Anna Cusack
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annacusack.bsky.social
Anna Cusack
@annacusack.bsky.social
4.3K followers 1.5K following 93 posts
Early modernist. Lecturer at Oxford Conted, IES, AIFS, & WEA. PhD from Birkbeck, 'The Marginal Dead of London, c.1600-1800'. London, suicides, crime & punishment, execution, dead bodies, burial, religious outsiders (esp Quakers). Co-editor How-to History
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annacusack.bsky.social
Just your periodic reminder that there is an early modern pub night once a month for PhDs and ECRs and anyone else who'd like to join in London. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list please DM me.
Woodcut of four individuals around a table which has tankards of ale on it and a candle in a candle stick. One individual on the right as you look at the image is smoking a pipe and standing. The others are sitting. They are dressed in late Elizabethan or early Stuart clothings with some hats with feathers. One individual may be a woman the other three are male.
October 27, 2025 at 8:34 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
If anyone needs a freelance researcher in London (or across the UK), I'm your person!
I've reasonable rates, lots of archive experience & great recommendations from academics globally. I'm only teaching 1 module this term, as the job market is what it is. Therefore, I'm open to all work. DM me!
October 3, 2025 at 8:49 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
I have had the pleasure of doing some archival research at The Morrab Library, Penzance. Their catalogue is slowly making its way online, keep your eyes peeled. It's a truly beautiful place to work.
August 26, 2025 at 11:54 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
It's really like time travel! #SHSConf2025 has a great venue and has kicked off nicely. Come say hi 👋🏻 if you're about.
Reconstruction of a 1940s street with two cars, and a lady crossing the road in a baby blue coat. Shops line the road with old adverts out the front. A group of visitors walk along in front of them. Black County Living Museum.
July 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
annacusack.bsky.social
This is your periodic reminder that every month, there is an early modern pub night in London at a (vaguely) historical pub for PhDs and ECRs (and anyone else interested). They are great fun #earlymodern 1/2
June 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM
annacusack.bsky.social
Bit later than some, but happy to have finally finished my marking and have had a little holiday up in Scotland.
If anyone knows of any teaching opportunities next academic year. Or if anyone needs a freelancer to do some archival work, please get in touch.
June 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
annacusack.bsky.social
Today I finished my crime & punishment course @ Oxford Conted. I've honestly had the loveliest students, some who will shortly become #EarlyModern PhDs & MAs. It's been a joy & privilege to teach them, witness their discussions, & see their interest & enthusiasm grow. Will miss my Thursday mornings.
William Hogarth's image of Tyburn. In the middle foreground a female street seller clutches a child while calling out for people to buy the last dying words of the criminal. It is a crowd scene at the right background the Tyburn triple tree is evident there is a scaffold to the right with many bodies pressed together. On the left are more figures including the officials and a cart carrying the condemned who is learning on his coffin reading a prayer book in the middle behind the woman street seller is a covered carriage and an official can be seen in the window. The feel of the image is busy and dense. Spectators crowding forwards.
December 5, 2024 at 1:14 PM
annacusack.bsky.social
So many new people. Lovely to see you here.
I'm an early modernist who works on crime & punishment, suicide, & the treatment of the dead. Recently been doing work on what people did for fun too, so not all grim. I also run a pub night for PhDs & ECRs each month in London. Send me a DM if interested.
View of London before the Great Fire. The old St Paul's and parish church spires can be seen across the Thames. London Bridge is to the right of the image with the shops across it on the south/near side the heads of traitors can be seen above the southern gate. Southwark cathedral is to the left of this as you look at it as are the bull and bait baiting rings and Winchester palace. There are several boats on the Thames and other buildings on both sides of the river. It is in ink and the parchment has browned giving it a rustic feel.
November 12, 2024 at 8:18 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
Your periodic reminder that there is a monthly gathering at a vaguely historical pub in London of PhDs & ECRs & sometimes others, who (mostly) do early modern studies. Everyone is welcome. Send me a DM to join, especially if you are starting out on your academic journey or new to London
#EarlyModern
Sketch from the Rijksmuseum Tavern Games, Adriaen van Ostade, 1677 Customers at a tavern are sitting outside and enjoying the food and drink. Under the long roof, two men are playing a version of shuffleboard, pushing discs along the table. On the left in the foreground is one end of a bowling green. This sketch, which Van Ostade made in c. 1677, formed the basis for a finished watercolour as well as an oil painting.
September 3, 2024 at 8:39 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
Your periodic reminder that there is an early modern pub night once a month for anyone who may be interested. We meet at a (vaguely) historic pub, normally in the central London area, but our April meet will be further afield at The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead! Drop me a DM to join. #EarlyModern
March 25, 2024 at 1:10 PM
annacusack.bsky.social
The early modern pub meets this year have been wonderful! The final one for the year is coming up in Dec. If you wish to join let me know. Everyone is welcome.
A special thank you to @emilyrowe1.bsky.social @isabellarosner.bsky.social @laurenc.bsky.social & Nikki Clarke for hosting when I couldn't.
November 7, 2023 at 11:17 AM
annacusack.bsky.social
22 October is Wombat Day! More people need to know this! Let the wombat bring you joy!
October 22, 2023 at 10:50 AM