In this blog, Summer Baker and Ayela Inayat reflect on their first experience of conducting extended archival research as History students. Involved in a project on ‘Recovering Patient Voices in Britain, 1812-1918′, they discuss what it was like to uncover, and work with, asylum patients’ letters, and some of their insights from their research. … Continued
We are delighted to announce that the Social History Society annual Book Prize has reopened and is seeking nominations. The prize is now in its eighth year and is awarded to the best book in Social History. To be eligible for consideration for the prize, the book must: • be at least its author’s second … Continued
The Social History Society’s 2026 Annual Conference brought almost 200 historians to Lancaster University from 1-3 July, marking a particularly special occasion as the Society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Returning to Lancaster – where the Society was founded in 1976 and where its first conference was held – provided a fitting opportunity to reflect on … Continued
We are delighted to announce the results of our 2026 Postgraduate Paper prize. The Postgraduate Paper Prize is awarded to the best conference papers presented at the Social History Society conference; this year, we are pleased to be able to award one overall winner and one Runner Up prize. The winner this year was Rebecca … Continued
We are delighted to announce that the Society’s next conference will be held at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, from 30 June to 2 July 2027. We look forward to welcoming members and friends of the Society for what promises to be an exciting conference, bringing together scholars from across the field of social and cultural … Continued
Following this year’s committee elections, we are pleased to announce the members of the Society’s Committee for the coming year. We are delighted to welcome both new and returning members to the Committee: Janet Weston – re-elected as Treasurer Kathleen McIlvenna – elected as Honorary Secretary Jaina Hunt – elected as Postgraduate Representative Lou Bell … Continued
The Social History Society Book Prize rewards the best original works of social and cultural history by established authors. The prize was launched in 2018 and has become a key part of the society’s calendar and conference. Books are nominated by their publisher and judged by an independent panel of judges. The Society is delighted … Continued
The University of Hertfordshire has announced that it intends to make cuts across a range of humanities subjects, including the end of its taught history provision. The Social History Society is deeply saddened by this news, and concerned that it is a further example of the devaluing of history and the historical profession. The University … Continued
