iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Cordelia Beattie @cordeliabeattie.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The aisle at Stonegrave in North Yorkshire was levelled in 1863 and most Thornton tombstones were buried. There is a great UoY Masters dissertation on the church, using a buildings archaeology approach, by Elanor Pitt. #Archaeology

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Liza Blake 🏹 ♠️ @medrenliza.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Cavendish news: I've officially signed on to edit the (somehow non-existent) Cambridge Companion to Margaret Cavendish!! Some of y'all will be bothered by me in the coming months; I can't wait to bring your research into undergrad classrooms and induct more scholars into the study of #MarCav

A seventeenth-century engraving of a woman (Margaret Cavendish) with long curly hair and a long gown sitting at a desk, with paper, a pen, and a bell on the tabletop. She wears a small crown in her hair, and is surrounded by little nekkid babies who prepare to lower a laurel crown onto her head. In the foreground is a poem reading (regularized):

Studious she is and all alone
Most visitants, when she has none,
Her library on which she looks,
It is her head, her thoughts her books.
Scorning dead ashes without fire
For her own flames do her inspire.

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Suzanne McDonald @smcdonald.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

#earlymodern #17thC Outstanding new book alert!! It's John L. Thompson and Albert Gootjes' superb translation / bilingual critical edition of two key poems by the remarkable and utterly brilliant Anna Maria van Schurman, with a terrific introduction to her life / work / context.

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

This is Queen Henrietta Maria's personal bound copy of one of Maffeo Barberini's [Urban VIII d. #otd 29 July 1644] collections of poetry. He was her godfather. Poesie latine 1642 (Royal Collection Trust, HM CIII)

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Daniel Bellingradt @dbellingradt.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Searching for endnotes in a book. #academicchatter

A detail of a larger engraving featuring a figure resembling an elderly man holding a lantern. He is having an opened book on his head. The figure is in a dynamic pose, with one arm extended as if gesturing, surrounded by intricate decorative elements and mythological scenes in the background.

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

25 June 1678: Elena Cornaro Piscopia philosopher becomes the first woman to be awarded a ‘laurea’, a doctorate from the university in #Padua Cathedral #otd

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I had so much fun last Friday travelling down to Oxford to listen to all the amazing talks at the conference "Clio Reframed: Women Writing History, 1500-1750" organised by @amylidster.bsky.social. I got to meet some lovely academics and even encountered a cat on my way home! #earlymodern

A picture of the courtyard and sundial at Corpus Christi College in Oxford.

A sign with arrows indicating which way to go for the conference that says: "Clio Reframed: Women Writing History, 1500-1750"

A picture of a grey cat sat on a road by a sign that says "Magpie Lane"

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Dr Liam Sims @liamsims.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

A 17thC woman’s ownership stamp in a copy of Richard Allestree’s ‘The Ladies Calling’ (Oxford, 1673). Not a separate label as usual but a whole extra leaf of paper bound at the front. Her initials are also on both boards. @theulspeccoll.bsky.social Adams.7.67.10. #herbook (1/2)

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The Public Domain Review @publicdomainrev.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The manuscripts — including poems written on envelopes, concert programmes + chocolate wrappers — of Emily Dickinson, who died #onthisday in 1886: publicdomainreview.org/essay/t... #otd (Pictured: “The way hope builds his house”, scrawled upon an opened out envelope, resembling a house)

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

This exquisite 17th-century book features an embroidered dos-à-dos binding. “Dos-à-dos” (French for “back-to-back”) joins two books into one. Here, the Psalter and New Testament are bound together, embroidered with pansies & carnations. BSS.201.C33.15 (1633). By kind permission of Bible Society.

We see the Psalter and New Testament bound together and embroidered with silver thread and coloured silks in the form of pansies and carnations.

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Daniel F Gosling @thegozfather.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

At the Restoration in 1660, it was agreed that Charles II's reign began immediately following the death of Charles I a decade earlier, essentially ignoring the Interregnum. Some documents were even retroactively given a regnal year, like this 1649 Commonwealth record dated 1 Car. 2 [E 133/145/72]

Document ticket with stamp and archival reference

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

The Unicorn Rests in a Garden, from a series known as the Unicorn Tapestries, 1495–1505 (Met Museum)

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Daniel Bellingradt @dbellingradt.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

This was both a powerful and artful memento mori: an elegant woman looking into the mirror, and rapidly aging with the paper flap. This was printed in 1510 Germany, #skystorians

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Dr Elizabeth Norton @enortonhistory.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Anne Boleyn’s crowned falcon emblems and initial ‘A’ still in situ at Hampton Court in the great hall and in the gateway next to the stairs leading up to the great hall. #hamptoncourt #anneboleyn #henryviii

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

9 Apr 1659: Sarah Cheevers & Katharine Evans #English #Quaker missionaries, having been arrested five days earlier, are interrogated by the Inquistion at Birgu #Malta #otd Released in July 1662.

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Cordelia Beattie @cordeliabeattie.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Want to see the places discussed by Alice Thornton? Sharon Howard has you sorted! #DataViz #EarlyModern 🗃️

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Naomi Baker @drnaomibaker.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

17th-century version of clickbait?! Opening page of Ann Bathurst’s spiritual diary, late C17th #earlymodern

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Some photos from January when I visited John Knox's house in Edinburgh 📖 #earlymodern

The exterior of John Knox's house in Edinburgh.

A stained glass window featuring a portrait of John Knox.

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University of Exeter Special Collections @exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

We love this tiny illustration of a Bridgettine nun engrossed in a book! She can be found in the border of Sister Mary Dominic's vow in the Syon Abbey archive. 📷 EUL MS 389/COM/2/2/3/4 (date: 1924-27) #WorldBookDay #SyonAbbey #Nuntastic

Illustration of a nun standing on the left-hand corner of a blue border. She is wearing a grey habit, black veil and a white linen crown forming a cross over her head, with five red spots that represent the five wounds of Christ. She is holding a book bound in brown leather in front of her, which she appears completely engrossed in. To her right are words in Latin.

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University of Exeter Special Collections @exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

March is Women's History Month! Women are present throughout our collections but their narratives can be harder to find. Our online guide addresses this imbalance by highlighting archives and rare books relating to women, which can be accessed for research or enjoyment. #WomensHistoryMonth #WHM

libguides.exeter.ac.uk

LibGuides: Special Collections: Women's History Resources: Introduction

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Folger Shakespeare Library @folger.edu · 25/02/2026

Last week,we shared a Collation blog post with a Folger mystery - could readers spot the difference between two versions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"? For inquiring minds, the answer is now up on the Collation: www.folger.edu/blogs/collat...

folger.edu

"A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye": An Unnamed Fairy in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' | Folger Shakespeare Library

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Jo...

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Daniel Bellingradt @dbellingradt.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

He's hanging up the freshly printed paper sheets to dry - and rest for a few hours. Ink needed its time to dry, and one needed space to let it dry. #bookhistory Enjoy this view into an #earlymodern print shop, and be reminded of the many (small) steps that made in the end a physical 'book'.

A person working with a stick, trying to put freshly printed paper sheets on a line or wooden object near the ceiling of a print shop. Nearby, the pressmen are doing their work at the printing press. This scene is from the so-called hand-press era of early modern Europe.

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Portrait of a Woman, traditionally said to be Lucy Hutchinson, née Apsley, born in 1620 biographer of Col. John Hutchinson, Governor of Nottingham Castle) by John Souch (National Army Museum)

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Louise Duckling @louiseduckling.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

It's publication day! Many thanks to all who made this possible.

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Julianna Bratt @bjulianna.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

In a world of boring signatures by mark, be a precognizant bicycle. John Ynge of Sandwich, Kent in February 1571. #earlymodern #skystorians

Ink on paper, signature by mark, 2 circles side by side, with crosses in the center, rather like a 2 seated bicycle. [TNA E 133/1/138]

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Scenes from a lovely afternoon spent walking around Attenborough Nature Reserve 🦆

The scenic view from a bird hide at Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire.

Two curious swans inspecting the water for food.

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weird medieval guys @weirdmedieval.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

It was believed in medieval times that hedgehogs had spikes so they could roll over fruit to carry home to their children, which is not true but is a really cute idea

A medieval illustration of a hedgehog with grapes skewered on its spines

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Alice Thornton's Books @thorntonsbooks.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

🎉 🥳 It is 400 years since Alice Wandesford (later Thornton) was born! To celebrate we are resharing this anniversary post by @cordeliabeattie.bsky.social featuring archival documents and books from the 9 decades of her life. #EarlyModern 📜 🗃️ thornton.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/posts/blog/2...

thornton.kdl.kcl.ac.uk

Alice Wandesford Thornton (1626-1707): Anniversary Special

Blog article - 1 February 2024

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

I had such a fun time attending my first @wsguk.bsky.social seminar on Saturday! It was a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed the brilliant talks by @evillegasdelatorre.bsky.social, Nora Rodríguez-Loro, and Sarah Clarke 📖 #earlymodern

A photo of a tall building with white columns in front. There is an orange sign with the words "Foundling Museum" outside the front door.

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Needlework picture depicting Adam and Eve, 17th century #English (Art Institute Chicago) With #unicorn

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Dusty doing her best loaf of bread impression 🍞🐱

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University of Exeter Special Collections @exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Today is National Handwriting Day! ✍️ Reading handwritten records can be a challenging or enjoyable aspect (often both!) of archival research. Our Syon Abbey Collection contains six centuries of handwriting! #NationalHandwritingDay #HandwritingDay #Handwriting #Archives #SyonAbbey #Nuntastic

Six cropped images of handwriting in the Syon Abbey Collection. The images are entitled: '15th Century', '16th Century', '17th Century', '18th Century', '19th Century' and '20th Century'.

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Derbyshire Record Office @derbyshiredro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

DO NOT celebrate #NationalCheeseLoversDay by stealing cheese. Our court records tell of cheese thefts in 1666, 1767 and 1818. In 1666 the guilty party was Anne Blazdell, wife of an Ilkeston carpenter, who stole a cheese and sold it in exchange for drink. #ArchiveOfTheWeek #17thCentury

Handwritten court deposition dated 10 May 1666 by Anne Blazdell of Ilkeston (carpenter’s wife) before Anchitell Grey (justice of the peace) admitting she stole cheese from William Hunte (mercer) and sold it to Mary Curtis (tailor’s wife) and Catherine Watts (husbandman’s wife) in exchange for drink. She told both purchasers where she had stolen it.

Typed transcript of the document, which begins 'The informat[i]on of Anne the wife of Francis Blazdell of Ilkeston in the said Countie carpinter taken upon oath before Anchitell Gray Esq one of his Maiesties Justices of the peace May the tenth day 1666.'

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Loughborough English @lboroenglish.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

'Few feelings are more thrilling for a literature scholar than unearthing an archival gem ...' Our own Jade French writes for @theconversation.com about three newly discovered Virginia Woolf stories:

theconversation.com

The Life of Violet: three unearthed early stories where Virginia Woolf’s genius first sparks to life

These three whimsical short stories tell the story of Woolf’s dear friend Violet Dickinson.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

The Bibelots were a decorative series of mini classics published in early 1900s. 'Leaves from Pepys' Diary' of 1910 (PEPYS 483) contains a collection of quotes from Samuel Pepys Diary under headings such as Observances, Dress, Sports & Pastimes - making the book accessible & affordable to many. 📖

Decorative yellow and green Art Nouveau style cover of 'Leaves from Pepys' Diary' published by Gay & Hancock Ltd, 1910.

Double spread with the ornate black & white title page on the right and opposite a list of other mini classics in the Bibelot series, such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare's Sonnets.

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Emily Rowe @emilyrowe1.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Barnabe Rich explaining that "bookes are like cheese"

Bookes are like Cheese, that is neuer well seasoned to euery mans tast; for one will say it is too salt, another wil say it is too fresh, a thirde will say it is to tart, another thinkes it to be too milde; one will haue it too hard, another too soft, another too tough, another too brittle, it neuer pleaseth euery mans tast; no more do Bookes.

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Danielle Clarke @rhetorician.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

This is a stunning resource, beautifully presented - congratulations to Ros Smith Kathy Acheson and their team emwmlibrary.com

emwmlibrary.com

The Library of Early Modern Women's Marginalia

The Library of Early Modern Women's Marginalia.

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

One of the things I am most proud of accomplishing last year was having my short story 'The Lavender Shroud' published by The Apricot Press 💐

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Study of a woman's right hand - stating that it is that of Artemesia Gentileschi - holding a brush, 31 Dec 1625. Pierre Dumonstier II (British Museum)

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Lucy Hutchinson Edition @hutchinsonedition.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Exciting news - a new portrait of Lucy Hutchinson has surfaced.

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

This time last week I was one of the speakers at the University of Nottingham's "My Favourite Manuscript" event at Manuscripts and Special Collections. I had so much fun giving a talk on Margaret Cavendish's "The Lotterie," a fascinating manuscript from the Portland Collection! #MargaretCavendish

A photo of the exterior to "The Lotterie" manuscript. A book in a light and dark blue binding with the words "The King's Entertainment" and the "Duke of Newcastle" on the spine.

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Cordelia Beattie @cordeliabeattie.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

In Alice's will, made in 1705, she left her wedding ring to her oldest daughter with the stipulation that it should then be passed down the Comber line with other Wandesford family heirlooms. Her younger daughter received her 'wedding bodice and crimson stomacher of flowered satin'. #EarlyModern 🗃️

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

From a wintry walk over Ivinghoe Beacons 🥾

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

15 Dec 1621: Lady Mary Wroth asks Buckingham to recall her Urania because of misunderstandings 'contrary to my purpose' in writing #otd

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Esther Kearney @estherkearney.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

I just picked up a beautiful edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs from an Oxfam in Berkhamsted 📚

The front page to the Henry Southwell edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs

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Sarah Wall-Randell (aka swallowsong) @sarahwalrus.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

The seminar on Women, Gender, and Culture in the Early Modern World invites YOU to our December 4 Zoom seminar with @laradodds.bsky.social and Michelle M. Dowd! They will discuss their new book on early modern women's writing. 5:30pm Eastern. Register here: wellesley.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Headshots of Michelle Dowd and Lara Dodds and an image of the cover of their 2025 book, with details of the virtual talk, superimposed on a background of Artemisia Gentilleschi's painting Judith Slaying Holofernes.

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Some more 17th century women readers (Rijksmuseum) By Drost, Rembrandt, Blomaert, Ter Borch.

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