour to pause public contracts with the US tech firm after attempts to examine deals blocked
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Pressure building on govt to come clean about Mandelson's role in bringing US spy-tech firm Palantir into the heart of our NHS.
The fingerprints of Mandelson and his lobbying firm are all over these deals.
The rot goes to the heart of this Labour govt
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The fingerprints of Mandelson and his lobbying firm are all over these deals.
The rot goes to the heart of this Labour govt
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
It's not just the decision to give public money and public data to a sworn enemy of everything we stand for, appalling though that is. It's also the secrecy and illegal shutting out of any competition. What does Palantir have on Streeting and Starmer - and did Mandelson give it to them?
Calls to halt UK Palantir contracts grow amid ‘lack of transparency’ over deals
Opposition MPs urge Labour to pause public contracts with the US tech firm after attempts to examine deals blocked
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:46 AM
It's not just the decision to give public money and public data to a sworn enemy of everything we stand for, appalling though that is. It's also the secrecy and illegal shutting out of any competition. What does Palantir have on Streeting and Starmer - and did Mandelson give it to them?
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
We are organising a big "Festival of Social History" at the IHR, Friday April 24. The ticket price is an absolute steal for SHS members (join!). Trust me when I say this one's built different, it will be a hands-on day demonstrating how vibrant and engaged UK social history is. ONLY £10!
📣Bookings now open!
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
Festival of Social History
To celebrate 50 years of the Social History Society, we’ve teamed up with the Institute of Historical Research to host a Social History Festival! The festival will feature two expert discussion pan…
socialhistory.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM
We are organising a big "Festival of Social History" at the IHR, Friday April 24. The ticket price is an absolute steal for SHS members (join!). Trust me when I say this one's built different, it will be a hands-on day demonstrating how vibrant and engaged UK social history is. ONLY £10!
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
In case you missed it… my talk in Dublin with @tomhulme.bsky.social and @paraickerrigan.bsky.social ! youtu.be/CttFfqDEZpY?...
Love in the Lav: A Social Biography of Same-Sex Desire in Ireland, 1922-72 | Talk & Panel Discussion
YouTube video by Dublin City Heritage
youtu.be
February 6, 2026 at 12:18 AM
In case you missed it… my talk in Dublin with @tomhulme.bsky.social and @paraickerrigan.bsky.social ! youtu.be/CttFfqDEZpY?...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Dear BBC Archives...
A letter to thank you for Mañana, the Ibsen collection and more,
to express my disappointment at how in certain ways you fail to treat these precious fragments with proper respect,
and to suggest how you could do things better.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/dear-bbc-arc...
A letter to thank you for Mañana, the Ibsen collection and more,
to express my disappointment at how in certain ways you fail to treat these precious fragments with proper respect,
and to suggest how you could do things better.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/dear-bbc-arc...
Dear BBC Archives... - Illuminations
In a way, you’re spoiling us – and we’re grateful. ‘Us’ being the nerdy types fascinated by television’s deep archive. For so long, because of rights restrictions and a general lack of interest, telev...
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 7:41 AM
Dear BBC Archives...
A letter to thank you for Mañana, the Ibsen collection and more,
to express my disappointment at how in certain ways you fail to treat these precious fragments with proper respect,
and to suggest how you could do things better.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/dear-bbc-arc...
A letter to thank you for Mañana, the Ibsen collection and more,
to express my disappointment at how in certain ways you fail to treat these precious fragments with proper respect,
and to suggest how you could do things better.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/dear-bbc-arc...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
'The University of York and Swansea University have became the seventh and eighth universities to confirm they will not take up a three-year deal with the world’s biggest academic publisher'. Sheffield, Lancaster, Surrey, Kent, Essex and Sussex have already opted out.
‘Silent decoupling’ under way as Elsevier talks near crunch point
York and Swansea latest to decline publisher’s offer, with latter also walking away from Springer Nature deal
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:01 AM
'The University of York and Swansea University have became the seventh and eighth universities to confirm they will not take up a three-year deal with the world’s biggest academic publisher'. Sheffield, Lancaster, Surrey, Kent, Essex and Sussex have already opted out.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Come and view our exhibition after dark for this exciting late event tomorrow.
Last chance to book! 💌 🏳️🌈 💕
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...
Last chance to book! 💌 🏳️🌈 💕
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...
February 5, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Come and view our exhibition after dark for this exciting late event tomorrow.
Last chance to book! 💌 🏳️🌈 💕
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...
Last chance to book! 💌 🏳️🌈 💕
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Just a reminder about the new grant we (@universitypress.cambridge.org) are offering. Deadline is mid-April. Please spread the word.
Thrilled about this new grant we are offering for under-represented early career scholars. The first cycle is for scholars in history and area studies. Please spread the word widely. @universitypress.cambridge.org
*********************************
Read more here: 🔗 cup.org/4pF5xvr
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Read more here: 🔗 cup.org/4pF5xvr
Amplifying voices
New Cambridge grant to help under-represented scholars publish
cup.org
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Just a reminder about the new grant we (@universitypress.cambridge.org) are offering. Deadline is mid-April. Please spread the word.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
First poll Starmer has been ahead in for quite a while.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
First poll Starmer has been ahead in for quite a while.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
During the Second World War, Britain was in the "strange position of fighting to create a new world order that is going to inevitably reduce its power & status"- A fascinating interview with @alanallport.bsky.social on the excellent @nmtdambusters.bsky.social pod:
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
Episode 63:
Podcast Episode · Never Mind The Dambusters · 04/02/2026 · 53m
podcasts.apple.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:10 PM
During the Second World War, Britain was in the "strange position of fighting to create a new world order that is going to inevitably reduce its power & status"- A fascinating interview with @alanallport.bsky.social on the excellent @nmtdambusters.bsky.social pod:
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Both in-person and online booking are available for this special @ihr.bsky.social event in Senate House at 2.00pm BST on Wednesday 29 April marking the 100th anniversary of the General Strike. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
February 5, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Both in-person and online booking are available for this special @ihr.bsky.social event in Senate House at 2.00pm BST on Wednesday 29 April marking the 100th anniversary of the General Strike. Register here: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Back to niche social history from Scotland. Mystery of the day:
In the mid-1960s, two districts of Glasgow had by far the highest rate of births to lone mothers.
The first one is easy. It was the area where the maternity hospital was. But why Park Ward in the West End? What was there?
In the mid-1960s, two districts of Glasgow had by far the highest rate of births to lone mothers.
The first one is easy. It was the area where the maternity hospital was. But why Park Ward in the West End? What was there?
February 5, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Back to niche social history from Scotland. Mystery of the day:
In the mid-1960s, two districts of Glasgow had by far the highest rate of births to lone mothers.
The first one is easy. It was the area where the maternity hospital was. But why Park Ward in the West End? What was there?
In the mid-1960s, two districts of Glasgow had by far the highest rate of births to lone mothers.
The first one is easy. It was the area where the maternity hospital was. But why Park Ward in the West End? What was there?
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
With the future of the A379 / Slapton Line near Torcross in Devon uncertain following recent storm damage, here's a few other disappearing roads you may want to ride before its too late...
February 5, 2026 at 2:37 PM
With the future of the A379 / Slapton Line near Torcross in Devon uncertain following recent storm damage, here's a few other disappearing roads you may want to ride before its too late...
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
I am giving the Edinburgh Uni LGBTQ+ History Month lecture on the evening of 27 February, with the title 'Scottish Trans Pasts, Useable and Otherwise'. Details and link to register are here: hca.ed.ac.uk/updates-even... Do come along if you're in Edinburgh!
LGBTQ+ History Month: 'Scottish trans pasts, useable and otherwise?' | School of History, Classics & Archaeology | History Classics and Archaeology
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Dr Sam Rutherford and learn more about the last 150 years of trans history in Scotland.
hca.ed.ac.uk
February 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM
I am giving the Edinburgh Uni LGBTQ+ History Month lecture on the evening of 27 February, with the title 'Scottish Trans Pasts, Useable and Otherwise'. Details and link to register are here: hca.ed.ac.uk/updates-even... Do come along if you're in Edinburgh!
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
Very excited to announce this workshop on environmental approaches to modern British History taking place this September at @lincoln.ox.ac.uk. Please share!
CALL FOR PAPERS - Modern British History and the 'Environmental Turn'.
A two-day workshop organised by @maxlong.bsky.social and myself at Lincoln College, Oxford, 16-17 September. Deadline for abstracts is 15 May.
Details in poster below, please share.
A two-day workshop organised by @maxlong.bsky.social and myself at Lincoln College, Oxford, 16-17 September. Deadline for abstracts is 15 May.
Details in poster below, please share.
February 5, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Very excited to announce this workshop on environmental approaches to modern British History taking place this September at @lincoln.ox.ac.uk. Please share!
Reposted by Matt Houlbrook
