NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2016 02 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

PRESIDENTIAL LETTER

PETER MANDLER It must be conventional to offer in my valedictory Presidential letter a survey of the ‘achievements’ of the Society during my four-year term, closing with some predictions (or warnings?) of what is to face my successor

But, whether out of voluntary labour – civic- I was elected a Fellow of cowardice or modesty minded, unremunerated, the Society in February or some other unknown idealistic, pragmatic and 1992, shortly after the psychological factor, I’ve (appropriate to an historical publication of my first chosen a different course. society) both backward- and book in 1990 (a standard This month marks not only forward-looking – which is qualifying criterion), and the end of my term but also necessary for it to maintain just a few months after the end of a longer period its representative function I had returned to live in of office-holding in the and its ability to gauge and the UK after an absence Society. Over the course respond to the needs of the of 13 years, taking up a of more than 20 years, community of historians. permanent position at what I’ve seen many changes, Fortunately we also have a was then the City of London crises, improvements, skeleton crew of paid staff, Polytechnic. My sponsors modest achievements, a loyal and meticulous and (you needed two then) were few triumphs – but what hardworking, who maintain Alice Prochaska, Secretary will remain longest in the the core administrative of the Institute of Historical memory is none of these, functions of the Society Research, and Roland but rather the people and sustain the institutional Quinault, whom some years alongside whom I’ve worked. memory, and they will figure later I would succeed as In the end, the lifeblood here too, a connecting Honorary Secretary. My first of this learned society sinew for everything else. proper job for the Society is the continuing flow of began in 1995 when I was 03

appointed to the editorial personalities, as well as frying pan only by jumping board of the Studies in those immaculate agendas, into the fire. Peter History monograph series, for years to come. The Marshall rang me up now coming to the end of board was then small – six early in 1998 to ask me its successful run of over 40 people – and three of its if I would consider taking years. Though at that point members, up the post of Honorary I had already served on the (the convenor) and Colin Secretary in succession to Anglo-American Historical Jones, plus me, would be Roland Quinault. I must Committee (which organized future Presidents of the have shown some aptitude the Institute of Historical Society. , the for admin on the Studies Research’s great annual then President, sent me a board; plus I knew I conclave of historians from nice but very formal letter had the then politically both sides of the Atlantic, of appointment with stirring valuable trait of working for also recently come to the injunctions to hard work a post-1992 university. I end of an even longer run, and scholarly standards. accepted readily because I of 90 years or so), the Anyone who thinks the was finding academic life Studies board was my first internet has necessarily in London rather anomic taste of formal committee added to our burdens and wanted a more regular responsibility, with proper should see the enormous file point of contact with fellow agendas and minutes, I have of formal paperwork historians; also because Parliamentary procedure, generated by the Studies no-one could say no to and a regular roster of board in the three years I sat Peter Marshall, one of the tasks to be monitored and on it. One of the pieces of kindest and most persuasive performed. It was also my paper which I have enjoyed humans to walk this planet. first exposure to the great revisiting was the report – I It turned out to be my best administrative talents of don’t think I am revealing professional decision. As I Joy McCarthy, the Society’s confidences – by the much wrote to a friend after my Executive Secretary, who missed Tim Reuter on a MS first set of meetings (the day then ran the Society’s by Sarah Hamilton (now of the Anniversary Meeting affairs pretty much single- my colleague as Honorary in November 1998), ‘I handedly, and was at the time Treasurer), ‘of a clarity and found the whole thing in the process of wrenching originality which give it an surprisingly uplifting - first the Society from the quill- unusually high quality’. because there are a lot of and-ink into the computer But it’s not the paper that smart and reasonably well age (see her memories I treasure – it was the good socialized people about, of her own predecessor, company and generous including lots whom I would Jean Chapman, in the judgements of Martin and never see or know otherwise October 2015 newsletter: Colin and the other board (medievalists, etc.); second http://royalhistsoc.org/ members who came and because they are all so publications/newsletter/). went, and especially the responsible, and concerned Joy would be the source of cheerily astringent views to do well by the profession.’ much gossip, tips on the of Christine Linehan, then Honest! A direct quote best theatre, good sense as now the series editor. from an email (like a good on matters of procedure historian I’ve been archiving and even better sense on I escaped that particular my emails since 1996). 04

It would be invidious to stewarding and spending essentially the dogsbody who single out individuals from money in equal measure), worked with Joy to implement amongst that lot of smart Ludmilla Jordanova, Peter the decisions of President and and responsible people, but Hennessy, Sarah Tyacke, Council – had a four year term I’m going to do it anyway, David Eastwood, David at the midpoint of which the Presidency changed hands. I with sincere apologies to Cannadine. Colin Matthew was unbelievably fortunate in those I have by chance was another, and Peter exchanging in 2000 one great omitted. Peter Marshall was Marshall’s characteristically President for another – Jinty surreptitiously turning the imaginative response to his Nelson – until now (but just Society outwards, steering sudden loss was to start up now no longer) the Society’s it towards a bolder role a lecture in conjunction with only woman President. She in respect of government Gresham College in Colin’s maintained the outward- policies and relations with name, to promote the public looking direction that Peter other academic bodies, understanding of history, had set and brought her own along with a team of which dovetailed nicely with distinctive contributions of quite exceptional human and likeminded folk (something his initiative to co-sponsor intellectual intensity to the job. noted in another early email a prize for undergraduate to me from another future dissertations with History I will always remember President of the Society, Today. Both these initiatives her succinct, learned and Margot Finn) – to name a remain fixtures in our work. insightful introductions to few, Pat Thane (an unusually speakers at our public lectures sensible Treasurer, who liked At that time the Honorary Secretary – who was 05

– even for those well outside and the first year of Colin had inherited and upgraded her own fields of expertise, Jones’s, Joy’s departure Joy’s administrative you sensed at the end of and her replacement by machine; Nicola Miller her introduction that you Sue Carr, but I was getting and Mary Vincent, who had already grasped the more interested in policy took charge successively essence of the lecture to issues – stemming in part of research policy and of come – and I feel every from service on the AHRB one of our most popular time I have had to give my (pre-AHRC) Research Panel, and successful policy own introductions how far the RAE panel for the 2008 initiatives, the enquiry into short of that standard I exercise, and some IHR, gender in the historical fall. By then I was settling National Archives and British profession. Mike Hughes into my responsibilities, Library initiatives – and was made everything possible and working as part of a thus genuinely happy when with his steady, generous well-oiled machine with Colin asked me to return to hand on the fiscal tiller. Jo other officers. For some harness as Vice President, Fox professionalized our reason publications seemed with responsibility for communications – how we then to loom particularly education policy, in 2009. looked, how we spoke, to large. John Morrill and Ian whom we spoke and what Archer – two of the great Since then I have been in we said. Above all, Adam workhorses of the Society service continuously as Vice Smith was always there – were getting the RHS President and President. through thick and thin to Bibliography online. David Some old friendships solve tricky and technical Eastwood, Aled Jones and were renewed. Andrew problems, as a sounding- Andrew Pettegree were Pettegree had returned board, a planner, and, most good strategic thinkers as as Vice President for importantly, as a returning well as excellent Literary publications. Ian Archer, officer for STV elections. Directors. Ella Harris (now it seems, had never left! Colvin) was the linchpin Two further Vice Presidents, As President I had the of our relationship with Jo Innes and Margot Finn, opportunity to reach out far Cambridge University Press. combined mastery of policy beyond the Society’s own detail with immense good ranks in ways that I had not Midway through Jinty’s term sense. Arthur Burns whom when my responsibilities my own term came to an I have known and worked lay chiefly in domestic end, and for a few years my alongside for decades did affairs. Chris Wickham at contacts with the Society a superb job standing up the British Academy, Alex were more distant though to Michael Gove and the Walsham at Past & Present, respectful. I had just moved Department for Education Helena Djurkovic, the chief to Cambridge so I didn’t in defending the interests of executive of the Political even have the same regular history in the schools and in Studies Association, and opportunities to drop by the the examination business. Karin Wulf at the William office for a gossip with Joy proved an and Mary Quarterly were or attend the main series imaginative and meticulous doughty allies in the fight to of public lectures at UCL. Literary Director. And new get Open Access rules that I missed entirely Martin friendships were made: Sue helped rather than hindered Daunton’s Presidency Carr and Mel Ransom, who humanities scholars. 06 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

One of the pleasures of that cleverly just chosen to elect professions, to put alongside campaign was reconnecting to Council at the moment relationships I had already with my former student when she has migrated the been developing with the Ellen Collins. Arthur and short distance from the IHR American and Australian I developed a very close to the School of Advanced historical associations. relationship with the Study elsewhere in Senate Historical Association – House. Valerie Johnson Yes, this has been a litany and especially its chief at the National Archives of names – but they, executive, Becky Sullivan, has been another constant and dozens of others, and education officer, Mel ally. Through the Arts deserve this brief burst of Jones – in forging a united and Humanities Alliance recognition before I bow front against government I got to know a number of out. They are, precisely manipulation of the representatives who have as I put it in my first week history curriculum. The been seeking to do for as Honorary Secretary in Society and the Institute other disciplines what we 1998, ‘a lot of smart and of Historical Research have try to do for history, notably reasonably well socialized always maintained a natural Greg Woolf amongst the people…all so responsible, and amicable division of classicists and Stephanie and concerned to do well labour, and the IHR has Kitchen amongst the by the profession’. I am been a constant resource Africanists. More recently – sure Margot will find many throughout my time with not least after the Brexit vote more where they came from. the Society – not least in – we have been developing the person of Jane Winters, closer ties to the German whom the Fellowship have and French historical 07

MEETINGS 2016-2017

Friday 25 November 2016 Friday 21 April 2017 Friday 22 September 2017 at 6.00 pm Symposium: University of Chester at 6.00 pm

Presidential Lecture ‘Putting History in its Place: Professor Chris Marsh Historic Landscapes and Professor ‘The Woman to the Plow and the Environments’ Man to the Hen-Roost: Wives, ‘Educating the Nation. IV: Husbands, and Best-Selling History’ Ballads in Seventeenth Century Friday 5 May 2017 UCL England’ at 6.00 pm UCL Professor Gary Gerstle Friday 10 February 2017 ‘The Rise and Fall of America’s at 6.00 pm October 2017 Neo-Liberal Order’ Professor Claire Langhamer The Colin Matthew Memorial UCL Lecture for the Public ‘Who the hell are ordinary people? Understanding of History in co- Ordinariness as a category of operation with Gresham College, historical analysis’ Friday 7 July 2017 London UCL at 6.00 pm Professor Mary Beard (tba) The Prothero Lecture London Friday 24 February 2017 Professor Simon Dixon Friday 24 November 2017 The Seminar ‘Orthodoxy and Revolution: 6.00pm The Restoration of the Russian ‘Archives and Teaching in Higher Presidential Address Patriarchate in 1917’ Education’ Professor Margot Finn UCL Wolfson Suite, Institute of ‘Material Turns in British History. Historical Research Part I: Loot’ 08 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

SWOTting up on History Margot Finn

Arguably, a SWOT analysis is not the most charismatic way to inaugurate one’s Presidency. Bureaucratic exercises to evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats annually bedevil historians across the UK, whether in university departments, schools and faculties or in the wide variety of organisations—archives, heritage institutions, libraries, museums and policy bodies, among others—in which members of our discipline are employed. 09

That said, with the prospect schools and theatre. The strength & Global History for its open- of four years at the helm of the of historical research within these access online course on ‘Empire: Royal Historical Society before sectors themselves—sectors The Controversies of British me, it’s timely to take stock, which provide many of the Imperialism’. In an institutional and the virtue of SWOTting is Society’s Fellows and Members— context in which teaching and that it provides a systematic both feeds from and significantly research are too often presented framework for so doing. What are enhances the UK’s academic as competing for a finite pot of the strengths and weaknesses of research base. It’s worth noting human and financial resources History in Britain today, and what that this synergy, although not and in which arts organisations should the RHS do to defend exclusive to the British historical (especially in the regions) are so against threats whilst seizing landscape, is far better developed very stretched, it was especially opportunities? As an historian, here than is typical elsewhere in heartening the see so much I’m acutely aware that predicting Europe, and indeed globally. cross-fertilization between the future is not our disciplinary students, teachers, researchers, forte. Nevertheless, here goes: The first RHS Public History Prize, archivists and curators, and to awarded a year ago, recognised such impressive effect. Details Strengths: several sterling projects that of these awards can be found on exemplify this particular strength our website: http://royalhistsoc. Here there is so much to say of History in Britain. The overall org/public-history-prize-winners/ . that I’m already in danger of winner, ‘For King and Country’, I’m especially delighted that our exceeding my word limit. One Bankfield Museum (Halifax), incoming Honorary Director of of the strongest impressions illuminated local experiences of Communications, Alix Green, will that remains from my time on the First World War with hundreds be bringing abundant expertise in the REF 2014 sub-panel (so of objects and images. Attesting these areas to the Society when ably chaired by Chris Wickham) to historians’ willingness and she takes up her post in November. is that academic historical ability to work productively research—whether assessed in across a variety of geographical From the perspective of the Royal terms of quality or impact—is and disciplinary borders, awards Historical Society’s activities, in rude good health in the UK. for broadcasting, web & digital it’s vital to note how much all University-based historians at all design and film went to BBC these achievements benefit from stages of career and across a rich 2’s ‘Britain’s Forgotten Slave the robust framework of learned tapestry of time, place, polities Owners’, the British Library’s bodies and societies that support and cultures produce insightful, ‘Voice of Science’ and the History as a practice in the memorable publications based film ‘Body Games: Capoeira UK, and from the extraordinary on deep and original research. and Ancestry’ (UK/Brazil/ generosity (of time, commitment Increasingly, they also share South Africa). Heritage Quay, and money) of our own and these those insights with broad public Huddersfield, was commended organisations’ members. One of audiences in arenas that include for its British Music Collection the many happy legacies I am (but are by no means confined in particular, while the prize inheriting from Peter Mandler to) broadcasting, government, panel recognised Exeter & is a combined Fellowship the heritage sector, hospitals, Falmouth university students for and Membership of 3,927. A museums, the music industry, ‘Falmouth and the Great War’ decade ago, that figure was NGOs, popular publishing, and Exeter’s Centre for Imperial c. 2,500. The force of these 010

numbers is magnified by the societies dedicated to the the profession previously lay in our hard graft and canny strategizing discipline. A generous grant from roster of excellent publications, devoted to the Society by the Past & Present Society now public lectures and itinerant its Officers and Councillors. allows the RHS—in challenging visits to university departments. Several outgoing individuals in financial times—to supportThe Society’s Literary Directors these capacities are noted in far more ECRs’ research and continue to devote substantial discussion points below, but a conference attendance than we time and thought to ensuring that brief mention (with many thanks) could possibly sponsor with our we attract first-rate material for of three portfolio-holders belongs own funds alone. The ability to both the Camden series and our here: Sean Connolly (who as a collaborate with other charities Transactions—these publications Vice President and chair of the dedicated to History, such as the are intrinsically valuable in Membership Committee) has Economic History Society and scholarly terms and are also overseen the admission of so the Historical Association, is a key points of contact with the many new Fellows and Members tremendous strength. History Fellowship and Membership. I’ll to the RHS ranks, meanwhile also is much better placed than miss outgoing Literary Director chairing the committee to identify most Humanities disciplines Emma Griffin’s measured and a new President); Mark Stoyle (the to articulate and defend our decisive judgments on proposed Council member who, as chair of practitioners’ interests. The RHS publications: listening to her the Research Support Committee is both a product of that privileged contributions to discussions on has orchestrated the competitive place within the Humanities, this topic at Society meetings allocation of thousands of pounds and an essential instrument for reminds me of why I rate her of RHS funding, to allow early maintaining it. articles and books on modern career researchers [ECRs] to British history so highly, and find travel to archives and libraries, Weaknesses: them so thought-provoking in the undertake foreign language context of my own research. (It’s As an instinctively glass-two- study or fieldwork and present a relief that with Richard Toye’s thirds-full, not a glass-half-empty their research at national and selection to serve as Literary historian, I turn reluctantly from international conferences; and Director with Andrew Spicer this partial list of strengths to Council member John Henderson we retain a dream team in this our weaknesses. One weakness (wearing two hats, serving on capacity, but many thanks indeed arguably stems from the growing both the Membership and the to Emma for her successive scope of our remit. This is the Publications Committees) are contributions to the RHS). rising strain placed on Officers all warmly appreciated for their and Council members by the contributions. In addition to the vital scholarly increasing ambition (and need) activities overseen by the Literary The Research Support for the Society to engage in Directors, however, we now Committee’s ability to fund policy debate and policy making. enter much more actively— an increasing number of ECR Responding to government both in public and off-stage— applicants—and to raise the policies is a dimension of our into debates on issues such value of our awards— illustrates work that has risen steeply in the as changes to curriculum and just one of the ways that History past decade, and especially in the examinations at school level, benefits from cooperationpast five years or so. The burden funding for Humanities research with other learned bodies and of work the Society performed for and postgraduate training and 011

university-level teaching. The aware, and finding Officers Welsh institutions, for example. Society has in the past few years with the requisite experience, Attending carefully to intra- made important interventions talent and commitment to serve British institutional differences of issues such as funding can be a real challenge. Adam is an essential part of the RHS bodies’ policies on open access Smith’s prolonged tenure as brief, but can also be very time- publication and the content Honorary Secretary is only now, consuming work. Our London and configuration of the History at last coming to an end— base, which gives the RHS A-level. Arthur Burns, outgoing repeatedly delayed as we sought easy access to many nodes of Vice President in charge of to identify an individual willing British government, can also Educational Policy, has done a and able to take on the role be conducive of undue Anglo- simply super job advocating for he’s filled so ably and with such centrism in policy-orientation and the discipline on the latter issue panache, while meanwhile also personnel. We need, likewise, (among many others), bringing completing a major monograph to ensure that the severe time to bear on thorny debates about on nineteenth-century American constraints experienced by the educational value of History conservatism, winning teaching colleagues at smaller, teaching- a wealth of knowledge gleaned and broadcasting awards, intensive institutions do not not only from years of university orchestrating and training up preclude their full engagement, teaching but also from service over twenty teaching assistants, as Officers and Council members, as a school governor and the and parenting three daughters. with Society business. Within the experience of piloting three It’s characteristic of the university sector, small clusters children through primary and generosity of our Officers that Zoë of historians—often dispersed secondary education. He is Laidlaw takes over from Adam in much larger interdisciplinary a very hard act to follow, and while still on maternity leave. units—play vital roles in we’re tremendously fortunate to diversifying and extending have been able to appoint Ken The escalation of policy work undergraduate and postgraduate Fincham to replace Arthur in this taken on by the Society poses students’ access to excellent capacity. A longstanding friend especial challenges in the historical research and history of the Society, and experienced context of the profession’s teaching nationally, wherever they past Officer, Ken is ideally placed geographical and institutional live. Time, cost and geography to help us help UK historians diversity. As I write, we have can compromise access to Society navigate the sandy shoals of the Officers and Council members activities, unless we’re proactive Teaching Excellence Framework based in England, Northern in guarding against this outcome. (TEF). Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This range of representation Opportunities: It’s precisely historians such as significantly enhances our ability these, already over-extended to speak to and and for the One of the most impressive in such public-spirited ways, profession and the discipline in tendencies of the Society’s who bring so much knowledge an increasingly devolved national approach to supporting History and experience to discussions policy framework. Issues such under Peter Mandler’s leadership around the Council table and as Widening Participation and has been the willingness of beyond. But we place real Equalities agendas play out the RHS to convert potential pressure on the incumbents of very differently across English, threats into opportunities. these posts, as I am acutely Northern Irish, Scottish and 012

Two particularly good examples The digital revolution, which Council table updating the of this strategy are found in might easily have been seen as Report’s data, researching the the Society’s response to the a threat to our long tradition of wider implications of the report for (among other issues) TEF, digital revolution in scholarly book publication has instead notwithstanding she is currently publishing and in the conception, become a strategic opportunity to HoD at Durham and inevitably production and dissemination of expand our publication profile in had a mountain of email and its Gender Report. The demise new directions and to reach wider form-filling to attend to. If you’ve of the book—and the murder of audiences. It is characteristic of not yet read the Gender Report, the monograph—have figured the kinds of historians elected please do. It’s an eye-opener, prominently in academic to serve on Council that Penny and sets a high bar for us to reach for in thinking through the discussions throughout my Summerfield—who is leading structure of the discipline in the career. I have a vivid memory of NHP’s editorial team together with next few years: http://royalhistsoc. an induction session for new staff Simon Newman—stepped into org/rhs-report-gender-equality- in the late 1980s, when I began this new role while still serving out historians-higher-education/ . my first permanent academic her tenure as a Council member. post, at which a senior professor Looking forward, I am acutely The Society’s Gender report, aware that even as we build brandished a pack of floppy disks undertaken under Nikki Miller’s on the findings of the Gender and proclaimed the demise of leadership as Vice President Report, we need to extend the print in messianic tones. New responsible for Research Policy Society’s attention to other forms digital technologies have, indeed, and then adopted by Mary Vincent of diversity. The community of transformed how historians when she took over that weighty professional historians in the UK conduct and publish our research. charge, likewise exemplifiesis strikingly more diverse than it was a few decades ago. But we But they have challenged rather the Society’s ability to magic a problem into an accomplishment. don’t remotely reflect the wider than obliterated the monograph I’m writing this article from Leeds composition of British society (at and the printed book —formats University, whose historians this any level, from History in schools which so ably serve the kind of afternoon have, under Mary’s to cultural organisations and sustained and complex research guidance, been discussing how universities), and urgently need at which historians excel. In the Report’s findings speak to to take strides to address the this context the winding up of equality and diversity issues underrepresentation of black and ethnic minority groups (among the Society’s Studies in History in their department, and how inequalities might be addressed others) in the discipline. As the series, which has fostered the and redressed in the next few projects that won the Society’s first books of so many ECRs years. This is only the most recent inaugural Public History Prize last in past decades, marks not of the Report’s many outings to year make clear, first-rate research the end of our commitment to UK (and Irish) universities in the that speaks to diverse historical the monograph but rather our past year, and it is proving an experiences is now conspicuous commitment to preserving and extraordinarily effective means in historical scholarship. We of assisting colleagues to discuss have an opportunity in the next enhancing book publication in a and implement change without few years to apply some of the digital age. The launch of our New requiring them to reinvent the insights we gained from the Historical Perspectives series wheel to do so. Jo Fox, our Gender Report to wider equalities will allow the RHS to publish inspiring outgoing Honorary issues. History as a discipline books in conjunction with the Director of Communications will be the stronger for it if we do. Institute of Historical Research was, when I visited the RHS in open access digital versions. office last week, sitting at the 013

Threats: The career prospects of ECRs— evolve as the twenty-first century who are the future of our beds in. Looking toward and beyond discipline—is a topic of real 2017, it would be naïve to concern. The proliferation of Inevitably, TEF is also a worry. suggest no threats loom on the fixed-term contracts—very often However much historians horizon. That Brexit means Brexit lasting less than 12 months— rail against the REF, many of does little to clarify what Brexit the tendency of many managers its modes of assessment are means for History as a discipline to imagine that the separation familiar to us from the peer- in the UK. Many colleagues are of teaching and research staff review processes that shape concerned about the potential into separate silos will result our research, whether through impact of Brexit on student in higher rankings in university publication or grant capture. TEF recruitment and exchanges, league tables, and the repeated is a different animal, relying on foreign language study, access hiatuses created in institutional very different methodologies, to research funds and staffing. staff planning (in response to at least some of which are Regardless of individuals’ the constant churn of policy bound to be problematic. I views on the Referendum and reformulation) all place severe take heart here however from its likely consequences, the pressure on early career historians. the fact that when it comes to Society remains wholeheartedly The best scholarship in our field navigating the implementation committed to an outward- relies on long gestation periods, of new government policies looking discipline, as Peter conditions of employment that such as these, the RHS has Mandler stated forcefully are increasingly threatened. The ‘form’. We are well-positioned in July: http://royalhistsoc. Society does very well indeed to counteract the pervasive org/rhs-letter-regarding-eu- at supporting ECR archival and expectation that we will flourish referendum/ . (Peter has been library research, paper-giving most if we think of our colleagues such an extraordinary excellent and publishing, and our website primarily as competitors in a President that I’m tempted to list is now awash with resources marketplace. We know from the completion of his four-year term designed to assist the transition Royal Historical Society’s long as a key threat facing History in from PhD student to published history —nearly 150 years of it, Britain, but I’ll spare his blushes postdoctoral scholar. We need now—that adopting collaborative, here). Working with colleagues to to be thinking strategically, cooperative models of scholarly monitor the impact of Brexit and however, about the wider damage organisation and strategy best devising ways of ensuring that the that short-termism may inflict serves our discipline’s short, quality and diversity of History in on historians now embarking on medium and long term interests. Britain are not threatened by our postdoctoral careers, and think And with your help, that’s what I changing place in Europe are very more imaginatively about how aim for the Society to continue to much at the forefront of my mind. RHS support for ECRs should do. 014 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

EDUCATION

EDUCATION! EDUCATION! EDUCATION!

ARTHUR BURNS

This November I will step week in which I write has impressive scores in the down after four years as seen the announcement National Student Survey Vice-President (Education) of the closure of the last (NSS), a fact sometimes of the Royal Historical History of Art A-level, masked by the league tables Society. It therefore seems while the numbers taking which give misleading an opportune moment A-levels in German and significance to sometimes both to reflect on what has French have continued to microscopic differences in been happening over the decline despite the inclusion performance within a single last few years in the field of languages in the English subject area. Some 86% of historical education in Baccalaureate (E-Bacc) of History Departments the UK, and to look ahead school performance achieved satisfaction of 90% to the challenges that will measure, with the all the or over in the latest NSS be faced by my successor, implications that carries for on the ‘Teaching on my Professor Kenneth Fincham these subjects both in schools course’, and 44% of over of the University of Kent. and universities. In contrast, 95%; compare this both History remains a popular to some other Humanities It has been an exceptionally option, buoyed by its own disciplines (for example interesting and rewarding presence in the E-Bacc at French 68% and 30% time to be involved in the GCSE level, and a subject respectively, Music 55% and education strategy of the performing well at A-level, 17%) and subjects beyond Society. In some ways, the not least thanks to the high- the Humanities (Human discipline is fortunate in quality teaching delivered and Social Geography 62% that it has not to date faced by subject specialist and 26%; Law 44% and some of the challenges teachers. At university, 5%; Computer Science that currently beset other History departments deliver 13% and 4%). Figures on Humanities subjects. The 015

employment prospects consequences of a whole high-powered summits at the for graduate historians variety of factors converging DfE and extensive behind- make plain that although in unexpected conjunctions. the scenes discussions; historians are unlikely This was very much the but at the same time those to command the very experience early in my time involved had to navigate highest salaries available, as VP with regard to History a tricky, tendentious and significant numbers ofin schools, when Michael sometimes angry public them will do very well Gove was driving change debate in which politicians indeed, and few will face an across the curriculum from and pundits would present uncertain future on account primary to sixth-form at the a rather less nuanced picture of their choice of degree, same time as encouraging than they acknowledged in earning median salaries not the introduction of free private. In the meantime, dissimilar to those studying schools and renewed front-line teachers suffered Mathematics and Computer support for academization. the most, both in terms of Science. Recruitment at In the debates and reforms the expectation that they university remains strong. that followed, History could retool rapidly to new experienced both the syllabi, assessments and That’s the good news benefits and pitfalls of performance measures, (and not to be forgotten). being a subject about and also in often crude However, one lesson I will which politicians cared. caricatures of their classroom take from the last four years approaches or political is just how rapidly things The discussion of the future opinions. As we discussed at can change, and the need shape of the History national the time, the Royal Historical for all engaged in delivering curriculum was probably the Society was engaged in the historical education to most intensive, serious and heart of these discussions remain alert to the possible detailed for any subject, with 16 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

EDUCATION

with our colleagues in the Such discussions will understanding of how to Historical Association. certainly be ongoing. As ensure that the UK’s very Looking back, I take the new specifications high reputation for teacher considerable satisfaction for GCSE and A-level training in our discipline in the fact that we were bed down, and the new is best maintained. My able to help fashion performance measures successor will also face a national curriculum for schools kick in, all a more difficult task in that acknowledged the in a climate where cuts keeping abreast with these importance of non-British to sixth-form funding in issues as they develop history in the education of particular are already along potentially divergent all (something that feels all imposing serious strains lines in different parts of the more important in these on the delivery of teaching the UK. It is therefore Brexit times!) and secured at all levels of secondary particularly welcome that attention to the importance education, we will need to Kenneth Fincham brings of place and time-depth work closely with our allies with him to the post a long- in historical studies. to ensure that university standing interest in History We did not win all the History Departments in schools, not least through battles – non-examination remain up to speed on what himself having taught in a assessment has become less now constitutes history in school early in his career. significant, and the GCSE schools. They also need It is nevertheless clear that specifications in particular to understand what they in the immediate future feel a bit overcrowded -- can do to help schools History in the universities but there are at least some prepare their students both will be at least as important welcome developments for the new courses and a focus as History in that reflect outcomes we for the switch to university the schools. As already fought for – and here thereafter (where patterns indicated, History remains our president has drawn of assessment are moving a popular choice for particular attention to in the opposite direction students at university. But some of the new material to that now being its constituency does not now being taught at implemented in schools). reflect the diversity of the A-level, such as the pre- All concerned need to work student body as a whole, colonial Africa option to ensure that the increased let alone of the wider offered by OCR. We also demand for History population, and the same is forged a new and enduring promoted by E-Bacc does true of the staff that deliver collaboration with the not come into unhelpful it. This is a complex issue Historical Association and tension with the means which will require care in staked our claim to be a for renewing the History addressing, but the Society key point of reference in teaching profession, where will surely seek to follow future discussion of schools the past 18 months did not up its effective intervention history. reflect well on ministerial in issues around gender 17 equality in the History hoping to join the academic will not inflict unequal and profession with a discussion profession. unjustifiable reputational of other issues of equality damage on institutions and Looking slightly further and diversity. Inevitably, departments serving very ahead, my successor will Brexit also poses significant different constituencies to a no doubt find that the questions for the future very high standard. Veterans implementation of the shape of both staff and of discussions of the RAE/ government’s Teaching student bodies in UK REF over the past couple of Excellence Framework History departments. decades will be aware that (TEF) will absorb much of no less importance than Again, the popularity of the of his time. Here the devil the rules established will be subject does not mean that will almost certainly be in the understanding of those in a world without caps on the detail – of which once rules that develops within student numbers in History we get down to subject the management of HEIs. Departments in England level, there will no doubt (and this is another area be a lot. There must be I think one other major where experiences in concern that the desire of form of support that the the component parts of the government to clearly RHS will be seeking to the UK are diverging) delineate ‘winners’ and deliver is support to our there is not considerable ‘losers’ – as encapsulated fellows, members and their uncertainty around the in the current proposal for colleagues teaching History future of subject provision the award of ‘gold’, ‘silver’ in universities as both in particular institutions, and ‘bronze’ classifications, individuals and institutions and the prospect of may have particularly seek to navigate the ongoing instability across undesirable consequences potentially choppy waters the sector putting at risk in a subject like ours where, ahead. If the ‘student many outstanding units. as already discussed, NSS experience’ is a headline If undergraduate number scores, a key ingredient concern for all HEIs today, planning is getting more for TEF judgements, are the ‘staff experience’ has in challenging, so is that for generally high across the comparison suffered some MA programmes, and we discipline. Ministers have neglect. Over the last few will need to pay particular made reassuring noises years the RHS has provided attention to doing what when fears were raised early some important support on we can to protect this vital in the development of TEF staff issues, notably through bridge between the history that metrics might include our Gender Equality report, student and the professional such crude measures which has been very widely historian which, despite as contact hours, and welcomed, our work on recent changes to the stressed their commitment terms and conditions for availability of support for to the importance of the temporary staff, and the students pursuing such relationship of research support we have provided studies, remains especially and teaching in HE, but for early career historians vulnerable, above all where there will be real difficulties (a term we prefer to the it aims to offer a highly in establishing effective more usual ‘early career focused training of the kind measures that if imposed researchers’) both through likely to appeal to those uniformly across the sector our new website and 18 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

EDUCATION

institutional visits, and could provide a significant hear from the fellowship through running successful service to colleagues not and members about ‘New to Teaching’ events in least by establishing what those issues that concern 2015 and 2016 under the is actually taking place in them in this area, but it is leadership of Peter D’Sena, terms for example, of the already clear that there is one of our Education movement from single- more than enough here Committee members, who occupancy offices to a to ensure that Kenneth has also been responsible model of shared or open- Fincham should have as for helping us sustain space accommodation interesting and rewarding, the disciplinary teaching for academic staff, or the if also demanding, time conference which he changing balance between as VP, as it has been used to run under the permanent and temporary/ my privilege to enjoy. auspices of the Higher casual employment, or Education Academy. the use of KPIs (key performance indicators) for However, I think there performance management. is more we could (and It could also help promote should) do. While HEIs a better understanding of are thankfully now giving the variety of work History more thought to the mental academics undertake and wellbeing and support the conditions they need needs of their staff, it to execute these tasks is clear from talking to efficiently. This is not just colleagues across the an education issue, and country that there is is one indeed where the widespread concern about balancing of education and the working conditions and research is a key question to pressures staff currently investigate. But it is really experience as they attempt important as an education to deliver on the various issue nevertheless, and duties expected of them not just from a staff as academics. What some perspective: it is clear that university leaders would happier staff, by and large, prefer to see as progressive means happier students. change and the pursuit We’ve begun discussing of efficiency, can feel all in council how best to too often like erosion of take this forward, though conditions in ways that this will inevitably now can generate new sets fall to my successor. We’d of inefficiencies for the certainly be interested to employee. Here the RHS 19

The Society is delighted to published by Cambridge selection reveals the attitudes announce the publication of University Press. The series of British observers and volume 51 of the Camden now comprises over 325 their perceptions of a wide Series: British Envoys to volumes. variety of political, social the Kaiserreich, 1871–1897 and cultural developments in (Markus Mösslang and The latest volume, British a period of great diplomatic Helen Whatmore eds). Envoys to the Kaiserreich, activity and changing 1871–1897, concentrates Anglo-German relations. The RHS (and its predecessor on Anglo-German history The dispatches offer new body, the Camden Society) prior to German Weltpolitik. perspectives on Bismarck’s has published editions of The first volume presents imperial chancellorship, primary sources on British official diplomatic reports on the integration of the History since 1838. It is from the British embassy German states into the an excellent collection of at Berlin (German Empire) new Kaiserreich, as well editions of sources and and from the four minor – as on the varied British important unpublished texts however still independent interests in Germany and for historians, with expert – diplomatic missions in its regional peculiarities. commentary, and many of Darmstadt (Hesse and the early volumes remain in Baden), Dresden (Saxony), regular use. The publication Stuttgart (Württemberg), and is on-going (two volumes Munich (Bavaria) during per annum), and is currently the years 1871 to 1883. The 20

BLACK HISTORY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Olivette Otele.

Black History is commonly people of African descent. challenges. understood as the history It is a highly contested of people of African term that posits the The history of people of descent. The term has question of race at the African descent in relation made the headlines centre of debates in some to colonial history has been recently with Birmingham instances. It is also a studied for centuries. Even City University offering the term of empowerment though the term was not in first Black Studies Course that support ‘Political use, what is understood in the UK. BCU is by no Blackness’ as a starting nowadays as Black History means the first institution point to also celebrate the in Britain dates back at in Britain and indeed in achievement of people least to the 18th century, Europe to offer modules of African descent. It is a pivotal time for Britain’s that look into various aimed at spurring various colonial history. When so- aspects of the past, communities into action. called historian of Jamaica present and questions It is about encouraging Edward Long was writing related to people of African them to actively engage about colonial life and descent but it is the first in the fight againstsharing his controversial to use the politicised discriminations. Beyond views about the colonies words Black Studies. quarrels related to the and their inhabitants with The term encompasses a definition of the term, his contemporaries, one multidisciplinary approach researching and teaching could argue that he was to questions related to Black history poses many already doing Black history. 21

Long’s contempt for people Pan-Africanism and then becoming central to of African descent did not Black history as a locus for historical research. Whose prevent him from positing political struggle became a history was being studied? himself as an expert on all term that made sense for a Who should teach those things colonial including variety of groups between various histories? The enslaved communities. and after the World Wars. answers to these questions Still, in the Americas, From the Civil Rights were and still are complex. while African-Americans movements in the USA to were organising economic, the struggles of minority Britain and the USA’s close social and even political ethnic groups in the historical connections emancipation in the 19th 1970s in Britain, Black have made the words Black century in various states as history became the history history, understandable shown by Manisha Sihna, of those who refused to be by most but the term Britain was promoting seen as only the oppressed is carefully avoided in abolition on the one hand or the former colonial other European countries and shaping a discourse subjects. African American because of its links with around so-called racial Activism was echoing the contested notion of hierarchy and Blackness British militantism within race. In France, despite as a curse on the other. and outside academia. key texts that regulated American singer James relationships between It was mainly people of Brown’s words ‘Say it people racialised as Black European descent who loud, I’m Black and I’m and White, such as the two taught what was known as proud’ resonated amongst versions of the Code Noir the history of the colonies, intellectuals including or Black Code (1685 and in Britain over the following Francophone historians 1724), and the Indigenous century. Historian Eric of African descent such Code of 1887 as well Williams’ seminal book as Cheik Anta Diop and as French academics’ Capitalism and Slavery Joseph Ki-Zerbo. infamous participation (1944), opened the door in the development to new narratives in Britain In Britain, while a large of so-called scientific about colonial history. number of historians racism, contemporary Generations of researchers racialised as Black were French national identity both racialised as Black teaching history outside is officially constructed and White contested academia, a competitive around citizenship rather or supported Williams’ higher education than race. Historians thesis. They all had to take environment allowed but a are expected to delve into account the question few to teach and research into history as objective of viewpoints. Colonial Black History at University experts who can move past History or even World level. A sharp distinction ‘colonial traumas’. History was slowing delving was being made between into the viewpoints of those community history, local The challenge posed by who have been enslaved or historians and academics. such a stance is that the colonised. Black History Meanwhile, the salient material used by historians as a recognised subject question of representation was slowly emerging. and positioning was 22 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

is expected to reflect the biases as well. These sake of doing history as a nation’s grandeur through points hinder research fascinating subject without recognised volumes. The and lead to isolation. any activism is perceived books of ‘dead white The phenomena is by no with suspicion in many men’ were for a long time means solely linked to instances. This brings to supposed to be used Black history researchers. light the question of the as references first and motives of the historian complemented by the Academics racialised as and the nature of history research done by people White also face challenges as a discipline. Should of African descent in some when working on Black historians necessarily instances. Cheik Anta Diop History. The post-colonial do history as an act of is rarely used in class but British and American activism? The answer to the Jean-Francois Champollion academy assumes that question is complicated is not frowned upon. the motto ‘nothing about by various debates about us without us’ is relevant the memories of the In that context, when working on the past and in particular recruitment of historians history of people of African the representation of the at university level is based descent. Yet it fails at past in public spaces in on strict criteria that take times to deal with the contemporary Britain. into account the precise underlying tensions that The Rhodes Must Fall number of publications occur when academics movement, the Colston and administrative racialised as White, are debate and former duties. Race is put aside involved in historical education minister theoretically, in order to research that looks at so- comments about ‘post- remove potential partiality called Black narratives. colonial guilt’, the polls from the equation. Despite Assumed activism in about the way Britain some discrepancies, full these instances becomes considers Empire or more Black professors are not a common ground that recently Black Lives Matter rare occurrences in French allows those academics UK have a certain impact academia. In Britain racialised as White to on the way historians however, out of the 14, access family stories about ‘do’ Black history. That 000 the professors, 60 are people of African descent. history becomes a mirror Black and the nation has The term ‘ally-ship’ is held before the nation yet to count more than one invoked in some cases. and a geyser so to speak, Black History Professor. A ‘White ally’ is a person that shows how history, The lack or representation racialised as White who is memory of the past, policy poses a number of working on Black history and politics influence our problems. Academics or/and with communities perception of the present racialised as Black find it racialised as Black in and the past. hard to navigate the already order to uncover hidden competitive environment histories or to promote These constant of the academy while social justice and equality. developments force facing micro-aggressions The term is contested but Historians of Black history and discrimination. The highlights the sensitive to update their teaching exacerbated tensions nature of post-colonial material by balancing in the higher education trauma and the workings ‘traditional’ sources such as work environment can of post-memory. Working monographs and academic be enhanced by gender on Black history for the articles with new 23 materials and debate agency in the process of the oppressed to histories initiated on social media. emancipation during and of diversity, survival, after transatlantic slavery independence and pride. Another key challenge for example. faced by historians working Academic institutions on Black history is about Black history also looks at across Europe have strong sustaining students’ interest the legacies of empires in centres that look at the long in the course. Within contemporary Europe. This history of people of African academia, historians tend topic allows the historian to descent. These centres to incorporate Black history analyse the very important are doing Black history. into colonial history in order question of multiple In Britain, several other to attract a broader range of identities and the history of centres are also looking at students in an environment Afro-Europeans. Finding a Black history by focusing on where student experience balance between students’ crucial notions such as Race and satisfaction include interests while sensitively and Rights. Many other ‘module attractiveness’. but rigorously opening what historians in the country This could be seen as a has been for decades a who are not permanently compromise but it may Pandora’s box of the history affiliated to higher education allow educators to show of colonial oppression is institutions or who do students that Black History vital to understand parts of not belong to research is an important part of the Black history. It therefore centres dedicated to Black History of the world and makes sense to use the term history are researching and that it takes into account Black as a political stance teaching Black history in multiple narratives. This that examines communities engaging ways. There are approach can however whose history was also varied Black histories just be seen as controversial shaped by the questions of as there are various ways especially when historians race and ethnicity. Using to render those histories are taught to bring about the European gaze and accessible to all. In order to ways for the learner to archival sources as the expand our knowledge about sympathise or empathise starting and end point to Black history, we need to with the topic while understand the past when bridge the gap between so- remaining “objective”. The it comes to colonial history called community histories challenges of the educator has been challenged over and historians. It has been are multiple when it comes the last two decades in argued that the academy to the target audience. In a Britain. Historians working is a male dominated white diverse class, studies have on the narratives of people space. Promoting Black shown that students do not of African descent in history and providing want to identify with the Britain have shown that funding opportunities for oppressed colonial subject. Black history is also about students who are part of One of the many ways to national histories of Europe. under-represented groups teach that history is to Teaching and researching in higher education will examine Black history as Black history is a fantastic provide us with means in a whole. It entails having opportunity for historians the long run to broaden sessions that delve into to delve into the history our perspective about our African history, encounters and memories of people of common history. with Europeans and the African descent. It provides long history of migrations as them with the ability to well as the study of Black move from a history of 24

COLLABORATIVE DOCTORAL PARTNERSHIPS Suzanne bardgett reflects on her experiences at the imperial war museum

For around a decade director-general visited our posters the product of now, IWM has enjoyed the trenches in France ministries of information the presence of a in 1918 and identified who co-opted the graphic group of PhD students, items he wanted brought artists of the day to embedded within our back to London, to the press particular points curatorial departments present day when we on the public. The same and exhibition teams. have curators sourcing goes for much of our They have come to us memorabilia from film and photographic through the Arts and ongoing conflicts in Iraq collections – the output Humanities Research and Afghanistan. of government-led Council’s Collaborative efforts to record the The research carried Doctoral Award and two world wars as they out by staff in museums Collaborative Doctoral were happening, or and galleries tends to Partnership schemes, propaganda aimed at the be different from that which have furnished home front or at neutral done in universities. the national museums, countries. So a familiarity It will often involve galleries, and other with these various the development of cultural organisations schemes is paramount for intimate understanding in the UK with a steady the proper custodianship - sometimes over years throughput of PhD and interpretation of the - of particular media or students – enriching IWM collections. types of collection. At our understanding of a the IWM a very large The individual’s wealth of themes across proportion of what we perspective is several disciplines. curate derives from represented by hundreds The Imperial War government initiatives. of collections of Museum’s collections Our paintings are, by and personal papers (letters, were amassed over the large, the product of the diaries etc) and sound past century, from the official war art schemes recordings made by men moment when our first of the two world wars; and women who lived 25

Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, Jeff James, launches Archives Inspire 26 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

studentship. Here are some glimpses into our students’ work: Anna Maguire has just submitted her PhD on ‘Colonial encounters during the First World War’. Santanu Das of the Department of English at King’s College London and I have co-supervised Anna, each of us bringing our own perspective on through the momentous a university co-supervisor. her topic – Das that of a events of the last century The students are prepared literary historian, mine that and committed accounts of for the fact that they are in of someone who knows the what they went through to a rather singular situation potential of IWM’s archives paper or to tape. Here the – needing to negotiate two to illuminate the colonial expertise will tend to be in institutions. If there are story. Anna has been the form of evidence likely tensions, they are generally notably energetic, taking to be present in different healthy ones. herself off to conferences types of logbook, diary or and going to New Zealand Our policy is to decide personal correspondence, in her second year, to work on the topics within the or in the possibilities and in archives there. She has museum, according to pitfalls of oral history. drawn our attention to some what we know will be overlooked sources in our CDP students get to useful. The student has collections – investigating, immerse themselves in a better chance of being for example, the autograph these collections and to involved in key activities if books kept by nurses produce a thesis based on their topic is relevant and working at the military what they find. Sometimes timely for IWM’s wider hospital at Seaford in they will focus on an aspect objectives. We advertise Sussex where West Indians of museum practice or the the opportunities to who had fallen sick on the museum’s own history – universities to co-supervise, sea-journey to Europe were making for a study which and then, having selected treated. Anna brought combines archival research an academic partner, the fruits of her research with oral history or work we jointly advertise the to a particularly engaged within a current project studentships themselves. audience last month at our team. They are much sought-after Black History Month First opportunities, with as many Curators at IWM share World War workshop where as sixty applying for one supervision of a student with she discussed the messages 27

and poems written by Caribbean soldiers to their nurses. A special insight into the dislocation felt by the young men who had so eagerly joined up and who found themselves sick and far from home. Hannah Mawdsley, who is researching the 1918-19 Influenza Pandemic, with co-supervisors at Queen Mary University of London, applied some fine detective- work to locating a missing portion of a collection into the wider whole. Hannah was working on the large collection of personal accounts amassed by the author Richard Collier for his 1974 history of the fronts, and this will be the has guided Rebecca to pandemic, The Plague of focus of her study. former IWM staff whom she interviewed for their the Spanish Lady. Hannah The IWM’s own history recollections of that time, realised that over two has drawn the attention as well as introducing her to hundred Australian of students keen to the former director himself survivors’ accounts – some understand how different – still keen to engage with of which were cited in functions have developed Rebecca’s study at the age Collier’s book – had not and how our public image of 93. Frankland was been accessioned at the has modernised. Rebecca a moderniser who saw time of the original bequest. Coll – co-supervised by the value of television Happily, although the house Professor David Reynolds for IWM and Rebecca’s where the papers were at Cambridge – took as paper ‘Autobiography and stored had changed hands, her subject the impact history on screen: “The the papers were still there of Dr Noble Frankland, Life and Times of Lord and were duly reunited with Director of the Imperial Mountbatten”’, has recently the rest of the collection. War Museum from 1960 appeared in The Historical Hannah is interested in to 1982. Her IWM co- Journal of Film, Radio and the cultural memory of this supervisor, Roger Smither, Television. devastating event, which worked under Dr Frankland has been overshadowed by for twelve years, and Roger the deaths on the fighting 28 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

Laura Johnson’s study the European Social Science debate. The students run of the BBC Monitoring History Conference, where our Research Blog, in the Service during the Second she gave a paper ‘An process learning about World War – instigated by “age of fear”? Deciphering writing for online audiences Dr Peter Busch of King’s untold emotions in oral and copyright clearance. College London – faced the histories’, and a few weeks Our Research Manager, challenge of how to home in later to Montreal for the Emily Peirson-Webber, on a manageable portion of Association of Critical ensures the smooth-running a truly vast collection. (The Heritage Studies 2016 of the scheme, spotting BBC Monitoring transcripts conference where she spoke opportunities and generally collection runs to 15 million about ‘Immediate emotion: making sure that each sheets of paper.) Laura’s heritage in oral histories’. student gets the best they pioneering work was can from their time with Jessica has also joined invaluable when, in 2015, us. We have occasional the board of the oral we came to run an AHRC- reading sessions where history charity Eastside funded International students share extracts Community Heritage - Research Network to better from conference papers gaining a useful insight understand the collection’s or chapters in progress. into governance, projects, academic value. Laura had Very often the students are funding and strategy. made contact with a number grappling with the sharp end of former monitors in the Just five examples from of the human experience course of her work and was eighteen PhD students of frontline combat, the able, with Hilary Footitt we have hosted since our bombing of cities or the of Reading University, to first involvement withdislocation that so many put together an involving the scheme. For IWM individuals experienced in and interactive programme staff there are numerous wartime. It can be cathartic for the Network’s first satisfactions: seeing a once- to share with each other workshop at the BBC neglected collection given and with us the intensity Monitoring Headquarters new life and meaning; of working day-in-day- in Caversham. seeing the students out with the darker side develop knowledge, of human nature. There Jessica Douthwaite skills, confidence; and re- is a wider network which (Strathclyde) is conducting connecting in a very hands- plays a valuable role for the oral history interviews to on way with the academic students. The Consortium investigate British civilian sector – sometimes many of CDP holders brings lives in the 1950s, focusing years after they were together everyone studying on everyday anxieties themselves in full-time and co-supervising under towards nuclear weapons education. IWM’s students the scheme. Energetically development and a possible have been notably proactive overseen by the head of third world war. She has in organising conferences research at the British found the international about the CDP scheme Museum, J D Hill, the conference scene a itself – high-profile events Consortium ensures that rewarding one to engage that have been praised at a the fifty or so CDP students with, travelling to Valencia senior level for stimulating who start their doctorates in March this year to attend 29 each year get to know each an anthology on colonial students of propaganda other and join together writing during the First and film will be a project as often as possible for World War. offering the opportunity to shared activities. Foremost study the vast collection Several past students among these are specialist of Second World War have gone on to work in courses in professional ‘dope sheets’ – the forms academic departments – to development run by experts compiled by army film date at the universities of in the Consortium for the cameramen to record the Leeds, Exeter, Cambridge benefit of the entire intake: detail of each reel of film and Sussex. They have the students have full-day they had shot. There is also taken up posts in the sessions on topics such as plentiful social history detail Henry Moore Institute; the open access; copyright; in these documents, as well Holocaust Memorial Day object-based scholarship; as insights into the working Trust; Manchester Museum and making exhibitions lives of the cameramen of Science and Industry; the dealing with challenging themselves – so often Handel House Museum; history. While for the caught between the role and the Bodleian Library. third year students ‘making of dispassionate military money’ and ‘careers’ Our chosen topics to observer and human being provide useful pointers at start in October 2017 and seeing tragic events unfold the end of their time with for which we are now before them. us. seeking co-supervisors By the end of our current can be found on the IWM Our CDP students have Collaborative Doctoral website. One will support in nearly every case found Partnership in 2020, the new Holocaust galleries employment within the twenty-five PhDs will have being developed for 2020, academic or cultural studied at IWM. As I ensuring that we capture for sectors. In today’s world write, the new intake are posterity the photographs this will sometimes mean about to arrive. Briefing of UK-based Holocaust an initial portfolio existence packs, security passes, survivors’ families. - the same mix of the tours of the archives, a Another aims to look at practical and the academic host of introductions and British soldiers’ encounters that they have experienced the museum photographer with Italian civilians during with us. So Anna Maguire are all lined up. Literature the Second World War. is currently teaching in reviews should be done by We know much from the the History department at Christmas and we will have British perspective – there King’s College London, got to know new colleagues are numerous written carrying out research for in several universities. Our and spoken accounts. An new displays on Churchill students are at the sharp Italian speaker will, we and the Middle East at end of creativity here at hope, interrogate written the Churchill War Rooms, IWM, and we hugely value and spoken accounts of the assisting 14-18 NOW with a what they bring to our years 1943 to 1946 to build potential new commission work. our understanding of the to mark the First World other side of the story. War centenary, and helping Santanu Das with Of particular interest to 30 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

UPDATE

THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPORT ON GENDER EQUALITY

MARY VINCENT AND JO FOX

Our work around Gender Report, including Among the Report’s most Hertfordshire, Leeds and, as striking findings is the gender, diversity, part of their doctoral training conclusion that, if policies and equality is programmes, the White against ‘overt discrimination’ Rose and Midlands3Cities were ‘working effectively, among the fastest AHRC consortia. Recently, there would by now be far developing areas at the Report was the subject more women professors of the Royal Historical of a discussion initiated by history and a more equal the Irish Historical Society balance among academic Society. and hosted at the Royal Irish staff’ (p.3). Measures against Academy. discrimination have been Much of this springs directly in place for decades but the from the RHS Report With many universities figures speak for themselves, on Gender Equality and encouraging participation and the ‘leaky pipeline’ Historians in UK Higher in Athena Swan, and the persists. Why, given that Education, led by Professor possibility of research women win 55.3% of AHRC Nicola Miller, and published funding being dependent doctoral studentship, are in January 2015. This on an Athena Swan award women still in the minority is available on the RHS — as in STEM funding, and in the academy? website. Since the report was as recently recommended published, events organized by the recent Irish HEA This was the starting point around its findings have been gender equality report — this for a workshop held in held around the country. A area of the Society’s work October on the theme of follow-up questionnaire to will only grow. We are ‘Challenging Inequality’. Heads of Department in therefore looking to develop Run by the Women in May 2016 found that many materials that will encourage Humanities research group schools and departments departments to develop at the University of Oxford, had discussed it in meetings, equality and diversity this was open to women used it to reflect on their policies, drawing on, for historians in UK universities own work in this field, or example, departmental and the day began with incorporated it into work experiences in preparing for a discussion of the RHS towards an Athena Swan an Athena Swan submission. Report, introduced and led award. Some Universities by Professor Miller and have held more formal Professor Mary Vincent. workshops around the RHS 31

There was further RHS research grant awards. This were women between the input from Professor Jo built on work Professor Boyle age of 30-50. In History, Fox, who spoke on a panel conducted with Professor some 75% of impact case on ‘Gender Equality Across Henrietta O’Connor and studies were authored by UK History Departments’ others, published in Nature, senior men. The RHS will be and it was a particular which pointed to worse acctively lobbying that data pleasure to see Jinty Nelson, funding application results about gender be collected as the RHS’s first woman for women in science part of REF2020. president, at the event. compared to social science. In a day of wide-ranging A summary of the discussion While some journals are discussions, one focus was and report is available at transparent about publication the continuing fall off among www.foundation.org.uk). rates by gender – here the women, which leaves them Economic History Review and underrepresented at senior Clearly, much still needs the Historical Journal stand stages of the profession. to be addressed, not only out as having confronted at departmental and the issue – others are more Another aspect of gender institutional level, but reticent. Not only does the discrimination came under within the academy as a profession need to keep attention in June 2016 when whole. The Stern Report an eye on the composition Nicola Miller and Mary was notably silent on of editorial boards, but on Vincent took part in a round gender equality, beyond the the proportion of research table led by Paul Boyle (VC, obvious platitudes, despite articles published by women University of Leicester) for evidence from REF2014 that in leading journals. There the Science and Technology demonstrated that the least is evidence to suggest that Foundation on gender bias in likely group to be returned female historians’ voices are 32 RHS NEWSLETTER • NOV 2016

often confined to the reviews section. While ‘good practice’ is frequently circulated within institutions, most are reluctant to consider adopting more radical policies. Frequently, student assessments of teaching are used for probation and promotion purposes despite compelling evidence that they are inherently gendered. In one study, Anne Boring surveyed data drawn from a sample size of 22,665 evaluations by 4,423 first- year undergraduates of 372 different teachers at Science-Po. She found that: ‘the average first year male student is 40% more likely to rate a male professor as “excellent” compared with a female professor, while female students are only 10% more likely to do so; Male students tend to rate male professors as better in every metric; and female students also rate male professors as better on stereotypically male qualities’. We all share the responsibility in the workplace, why men Those of us who frequently for diversity and equality. think women’s voices are see references as part The Heforshe Campaign silenced or not heard, and of hiring or promotion or the recent Report on why women are sidelined processes may be struck by ‘Collaborating with Men’ in networking events, and the prevalence of writing authored by colleagues at encouraging men to take in code, and indeed in Murray Edwards College, individual responsibility in describing individuals in Cambridge, are opening up supporting women in the gendered ways, by, for the debate to suggest ways workplace. example, praising a female in which men can become candidate’s commitment to more involved in these pastoral care and student- issues. ‘Collaborating with facing work compared to a Men’ is a particularly timely male candidate’s rigour or intervention, laying out leadership skills. how men perceive women 33

Importantly, the Report between men and women at to thank Anindita Ghosh, points to the high levels work. Bobby Anderson and Margot of support among men for Finn for participating in this gender equality, and this Much research continues to and we intend to expand the should be of some comfort emphasize the importance of series soon. to all involved in changing role models. In recognition workplace cultures and of this and in celebration attitudes. of International Women’s Day in March 2016, we The Report is full of ideas developed a short series about sharing views, making of interviews with women action visible, training historians from a range of opportunities (including backgrounds, asking about bystander training, the their inspiration and their gender balance of teams, role models as well as the challenging behaviours), obstacles they had faced and and building closer formal the barriers they perceived and informal relationships for women. We would like