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Prof Bob Nicholson

@digivictorian.bsky.social
1.9K followers 366 following 50 posts

History Professor • Broadcaster • Victorian Pop Culture • Presenter of 'Killing Victoria' on BBC Sounds 🎙️ • www.bobnicholson.co.uk

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Reposted by Prof Bob Nicholson
Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Hooray! Our episode of You’re Dead To Me about the history of underwear is available globally as audio podcast or YouTube video Our brilliant guests are fashion historian Dr Serena Dyer & improv comedy icon @vicmmic.bsky.social 😁 Here’s the YouTube link for outside the UK youtu.be/T5X4LV46ZVA?...
youtu.be
Why Do Underpants Have a Bum Flap? A History of Underwear | You’re Dead To Me
YouTube video by BBC Podcasts
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The YouTube video I made for WIRED just hit a million views! It’s crazy to think that so many people have watched me talking about Victorian history, but I’m glad it’s for a project I’m really proud of. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out here: youtu.be/10iYlK7bsJw?...
youtu.be
Historian Answers Victorian England Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
An article I wrote about Victorian murders has just been published by HistoryExtra! For now, it seems to be exclusive to their Apple News feed, but if you have access and fancy a bit of gory reading, you can check it out here: apple.news/AhRjyyMYmSey...
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I’m proud — and very surprised! — to have been selected as a winner of one of Edge Hill’s inaugural research awards. I won in the ‘Changemaker’ category, which recognises people whose work contributes to real-world public impact. It’s great that the panel recognised the value of public history work.
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The latest History Extra is out, and this month’s Ask The Experts feature is all about inaccurate historical films. Delighted to have a pull-quote from my response on the cover! You’ll have to grab a copy to see what film I’m talking about, but longtime followers might be able to guess.
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Friends! Does anybody's library have access to the Dickensian? I need to access an article titled 'Charles Dickens's Desk' from the Spring 1997 issue, and, ideally, a couple of other desk-related articles from the Summer 2025 issue.
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Dr Lindsey Fitzharris @drlindseyfitz.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
I genuinely feel sick. A company reached out to me on IG, linking me to an AI version of myself. You can even ask "me" questions. They are also advertising it using an AI photo of me. They told me if I like it, they will give me free access... to my own fucking content that they stole. /1
A screenshot of the advertisement with an AI image of Lindsey and a brain, with text that says: YOUR BODY HAS A HISTORY. ASK ABOUT IT."
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
I'm giving a public talk in Manchester on 15 June! Tickets available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/what-shoul...
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Research Society for Victorian Periodicals @rs4vp.org · 28/05/2026
🎉Congratulations to @c19thnewshound.bsky.social, our 2026 Mitchell Prize winner! His work reframes the so-called "failure" of #19thC short-lived periodicals as innovative and intentional. Our judges described the project as "analytically acute and conceptually ambitious." Read more: buff.ly/mix9hRU
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Richard Fallon @richardfallon.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Harry Furniss's Punch interior of 'A Well-Known Circulating Library'. Note the two young women trying to help themselves to books, and an elderly one absorbed in the intrigues of Lady Audley's Secret.
Panel cartoon from Punch, March 7 1885: a frantic scene of jostlers in a circulating library.'Don't trouble we'll find the books ourselves'An elderly woman contently reads Lady Audley
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University of Hertfordshire UCU @uhertfordshireucu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
On Friday afternoon before the Bank Holiday, colleagues in the Humanities department were called to a meeting on Tuesday. They were informed that the University Portfolio Review had decided that English Language, English Literature, Philosophy, History & Creative Writing UG degrees would close
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
I was interviewed for this fun article about Victorian eating habits! www.mashed.com/2157791/what...
mashed.com
The Everyday And Unusual Foods People Ate In The Victorian Era - Mashed
The Victorians ate a surprising array of foods, from eel pies and brain cakes to ice creams flavored with cucumber, tea, spinach, and oyster.
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Martin Paul Eve @eve.gd · 06/03/2026
Urgh. This has made it to the Guardian. As I said the other day, it sounds dire for lifelong learning and for non-traditional students. A very real risk of homogenising the student body, here. Along with assumptions about the form of universities. www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
Vice-chancellor calls for review into student loans for those without A-levels
Adam Tickell, of University of Birmingham, says money is loaned to people who ‘are not really capable of graduating’
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Physicians' Gallery @physiciansgallery.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Questionable 1700s treatment for melancholy... rubbing yourself all over with nettles
Printed recipe. Text reads ‘For melancholy. Rub the body all over with nettles’
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
I've got an op ed in @telegraph.co.uk, ruminating on how the Victorians approached death and funerals, in case you fancy reading something cheerful this morning! In print, or online: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/03...
telegraph.co.uk
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Matthew Stephens (Dr) - 19th-century Newshound @c19thnewshound.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
It's official! I've been 'doctored'. So many folks to thank - for now, fab supervisors @digivictorian.bsky.social, @bethgaskell.bsky.social, @drbeard79.bsky.social, @miaout.bsky.social, great examiners @jimmussell.bsky.social, @sarahfoxhistory.bsky.social and many friends/colleagues @rs4vp.org.
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Dr Laura Eastlake @victorianmasc.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
I'm super excited to be chatting to The Byron Society about how volcanoes have shaped the Gothic and why Lord Byron was the ultimate 'Volcanic Gothic' celebrity. Featuring cameos from Jo March, Dracula & the Dark Lord Sauron! 📆 26/02/2026 5:30 pm. Online. 🎟️ www.thebyronsociety.com/events/volca...
Poster with a painting of Vesuvius in eruption. Text: A Byron Society Lecture. Volcanic Gothic: From Lord Byron to Lord of the Rings
Start Date & Time: 26/02/2026 5:30 pm. Location: Online. Speakers
Dr Laura Eastlake.
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Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
More Research Training from the IHR . The term 2 calendar is now live. www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
Calendar of IHR Research Training January to April 2026. All the details are in the web link in the body of the post.
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 16/01/2026
Applications are now invited for a new RHS programme for 2026, co-hosted with @ihr.bsky.social and @chalkefestival.bsky.social 'Pitch my Project' is for early career historians to present their research at the Chalke History Festival in June bit.ly/44kfUMM. Closing date: 6 February. #Skystorians
bit.ly
Pitch my Project: an opportunity for early career historians to present their work at the Chalke History Festival 2026 - RHS
Have you ever wanted to share your research with a wide audience? Would you like to gain experience in public speaking, and be supported to develop imaginative ways to communicate your research to the...
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Martin Paul Eve @eve.gd · 16/01/2026
Here are 8 successful *proposals* for academic books/monographs. I am hoping that these help someone who is starting out trying to write one and wants to see what worked for me. They are provided as examples, rather than exemplars. A lot of it was just finding my own way eve.gd/2026/01/16/s...
eve.gd
Some example academic book proposal forms in case they help
A pivotal moment in my academic career, or at least one I remember clearly, was when a very senior professor in the US sent me his book proposal for an acade...
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Social History Society @socialhistsoc.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
📣3 days to go until the deadline - we can't wait to see you for our 50th anniversary in Lancaster!
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Paul Fairie @paulisci.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
We used to do real science
SCIENTISTS QUARREL OVER MARTIAN WOMEN

One Says Ladies Have Two Thumbs and X-Ray Eyes

ANOTHER SAYS BIG EARS

--The Commercial Appeal, 22 Oct 1928
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Brodie Waddell @brodiewaddell.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Birkbeck is hiring a Lecturer in Medieval Studies (c.1300-1500), full-time and open-ended. They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision. Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Lecturer in Medieval Studies to join our dynamic team within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Autumn 2026. 

As Lecturer in Medieval Studies you will contribute to the teaching of Medieval English literature and Medieval history across the Faculty, within our School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication, and School of Historical Studies - this includes our BA English and BA History programmes, as well as postgraduate taught programmes in the two subject areas.

This post is offered on a permanent contract at Birkbeck, full time 35 hours per week, with a salary of £44,247 rising to £60,858 per year. Teaching hours will vary from 6pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday. 

To be successful, you will bring research expertise in the literature, history and culture of the Late Medieval period (c.1300-1500), and demonstrate a capacity to contribute to interdisciplinary research and teaching, participate actively in curriculum development, supervise doctoral students, and help shape the intellectual life of our vibrant academic community.

We would also welcome applicants who would be able to contribute to collaborative teaching programmes or research in the Faculty, in areas such as identity, race/ethnicity, or gender - experience of collaboration with cultural institutions, whether through research or teaching, is also welcome.

Core responsibilities will initially include programme/module administration, teaching, supervision, assessment, student support and pastoral care.  You will also be equipped to supervise doctoral students.

With a PhD in any area of Medieval Studies, you will contribute the Faculty’s and Schools’ research impact and culture, and to the intellectual and cultural life of the institution and the various communities and partners with whom we work and serve.
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
People of the UK! 🇬🇧 There’s still time to vote for an inspiring history teacher — the entry criteria is on the HRP website. I’m proud to be on the judging panel and look forward to celebrating great history teachers www.hrp.org.uk/schools/insp...
hrp.org.uk
Inspiring History Teaching Awards
Created by Historic Royal Palaces, these awards celebrate teachers who make history exciting, inclusive and meaningful. We want to recognise the impact that great teachers can make by bringing the pas...
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
If you missed it, series 11 of YOU’RE DEAD TO ME launched on Saturday with an episode about Roman Emperor Nero. Our guests are the superstar double-act of Professor Mary Beard & Patton Oswalt You can listen now in the UK on BBC SOUNDS, or it’ll be out on January 30th on all global podcast apps
The BBC You’re Dead To Me artwork is a humorous play on the Bayeux Tapestry. It shows King Harold with arrow in his eye, and William the Conqueror, born holding up a banner saying ‘New Series’This image is Greg’s lazily-cobbled together montage of a marble bust of Emperor Nero flanked by photos of Professor Mary Beard and Patton Oswalt

Beneath them, purple text shouts “NEW SERIES!”
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
🚨NEW SERIES ALERT‼️ You’re Dead To Me is back for series 11, and to launch us off I’m joined by the brilliant classicist @wmarybeard.bsky.social and the hilarious comedian @pattonoswalt.bsky.social to discuss the controversial life & reputation of Roman Emperor Nero www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
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Richard Littler @richardlittler.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Work in progress. I'm slightly obsessed with turn-of-the-(19th)century theatre/pantomime/circus playbills at the moment, so I'm re-creating posters and ads for more recent productions (and products) in that style. #graphics #movies #davidlynch #victorian
Eraserhead film poster recreated as a Victorian playbill
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Can anyone help me decipher a bit of handwriting from 1852? I'm trying to figure out the cause of death in this record.
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Dr Andrew McInnes @drbeard79.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
This Is Just To Say I have eaten Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, and who you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me he was delicious so sweet and so cold
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Mark Crail @markcrail.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
Prove you’re not a Whig.
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
The latest issue of @historyextra.bsky.social is out! I’m part of a new monthly feature called ‘Ask the Experts’ — each issue, a group of expert historians all answer the same question. This month, we’re asking who is the most ‘overrated’ figure in history? Who do you think I picked?
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
I made a video for @wired.com answering questions from the internet about Victorian history! youtu.be/10iYlK7bsJw?...
youtu.be
Historian Answers Victorian England Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 12/12/2025
This week we launch a new programme for early career researchers with @ihr.bsky.social & @chalkefestival.bsky.social 'Pitch my Project' is an opportunity for early career historians to present their research at the 2026 Chalke History Festival bit.ly/44kfUMM Applications now invited #Skystorians
bit.ly
Pitch my Project: an opportunity for early career historians to present their work at the Chalke History Festival 2026 - RHS
Have you ever wanted to share your research with a wide audience? Would you like to gain experience in public speaking, and be supported to develop imaginative ways to communicate your research to the...
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EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
TODAY!
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EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
THIS WEEK! Join us!!
A scene from Farmer Giles’s Entertainment of various figures around a table enjoying Christmas dinner (there also a children’s table) which we’re imagining is how our flash talks with our PhD students will go
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VictorianLondon @victorianlondon.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
19C literary folk - who was Mrs Lawrence? it's all good humour up until this point. she made quite an, erm, impression.
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will pooley @willpooley.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
all academic applications should have consolation prizes. doesn’t have to be much, like a mug that says “i applied for leverhulme 2020” or a t-shirt “UKRI reject 2023”
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EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
For our next seminar, the wonderful @digivictorian.bsky.social is hosting our just as wondrous PhD researchers, Liam Pope, Laura Grande Mateu, Emily Hayes, & Emma Butler, for our #19thCFlashTalks. Join us for a pre-Christmas treat on Wednesday 10th December from 6 pm. Free, online, all welcome!
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: EHU Nineteen Flash Talks from Postgraduate Researchers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for a Christmassy treat for the latest research from EHU Nineteen's postgraduate researchers!
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Matthew Sweet @drmatthewsweet.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
This is a wonderful thread. Scholarship, creativity, a portrait of a generation.
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Prof Bob Nicholson @digivictorian.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
I appear as an expert historian in a new documentary film about the trials of Oscar Wilde. Check it out on History Hit from today! access.historyhit.com/videos/a-ver...
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Stephen Collins @stephencollins.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
[Scene is a MEDIEVAL PLAGUE PIT with all the bodies inside it. On the edge of it is a young peasant woman, in a sack cloth dress, covered in boils. She is lounging glamorously next to the pit. Her boyfriend is standing a few feet away, photographing her with an anachronistic mobile phone]

GIRL:
OK so I'll sit here...

With my hair like this…

Rubbing my cyst with the corpse's hand.

[She produces a whithered severed hand and starts rubbing it on her face.]

[We are treated to a revolting close up of her rubbing the severed hand on her disgusting massive cyst.] 
 
[Her boyfriend takes a photo of her.]
SNAP

GIRL:
OK, now write this:

"Hanging out at the burial pit, rubbing my sebaceous cyst with a severed corpse hand from 
#BurtsGraverobbers…”

And then: #selfcare, #metime, #BurtsGraverobbers…

... nails emoji, heart emoji, cyst emoji.

BOYFRIEND:
Um...
Should we really be promoting this?
I mean… does rubbing a corpse's hand on a cyst actually work?

GIRL:
Look, Burt's done research, OK?
And he's paying us four groats.

BOYFRIEND:
Hmm.

[Boyfriend dutifully taps out the post on his phone]
TAP TAP TAP

BOYFRIEND:
Cyst emoji?

GIRL:
Just use a fried egg.

[Ends]
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EHUNineteen @ehunineteen.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
NEXT WEEK - join us!
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Research Society for Victorian Periodicals @rs4vp.org · 03/11/2025
Our next #RSVPDigiEvent is coming up on Friday, 21 November! We'll hear from the editors of 3 top Victorian studies journals (including VPR's own kmalonephd.bsky.social) on "How to Get Published in an Academic Journal." Come one, come all! buff.ly/ydJkKAK
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MꙬse Allain @mooseallain.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
This is one of three cartoons I have in the current Private Eye.
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Lucie Matthews-Jones @luciejones83.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
It’s lovely to see our BAVS CFP out. If you research/teach any aspect of the Victorian period (broadly defined) do consider joining us! You can submit a paper, roundtable, creative workshops/ pedagogical paper. We really are open to a wide range of talks! victorianist.wordpress.com/2025/10/20/c...
victorianist.wordpress.com
CFP: BAVS 2026 Conference Liverpool
BAVS Liverpool 202627 – 29 July 2026 Keynote Speakers: Dr Alison Chapman (University of Victoria, BC), others to be confirmed. The Centre for Modern and Contemporary History (CMCH) at Liverpool Joh…
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Dr Andrew McInnes @drbeard79.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Our @ehunineteen.bsky.social seminar series starts next week with @drreznicek.bsky.social talking to me about care in Romantic novels - register in skeet below! Free, online, all welcome!
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Alasdair Beckett-King @misterabk.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
19th century writers love describing all the different compartments of a woman's face. "Vaulting eyebrows. Rose petal lips. Eyes like a gelid pond." I'm not a police sketch artist. Just say "brown hair".
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
“Copyright growing pains” is one hell of a euphemism for the biggest IP theft in history
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Dr Lindsey Fitzharris @drlindseyfitz.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Funeral Invitation, 1688. Funeral invitations first appeared in the 17th century, and acted as an admission ticket to both the church and the funeral feast. Pallbearers were often assigned a number on the ticket to signify their position in carrying the coffin.
A funeral invitation from April, 1688. It has an ornate black border with various memento mori iconography around it - like skeletons, winged hourglasses, and scythes.
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Glen @vaguebiscuit.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Well don't I feel stupid
A headline about the James Webb Telescope potentially finding a new stellar object dubbed a black hole star
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