Caroline Derry
@carolinederry.bsky.social
Gender, sexuality & criminal law/history.
Early women barristers. Agatha Christie.
Professor of Feminism, Law & History, The Open University.
📚 Legal Temporalities of Sexual Consent (2025)
📚 Lesbianism and the Criminal Law (2020)
#ActuallyAutistic
Early women barristers. Agatha Christie.
Professor of Feminism, Law & History, The Open University.
📚 Legal Temporalities of Sexual Consent (2025)
📚 Lesbianism and the Criminal Law (2020)
#ActuallyAutistic
Pinned
Legal Temporalities of Sexual Consent
Legal Temporalities of Sexual Consent
edinburghuniversitypress.com
My book Legal Temporalities of Sexual Consent is out with @edinburghup.bsky.social later this month!
The law on sexual consent is notoriously problematic – but why focus on time? 🧵(1/7)
🌈🎓
The law on sexual consent is notoriously problematic – but why focus on time? 🧵(1/7)
🌈🎓
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Don’t want to be too moralistic about this, but it is an active disgrace what people are doing to a profoundly liberational scheme that costs relatively piddling amounts on the basis of a couple of right wing shitposters misrepresenting it on Twitter.
November 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Don’t want to be too moralistic about this, but it is an active disgrace what people are doing to a profoundly liberational scheme that costs relatively piddling amounts on the basis of a couple of right wing shitposters misrepresenting it on Twitter.
My sister has left me home alone with only a scary bean-to-cup espresso machine to make coffee with!
Do I (a) make do with tea, or (b) risk causing an explosion?
Do I (a) make do with tea, or (b) risk causing an explosion?
November 25, 2025 at 10:50 AM
My sister has left me home alone with only a scary bean-to-cup espresso machine to make coffee with!
Do I (a) make do with tea, or (b) risk causing an explosion?
Do I (a) make do with tea, or (b) risk causing an explosion?
So excited to have tickets for this! It was really lovely last year, and the programme this year looks fantastic.
#AgathaChristie
#AgathaChristie
**Tickets for the 2026 Spring Gathering on April 11 are now on sale**
With authors @tommeadauthor.bsky.social @antonyjohnston.bsky.social and Kelly Mullen, the @christietime.com podcast, and special guests @radiomukhers.bsky.social and @valmcdermid.bsky.social
www.iacf-uk.org/festival-202...
With authors @tommeadauthor.bsky.social @antonyjohnston.bsky.social and Kelly Mullen, the @christietime.com podcast, and special guests @radiomukhers.bsky.social and @valmcdermid.bsky.social
www.iacf-uk.org/festival-202...
International Agatha Christie Festival | Spring Gathering
After the sell-out success of the inaugural Spring Gathering in April 2025, we are delighted to be able to invite you to our Spring Gathering for 2026. We are looking forward to sharing a day of murde...
www.iacf-uk.org
November 25, 2025 at 10:47 AM
So excited to have tickets for this! It was really lovely last year, and the programme this year looks fantastic.
#AgathaChristie
#AgathaChristie
November 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Funded PhDs at QUB:
'Belfast’s ‘bad girls’ and gender-based discrimination, c.1870-1920'
www.qub.ac.uk/courses/post...
'Belfast’s ‘bad girls’ and gender-based discrimination, c.1870-1920'
www.qub.ac.uk/courses/post...
REF: CSHIS01 - HIS-PHD | Courses | Queen's University Belfast
www.qub.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Funded PhDs at QUB:
'Belfast’s ‘bad girls’ and gender-based discrimination, c.1870-1920'
www.qub.ac.uk/courses/post...
'Belfast’s ‘bad girls’ and gender-based discrimination, c.1870-1920'
www.qub.ac.uk/courses/post...
I had such a good morning yesterday, talking about Deptford's criminal law history to the local history group at Mycenae House.
Including the first murder conviction based on fingerprint evidence and the leading case on gross negligence manslaughter.
Including the first murder conviction based on fingerprint evidence and the leading case on gross negligence manslaughter.
November 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I had such a good morning yesterday, talking about Deptford's criminal law history to the local history group at Mycenae House.
Including the first murder conviction based on fingerprint evidence and the leading case on gross negligence manslaughter.
Including the first murder conviction based on fingerprint evidence and the leading case on gross negligence manslaughter.
Still time to book for 1.5 days of legal moments that (didn't) change everything.
From property law to criminal, interregnum Scotland to Canadian land rights.
Freee, online - full programme at the link below.
From property law to criminal, interregnum Scotland to Canadian land rights.
Freee, online - full programme at the link below.
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
Join us for the 6th annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Still time to book for 1.5 days of legal moments that (didn't) change everything.
From property law to criminal, interregnum Scotland to Canadian land rights.
Freee, online - full programme at the link below.
From property law to criminal, interregnum Scotland to Canadian land rights.
Freee, online - full programme at the link below.
This. It's not only cruel, but counterproductive.
But mostly cruel.
But mostly cruel.
Labour: YOU MUST INTEGRATE
Also Labour: we might kick you out in a couple years so don't get to comfy yeah
Also Labour: we might kick you out in a couple years so don't get to comfy yeah
November 17, 2025 at 12:17 PM
This. It's not only cruel, but counterproductive.
But mostly cruel.
But mostly cruel.
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Less than a week away!
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
Join us for the 6th annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Less than a week away!
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Less than a week away!
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
Join us for the 6th annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Less than a week away!
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Unmissable keynote for historians: Charlotte Smith of @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy will talk about the Denning Committee and the importance of engaging with how archival management shapes our work.
Interesting, useful - and welcome confirmation that I'm not alone in hating misuse of 'neurodiverse' to describe an individual!
📣New research
Q: What do neurodivergent people think about words like "neurodiversity".
A: it's complicated; they use it, but it has limitations and could stigmatise.
Full paper: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
(1 of 2)
Q: What do neurodivergent people think about words like "neurodiversity".
A: it's complicated; they use it, but it has limitations and could stigmatise.
Full paper: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
(1 of 2)
‘A Lovely Safe Umbrella to Describe Yourself With’ or ‘Meaningless’: An Online Survey of UK-Based Neurodivergent Adults’ Views of Neurodiversity-Related Terminology - Aimee Grant, Jennifer Leigh, Moni...
Background: Neurodivergence refers to people with ways of behaving and thinking that diverge from the norm. Examples include Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperacti...
journals.sagepub.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Interesting, useful - and welcome confirmation that I'm not alone in hating misuse of 'neurodiverse' to describe an individual!
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Man, I was all excited going to read the Hansard report from the day the lesbians abseiled into the House of Lords to protest Section 28, but all it says is "[Interruption]" 😂
November 10, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Man, I was all excited going to read the Hansard report from the day the lesbians abseiled into the House of Lords to protest Section 28, but all it says is "[Interruption]" 😂
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
Join us for the 6th annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
Join us for the 6th annual Diversity, Dilemmas and Discoveries Conference - Moments of Rupture
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Now open for booking: OU Law School's legal histories conference. This year's theme is 'moments of rupture' and we have an exciting range of speakers, topics, jurisdictions and periods.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
20-21 November, online, free.
Programme and booking at the link.
Reposted by Caroline Derry
An excellent #LegalHistory initiative from my #Bristol colleagues. Do have a look!
Are you working on a paper on law, history and reproduction? My great colleague Dr Gauri Pillai and I are organising a workshop for you at the University of Bristol Law School on 1 May 2026!
Please send your abstract by 15 December 2025.
Travel grants available.
Please send your abstract by 15 December 2025.
Travel grants available.
November 5, 2025 at 9:10 AM
An excellent #LegalHistory initiative from my #Bristol colleagues. Do have a look!
Reposted by Caroline Derry
On 11 November, Steven Spencer of Birkbeck, University of London, will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where he will be presenting on 'The campaign to pass the Criminal Law Amendment Bill'
Find out more about his paper and how to attend below:
buff.ly/OTB2wDo
Find out more about his paper and how to attend below:
buff.ly/OTB2wDo
'Abominable, unutterable, and worse than fables': the campaign to pass the Criminal Law Amendment Bill - The History of Parliament
Steven Spencer of Birkbeck, University of London, will be discussing the campaign to pass the 1885 Criminal Law Amendment Act.
historyofparliament.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:31 AM
On 11 November, Steven Spencer of Birkbeck, University of London, will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where he will be presenting on 'The campaign to pass the Criminal Law Amendment Bill'
Find out more about his paper and how to attend below:
buff.ly/OTB2wDo
Find out more about his paper and how to attend below:
buff.ly/OTB2wDo
I had a lovely and very informative time at History Day at @ihr.bsky.social and came home with brochures, books and badges - this one may be my favourite.
November 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
I had a lovely and very informative time at History Day at @ihr.bsky.social and came home with brochures, books and badges - this one may be my favourite.
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Remember guys, @pcsunion.bsky.social staff at the BL are on strike for the next two weeks. Please don't cross the picket line to go to reading rooms, attend exhibitions or anything else. They've endured so much on low pay since the cyberattack in 2023 and the least we can do is have their backs now.
Secret Maps opens today! 🤫 🗺️
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
October 26, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Remember guys, @pcsunion.bsky.social staff at the BL are on strike for the next two weeks. Please don't cross the picket line to go to reading rooms, attend exhibitions or anything else. They've endured so much on low pay since the cyberattack in 2023 and the least we can do is have their backs now.
V generous offer, but I think I'll pass!
November 1, 2025 at 5:01 PM
V generous offer, but I think I'll pass!
A little quantum physics on my way to London Month of the Dead, at Guy's Hospital (now a KCL campus).
November 1, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A little quantum physics on my way to London Month of the Dead, at Guy's Hospital (now a KCL campus).
Reposted by Caroline Derry
Super interesting talk by @carolinederry.bsky.social and @drcisme.bsky.social last night complemented by items from Josephine Butler archive. The parallels with what's going on today were striking.
We were exploring the events of 1885, when a series of scandals led to changes in sexual offences law. The Women's Library at @lselibrary.bsky.social has lots of relevant archival material, some of which was on display 😍
October 31, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Super interesting talk by @carolinederry.bsky.social and @drcisme.bsky.social last night complemented by items from Josephine Butler archive. The parallels with what's going on today were striking.
Exciting day - I got to meet @drcisme.bsky.social in person and deliver a workshop with her at @lselibrary.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Exciting day - I got to meet @drcisme.bsky.social in person and deliver a workshop with her at @lselibrary.bsky.social
Reposted by Caroline Derry
All ready to go for this talk on Thursday. Really looking forward to it. Squeee!
NEXT WEEK: Thu 30 Oct 4-6pm: The London Scandal: sexuality, exploitation and law reform in 1885.
Explore the dramatic events and the people involved that led to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 with
@carolinederry.bsky.social and @drcisme.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-london...
Explore the dramatic events and the people involved that led to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 with
@carolinederry.bsky.social and @drcisme.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-london...
The London scandal: sexuality, exploitation and law reform in 1885
Join LSE Library for a workshop on the causes and consequences of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
All ready to go for this talk on Thursday. Really looking forward to it. Squeee!
At the Metropolitan Police Museum gallery yesterday, I learned about the Great Pearl Robbery of 1913. The stuff of detective fiction: a fake office! A famous necklace! Wax seals and sugar lumps! The King of Fences!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_P...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_P...
October 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM
At the Metropolitan Police Museum gallery yesterday, I learned about the Great Pearl Robbery of 1913. The stuff of detective fiction: a fake office! A famous necklace! Wax seals and sugar lumps! The King of Fences!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_P...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_P...
Reposted by Caroline Derry
🚨 Amelia King, volunteering for the Women's Land Army in 1943, was rejected by Essex farmers. This week's Substack post on John Scurr House in Stepney looks at the racial discrimination suffered by residents and its later redevelopment.
municipaldreams.substack.com/p/john-scurr...
municipaldreams.substack.com/p/john-scurr...
October 25, 2025 at 7:45 AM
🚨 Amelia King, volunteering for the Women's Land Army in 1943, was rejected by Essex farmers. This week's Substack post on John Scurr House in Stepney looks at the racial discrimination suffered by residents and its later redevelopment.
municipaldreams.substack.com/p/john-scurr...
municipaldreams.substack.com/p/john-scurr...