Jennifer Davey
@jhdavey.bsky.social
Historian and Director of The History of Parliament (
@histparl.bsky.social).
@histparl.bsky.social).
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
2/ For more information on the McLagan family, check out Martin's first article on Peter McLagan, MP for Linlithgowshire:
historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/p...
Peter McLagan (1823-1900): Scotland’s first Black MP - The History of Parliament
This is the first article in a new series for the Victorian Commons on Peter McLagan (1823-1900), by Dr Martin Spychal, Senior Research Fellow on our House of
historyofparliament.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:26 AM
2/ For more information on the McLagan family, check out Martin's first article on Peter McLagan, MP for Linlithgowshire:
historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/p...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
Following on from his article on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, Dr Martin Spychal has explored the life of his father, Peter McLagan senior, and his ownership of enslaved people in Demerara (modern-day Guyana):
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860): enslaver, plantation owner and landed proprietor - The History of Parliament
Dr Martin Spychal explores the life of Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860). A farmer’s son from Perthshire, McLagan senior acquired considerable wealth as an enslaver and plantation owner in Demerara…
historyofparliament.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Following on from his article on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, Dr Martin Spychal has explored the life of his father, Peter McLagan senior, and his ownership of enslaved people in Demerara (modern-day Guyana):
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
It’s Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary and @britishacademy.bsky.social postdoctoral fellow @hillaryburlock.bsky.social helps us understand what going to the ball was all about, including the months of preparation required
theconversation.com/inside-the-r...
theconversation.com/inside-the-r...
Inside the Regency ballroom: what you’d experience on a night out with Jane Austen
Ball-goers needed months to prepare for these events.
theconversation.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:27 PM
It’s Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary and @britishacademy.bsky.social postdoctoral fellow @hillaryburlock.bsky.social helps us understand what going to the ball was all about, including the months of preparation required
theconversation.com/inside-the-r...
theconversation.com/inside-the-r...
As Nick says here, this really is a 'gem of a story' and told expertly and brilliantly by @victoriancommons.bsky.social
Our colleague @kathrynrix.bsky.social was featured in yesterday's 'Pick of the Week' on BBC Radio 4!
You can check out her featured interview with Susan Hulme, on how women watched Commons debates from 'the ventilator' after they were barred from the chamber in 1778, below (starting at 7:22):
You can check out her featured interview with Susan Hulme, on how women watched Commons debates from 'the ventilator' after they were barred from the chamber in 1778, below (starting at 7:22):
BBC Radio 4 - Pick of the Week, Nick Ahad
Nick Ahad presents a selection of the best bits of audio across the BBC.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
As Nick says here, this really is a 'gem of a story' and told expertly and brilliantly by @victoriancommons.bsky.social
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
My article on the Motherwell by-election is now available to read in @parlhistjournal.bsky.social
It explores the reasons for Dr. Robert McIntyre's victory and how he became embroiled in a sponsorship saga.
It explores the reasons for Dr. Robert McIntyre's victory and how he became embroiled in a sponsorship saga.
December 5, 2025 at 10:39 AM
My article on the Motherwell by-election is now available to read in @parlhistjournal.bsky.social
It explores the reasons for Dr. Robert McIntyre's victory and how he became embroiled in a sponsorship saga.
It explores the reasons for Dr. Robert McIntyre's victory and how he became embroiled in a sponsorship saga.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
"Having looked at some deaths of MPs involving vegetables ..." is an unimprovable line
Death by turnip remains one of the History's most bizarre reasons for carrying off a member of Parliament.
T in our #1832AtoZ is for Turnip and also for Tiger, both of which had fatal consequences in incidents involving our Victorian MPs. Find out more here: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2019/12/19/b...
December 5, 2025 at 12:19 PM
"Having looked at some deaths of MPs involving vegetables ..." is an unimprovable line
Honestly, the joy of working @histparl.bsky.social.
Death by turnip remains one of the History's most bizarre reasons for carrying off a member of Parliament.
T in our #1832AtoZ is for Turnip and also for Tiger, both of which had fatal consequences in incidents involving our Victorian MPs. Find out more here: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2019/12/19/b...
December 5, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Honestly, the joy of working @histparl.bsky.social.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
We have a vacancy at UCL for a new permanent lecturer in British and Comparative politics, working as part of the Constitution Unit
Join and help to lead the Constitution Unit!
@uclspp.bsky.social is looking for a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics who will also join our senior team and contribute to our research and impact activities.
Applicants must have, or be near to finishing, a PhD.
Apply 👇
@uclspp.bsky.social is looking for a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics who will also join our senior team and contribute to our research and impact activities.
Applicants must have, or be near to finishing, a PhD.
Apply 👇
Job opportunity: Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics
The UCL Department of Political Science and Constitution Unit are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics. The successful candidate will join the senior team at the Unit.
www.ucl.ac.uk
December 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM
We have a vacancy at UCL for a new permanent lecturer in British and Comparative politics, working as part of the Constitution Unit
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
A minor insight into the importance of 18th-century women lacking a formal vote, but commanding influence over their menfolk:
"Mr. Winford, notwithstanding his behaviour in St. Stephens, has not the hearts of the citizens, or what is worse, the citizens' wives."
www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-...
"Mr. Winford, notwithstanding his behaviour in St. Stephens, has not the hearts of the citizens, or what is worse, the citizens' wives."
www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-...
www.histparl.ac.uk
December 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
A minor insight into the importance of 18th-century women lacking a formal vote, but commanding influence over their menfolk:
"Mr. Winford, notwithstanding his behaviour in St. Stephens, has not the hearts of the citizens, or what is worse, the citizens' wives."
www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-...
"Mr. Winford, notwithstanding his behaviour in St. Stephens, has not the hearts of the citizens, or what is worse, the citizens' wives."
www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
Last week our colleague Dr Kathryn Rix appeared on Today in Parliament to discuss how women were able to watch debates in the House of Commons after they were officially barred from the chamber in 1778.
You can check out her interview here (starting at 22:55):
buff.ly/yrr6CQo
You can check out her interview here (starting at 22:55):
buff.ly/yrr6CQo
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Last week our colleague Dr Kathryn Rix appeared on Today in Parliament to discuss how women were able to watch debates in the House of Commons after they were officially barred from the chamber in 1778.
You can check out her interview here (starting at 22:55):
buff.ly/yrr6CQo
You can check out her interview here (starting at 22:55):
buff.ly/yrr6CQo
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
'Materials of State' concludes today at 1:45pm on BBC Radio 4. If you missed any of the episodes, don't fret! You can catch up with the rest of the series either on BBC iPlayer or on BBC Sounds!
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State
David Cannadine examines some of the objects that make the British constitution so unique.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM
'Materials of State' concludes today at 1:45pm on BBC Radio 4. If you missed any of the episodes, don't fret! You can catch up with the rest of the series either on BBC iPlayer or on BBC Sounds!
I love these stats - because of course Gladstone delivered the longest Budget speech and Disraeli the shortest.
Unsurprisingly, the Budget statements are typically very long. To date, the longest Budget speech was that of Gladstone in 1853, coming in at a whopping 4 hours and 45 minutes. The shortest was Benjamin Disraeli's budget speech in 1867 which lasted just 45 minutes. (7/10)
November 26, 2025 at 11:53 AM
I love these stats - because of course Gladstone delivered the longest Budget speech and Disraeli the shortest.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
Today is #BudgetDay 2025!
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Today is #BudgetDay 2025!
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
Researching a bit of historic Budget trivia and TL;DR- it's Gladstone. It's always Gladstone.
The red box? Gladstone. The tradition the Chancellor can drink while speaking? Gladstone. Longest Budget speech? Gladstone. Most Budget speeches? Gladstone.
The red box? Gladstone. The tradition the Chancellor can drink while speaking? Gladstone. Longest Budget speech? Gladstone. Most Budget speeches? Gladstone.
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Researching a bit of historic Budget trivia and TL;DR- it's Gladstone. It's always Gladstone.
The red box? Gladstone. The tradition the Chancellor can drink while speaking? Gladstone. Longest Budget speech? Gladstone. Most Budget speeches? Gladstone.
The red box? Gladstone. The tradition the Chancellor can drink while speaking? Gladstone. Longest Budget speech? Gladstone. Most Budget speeches? Gladstone.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:25 AM
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
November 21, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
This was a thing in the 18th century, too. See Charles Littleton's post on cricket and the Georgian aristocracy:
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
‘Kind patron of the mirthful fray’: the English aristocracy and cricket in the 18th century - The History of Parliament
The Ashes Test series currently under way provides an opportunity to consider the English aristocracy’s role in cricket’s early development in the 18th
historyofparliament.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:04 PM
This was a thing in the 18th century, too. See Charles Littleton's post on cricket and the Georgian aristocracy:
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
With this years Ashes beginning in the early hours of this morning, we thought we'd point you in the direction of @TheVictCommons where they explore the link between cricket and the Victorian House of Commons
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
Cricket in the Commons: a Victorian First Eleven - The History of Parliament
With the 2025 Ashes between England and Australia getting underway this week, we have a cricketing themed post from our House of Commons, 1832-1945 project.
historyofparliament.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
With this years Ashes beginning in the early hours of this morning, we thought we'd point you in the direction of @TheVictCommons where they explore the link between cricket and the Victorian House of Commons
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
Interesting: during the debates on the spirituous liquors bill (1743) in the House of Lords, the earl of Aylesford proposes something rather modern:
"Instead of passing or rejecting this Bill... let us only delay it, by which we shall give the Commons time to reflect upon it"
#HistParl
"Instead of passing or rejecting this Bill... let us only delay it, by which we shall give the Commons time to reflect upon it"
#HistParl
November 21, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Interesting: during the debates on the spirituous liquors bill (1743) in the House of Lords, the earl of Aylesford proposes something rather modern:
"Instead of passing or rejecting this Bill... let us only delay it, by which we shall give the Commons time to reflect upon it"
#HistParl
"Instead of passing or rejecting this Bill... let us only delay it, by which we shall give the Commons time to reflect upon it"
#HistParl
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
I was honoured to unveil a plaque for Sam Green, the first openly gay politician to be elected in the UK.
He did so much for his community and his courage and dedication remind us to keep championing equality, respect and the rights of everybody.
He did so much for his community and his courage and dedication remind us to keep championing equality, respect and the rights of everybody.
A Liberal councillor who made LGBT+ history
Sam Green was the first openly gay politician ever elected in the UK – and possibly the world.
www.libdems.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM
I was honoured to unveil a plaque for Sam Green, the first openly gay politician to be elected in the UK.
He did so much for his community and his courage and dedication remind us to keep championing equality, respect and the rights of everybody.
He did so much for his community and his courage and dedication remind us to keep championing equality, respect and the rights of everybody.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
POV: you’ve been hiding under the Palace of Westminster for hundreds of years.
See what we uncovered during recent surveys of the Palace as we prepare for its restoration.
See what we uncovered during recent surveys of the Palace as we prepare for its restoration.
November 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
POV: you’ve been hiding under the Palace of Westminster for hundreds of years.
See what we uncovered during recent surveys of the Palace as we prepare for its restoration.
See what we uncovered during recent surveys of the Palace as we prepare for its restoration.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
This year's Annual Lecture will be taking place on 16 December, where Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, will be speaking on Clement Attlee's Labour Governments.
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Annual Lecture: Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
HPTAnnualLecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
This year's Annual Lecture will be taking place on 16 December, where Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, will be speaking on Clement Attlee's Labour Governments.
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
It seems highly likely that Messrs Kent and Fatt, both of them described in the press as being Black, and who held in succession (c1739) the office of sweeper of the king's chimneys - an office of some profit - would have qualified to vote.
Worth a check in the poll books.
Worth a check in the poll books.
November 18, 2025 at 8:48 AM
It seems highly likely that Messrs Kent and Fatt, both of them described in the press as being Black, and who held in succession (c1739) the office of sweeper of the king's chimneys - an office of some profit - would have qualified to vote.
Worth a check in the poll books.
Worth a check in the poll books.
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
This is ground-breaking research by Gillian Williamson. It shows that 30 years before Ignatius Sancho at least one Black voter participated in an election, and the implication must be that there were others like John London.
#skystorians
#skystorians
November 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
This is ground-breaking research by Gillian Williamson. It shows that 30 years before Ignatius Sancho at least one Black voter participated in an election, and the implication must be that there were others like John London.
#skystorians
#skystorians
Reposted by Jennifer Davey
In November 1749, John London walked from his home to vote in the Westminster constituency parliamentary by-election.
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
John London: Britain's First Black Voter? - The History of Parliament
this election could serve as the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election - John London
historyofparliament.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
In November 1749, John London walked from his home to vote in the Westminster constituency parliamentary by-election.
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election: