Martin Johnes
@martinjohnes.bsky.social
Historian of Wales & the UK. Books include: Aberfan, Wales since 1939, England's Colony?, Welsh Not, Christmas & the British, History of sport in Wales.
Pinned
Martin Johnes
@martinjohnes.bsky.social
· Nov 13
My book 'Welsh Not' is now out. It explores both the perception and treatment of language in 19th-century education & the wider reasons for linguistic change in Wales.
£20 in paperback or a free pdf here: uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
£20 in paperback or a free pdf here: uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
Reposted by Martin Johnes
If Britain is 'sliding "into economic crisis over £85bn sickness bill', what can UK Arts, Humanities & Social Science research tell us about alternative pathways?
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Britain sliding 'into economic crisis' over £85bn sickness bill, ex-John Lewis boss warns
The number of people who are out of work for health reasons has grown by 800,000 since 2019.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
If Britain is 'sliding "into economic crisis over £85bn sickness bill', what can UK Arts, Humanities & Social Science research tell us about alternative pathways?
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Reposted by Martin Johnes
Wales really should just opt out of REF. There are far easier, and considerably cheaper, ways of distributing QR funding.
A two-track REF 2029, seen as increasingly likely prospect, "could create a two-tier research ecosystem with major long-term—and unnecessary—negative consequences", one sector body warns.
@francesjones.bsky.social @fionamcintyre.bsky.social report www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
@francesjones.bsky.social @fionamcintyre.bsky.social report www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Fears mount over looming ‘twin-track’ REF - Research Professional News
Model under which some institutions would not need to submit returns seen as gaining ground
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Wales really should just opt out of REF. There are far easier, and considerably cheaper, ways of distributing QR funding.
A fair critique here. And one that's been made before but no one in government seems to want to listen. The Curriculum for Wales requires Welah history to be taught at all levels but never specifies what that means in practice. It needs to be far more directive.
Welsh historian calls for urgent overhaul of GCSE history qualification
Emily Price Welsh history is being sidelined in secondary schools and a complete overhaul of Wales’ GCSE history qualification is urgently needed, a prominent historian has warned. Dr Huw Griffiths ...
search.app
October 25, 2025 at 9:34 AM
A fair critique here. And one that's been made before but no one in government seems to want to listen. The Curriculum for Wales requires Welah history to be taught at all levels but never specifies what that means in practice. It needs to be far more directive.
Keir Starmer take note: the way to defeat Reform is not by adopting their policies and rhetoric. #Caerphilly
October 24, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Keir Starmer take note: the way to defeat Reform is not by adopting their policies and rhetoric. #Caerphilly
CPD event on the Second World War and Empire for teachers. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available and they're keen to have teachers from Wales there.
www.iwm.org.uk/learning/tea...
www.iwm.org.uk/learning/tea...
CPD and Training for Teachers
Take advantage of our special events, CPD, and training opportunities for teachers.
www.iwm.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:05 AM
CPD event on the Second World War and Empire for teachers. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available and they're keen to have teachers from Wales there.
www.iwm.org.uk/learning/tea...
www.iwm.org.uk/learning/tea...
I'm a big fan of Robert Harris' historical novels but the idea that this would have happened in a 1914 Anglesey pub is silly.
September 18, 2025 at 7:08 PM
I'm a big fan of Robert Harris' historical novels but the idea that this would have happened in a 1914 Anglesey pub is silly.
I'm giving a talk in London on Wales and the Second World War next week: www.cymmrodorion.org/talk/welsh-n...
Welsh National Identity and the Second World War - The Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion
Professor Martin Johnes
www.cymmrodorion.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:32 PM
I'm giving a talk in London on Wales and the Second World War next week: www.cymmrodorion.org/talk/welsh-n...
New research from the British Academy on declining arts & humanities provision in universities. Amongst its findings, is the fact that the number of students studying Welsh as a degree has fallen by 61% since 2011.
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
British Academy Report Shows Cold Spots In SHAPE Provision
With more students than ever studying at local universities, a recent report published by the British Academy shows growing cuts of humanities, social sciences, and arts degree programmes in rural,…
university-council-for-languages.org
September 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
New research from the British Academy on declining arts & humanities provision in universities. Amongst its findings, is the fact that the number of students studying Welsh as a degree has fallen by 61% since 2011.
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
Labour could change the news agenda entirely by announcing referendums on PR and Europe. It could be brave and return to its values. Or it can carry on dancing to whatever tune Farage and the media plays and thus play a part in destroying the UK.
August 27, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Labour could change the news agenda entirely by announcing referendums on PR and Europe. It could be brave and return to its values. Or it can carry on dancing to whatever tune Farage and the media plays and thus play a part in destroying the UK.
Also an ex-miner, banned for a year for attempted match fixing, ran a pub and starred in a movie. Someone should make a film about his life.
Born #OTD in 1874 in Chirk: Billy Meredith (cap #161)
Described as the 'football wonder of all time', 'Old Skinny' was selected 60 times to represent Cymru, but club commitments limited him to 48 caps - a Welsh record until 1962. Was 45 when he won his last cap
Instrumental in founding the PFA
Described as the 'football wonder of all time', 'Old Skinny' was selected 60 times to represent Cymru, but club commitments limited him to 48 caps - a Welsh record until 1962. Was 45 when he won his last cap
Instrumental in founding the PFA
July 30, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Also an ex-miner, banned for a year for attempted match fixing, ran a pub and starred in a movie. Someone should make a film about his life.
Newspaper ad for Michael Jackson at Cardiff Arms Park 1988.
July 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Newspaper ad for Michael Jackson at Cardiff Arms Park 1988.
Big thanks to Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group for welcoming me this morning and listening to a talk on Wales and the Second World War. A public engagement activity enabled by @ukri.org supporting the humanities.
July 2, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Big thanks to Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group for welcoming me this morning and listening to a talk on Wales and the Second World War. A public engagement activity enabled by @ukri.org supporting the humanities.
My book Wales since 1939 is half price (£10) at the moment. Enter SUN50 on the checkout page. manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9780719086670/
Manchester University Press - Wales since 1939
Wales since 1939 - Browse and buy the Paperback edition of Wales since 1939 by Martin Johnes
manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk
July 2, 2025 at 7:57 AM
My book Wales since 1939 is half price (£10) at the moment. Enter SUN50 on the checkout page. manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9780719086670/
David Lloyd George appeals to Wales' military history in a 1914 speech to his "fellow-countrymen" about the role he felt they should be playing in the Great War.
June 30, 2025 at 7:56 AM
David Lloyd George appeals to Wales' military history in a 1914 speech to his "fellow-countrymen" about the role he felt they should be playing in the Great War.
Watching the Welsh rain out the window while London radio advises me how to stay cool in the heat wave.
June 28, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Watching the Welsh rain out the window while London radio advises me how to stay cool in the heat wave.
Reposted by Martin Johnes
Around 3/4 of people don’t want Reform in power.
But the narrative is that they are unstoppable.
First-past-the-post has warped British politics for far too long.
Now it risks letting the extreme right win a majority.
It needs to go. My latest guardian column:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
But the narrative is that they are unstoppable.
First-past-the-post has warped British politics for far too long.
Now it risks letting the extreme right win a majority.
It needs to go. My latest guardian column:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Here is the single thing Labour can do to see off Reform and make British politics work | Will Hayward
Farage’s party could win 42% of Commons seats with only 26% of the vote. That’s not the way civilised countries do democracy, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
June 27, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Around 3/4 of people don’t want Reform in power.
But the narrative is that they are unstoppable.
First-past-the-post has warped British politics for far too long.
Now it risks letting the extreme right win a majority.
It needs to go. My latest guardian column:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
But the narrative is that they are unstoppable.
First-past-the-post has warped British politics for far too long.
Now it risks letting the extreme right win a majority.
It needs to go. My latest guardian column:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Martin Johnes
#SportAndFashion month is a great opportunity to examine the history of your sports through its sportswear.
Here Martin Johnes considers the significance of the 1970's Admiral Shirt in Welsh 🏴 football. Can you suggest similar iconic sportswear moments?
martinjohnes.com/2024/02/27/a...
Here Martin Johnes considers the significance of the 1970's Admiral Shirt in Welsh 🏴 football. Can you suggest similar iconic sportswear moments?
martinjohnes.com/2024/02/27/a...
A brief history of Welsh football through the 1970s Admiral Shirt
Image credit: The Welsh Football Collection, Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives. This cotton Wales football shirt was worn by Nick Deacy of PSV Eindhoven in an under 21s international mat…
martinjohnes.com
June 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
#SportAndFashion month is a great opportunity to examine the history of your sports through its sportswear.
Here Martin Johnes considers the significance of the 1970's Admiral Shirt in Welsh 🏴 football. Can you suggest similar iconic sportswear moments?
martinjohnes.com/2024/02/27/a...
Here Martin Johnes considers the significance of the 1970's Admiral Shirt in Welsh 🏴 football. Can you suggest similar iconic sportswear moments?
martinjohnes.com/2024/02/27/a...
Reposted by Martin Johnes
I'm always happy to give talks to secondary schools. If you'd like a talk about Welsh history or studying history just let me know.
June 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
I'm always happy to give talks to secondary schools. If you'd like a talk about Welsh history or studying history just let me know.
Reposted by Martin Johnes
#skyhistorians We are happy to announce our Cardiff (29/07), Liverpool (14/08) and Online (18/09) workshops for our Divergent Minds in the Archive project. We are looking for all ND archive users to sign up and tell us more about your experiences. More info on the posters. Links in next messages.
June 23, 2025 at 10:39 AM
#skyhistorians We are happy to announce our Cardiff (29/07), Liverpool (14/08) and Online (18/09) workshops for our Divergent Minds in the Archive project. We are looking for all ND archive users to sign up and tell us more about your experiences. More info on the posters. Links in next messages.
Reposted by Martin Johnes
*OPEN ACCESS*
‘A Welcoming Nation?’ edited by @catrineds.bsky.social, Rhys Dafydd Jones, and @laurasocres.bsky.social is out now!
Read for free via the link below: www.uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
‘A Welcoming Nation?’ edited by @catrineds.bsky.social, Rhys Dafydd Jones, and @laurasocres.bsky.social is out now!
Read for free via the link below: www.uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
June 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
*OPEN ACCESS*
‘A Welcoming Nation?’ edited by @catrineds.bsky.social, Rhys Dafydd Jones, and @laurasocres.bsky.social is out now!
Read for free via the link below: www.uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
‘A Welcoming Nation?’ edited by @catrineds.bsky.social, Rhys Dafydd Jones, and @laurasocres.bsky.social is out now!
Read for free via the link below: www.uwp.co.uk/app/uploads/...
Reposted by Martin Johnes
My book, 'Wales in England 1914-1945. A Social, Cultural, & Military History', is currently available at a more manageable price (47% off). In case you can no longer wait to hear how ideas of Wales and Welshness influenced two generations of English soldiers:
www.amazon.co.uk/Wales-Englan...
www.amazon.co.uk/Wales-Englan...
Amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My book, 'Wales in England 1914-1945. A Social, Cultural, & Military History', is currently available at a more manageable price (47% off). In case you can no longer wait to hear how ideas of Wales and Welshness influenced two generations of English soldiers:
www.amazon.co.uk/Wales-Englan...
www.amazon.co.uk/Wales-Englan...
Reposted by Martin Johnes
Frost claims the adoption of the name ‘UK’ to describe the state he lives in has been some Woke conspiracy against national identity.
He’s got it backwards: ‘UK’ was a *nationalist* adoption to distinguish GB and N Ireland from the wider global British world.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06...
He’s got it backwards: ‘UK’ was a *nationalist* adoption to distinguish GB and N Ireland from the wider global British world.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06...
The Great Britain I love is dying. We have one last chance to save it
Our country is not the same as the one I grew up in. But all hope is not yet extinguished if we act now
www.telegraph.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Frost claims the adoption of the name ‘UK’ to describe the state he lives in has been some Woke conspiracy against national identity.
He’s got it backwards: ‘UK’ was a *nationalist* adoption to distinguish GB and N Ireland from the wider global British world.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06...
He’s got it backwards: ‘UK’ was a *nationalist* adoption to distinguish GB and N Ireland from the wider global British world.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06...
I'm always happy to give talks to secondary schools. If you'd like a talk about Welsh history or studying history just let me know.
June 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
I'm always happy to give talks to secondary schools. If you'd like a talk about Welsh history or studying history just let me know.
New report showing the growing trend for Welsh language house and street names.
June 17, 2025 at 7:04 AM
New report showing the growing trend for Welsh language house and street names.