J L Laynesmith
@jllaynesmith.bsky.social
Medievalist in Reading researching queenship, Wars of the Roses, royal adultery, and medieval noblewomen (Cecily Duchess of York appears frequently) | Editor of The Ricardian | May also mention Environment, Eco Church, Trade Justice . . .(all views my own)
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
This. ⏬
Of course, it would be better if govts were perfect (and had better judgement from the off), but I'd still rather a govt that was prepared to u-turn if it seems necessary, than arrogantly carry on, no matter what.
Of course, it would be better if govts were perfect (and had better judgement from the off), but I'd still rather a govt that was prepared to u-turn if it seems necessary, than arrogantly carry on, no matter what.
Surely it is good that a government changes its policy when it turns out in practice to be not right. Why do we prefer governments who never admit mistakes?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Digital IDs: Starmer’s change of heart another ‘almighty backtracking’
The government dropping the digital ID scheme's mandatory element is another climbdown for Downing Street, writes the BBC's political editor.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 5:22 PM
This. ⏬
Of course, it would be better if govts were perfect (and had better judgement from the off), but I'd still rather a govt that was prepared to u-turn if it seems necessary, than arrogantly carry on, no matter what.
Of course, it would be better if govts were perfect (and had better judgement from the off), but I'd still rather a govt that was prepared to u-turn if it seems necessary, than arrogantly carry on, no matter what.
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Next week, book talk with #TimLenton on #planetary #TippingPoints +his new book Positive Tipping Points: How to Fix the Climate Crisis - if you're in the Exeter, Dartmoor, Plymouth, Torquay areas.
talk: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bov...
book: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/posi...
@jamesgdyke.info
talk: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bov...
book: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/posi...
@jamesgdyke.info
January 13, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Next week, book talk with #TimLenton on #planetary #TippingPoints +his new book Positive Tipping Points: How to Fix the Climate Crisis - if you're in the Exeter, Dartmoor, Plymouth, Torquay areas.
talk: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bov...
book: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/posi...
@jamesgdyke.info
talk: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bov...
book: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/posi...
@jamesgdyke.info
I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity to dispel some of the myths around Harold Godwinson's 'mistress', Edith Swanneck, at Canterbury on 2 May as part of the Medieval Canterbury Weekend. history-weekends.org/programme/ki...
King Harold’s Mistress? Edith Swanneck and the Stories of 1066
Revisit the legend of Edith Swanneck to uncover truth, myth, and memory surrounding King Harold and the Norman Conquest.
history-weekends.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:35 PM
I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity to dispel some of the myths around Harold Godwinson's 'mistress', Edith Swanneck, at Canterbury on 2 May as part of the Medieval Canterbury Weekend. history-weekends.org/programme/ki...
The Christmas cards of the magi at Sant Apollinare Nuovo tend to omit the line of 22 virgin saints following the Magi to Christ - the closest are Pelagia and Euphemia, both victims of Diocletian's persecution (apparently there were five churches dedicated to Euphemia in Ravenna).
January 6, 2026 at 5:21 PM
The Christmas cards of the magi at Sant Apollinare Nuovo tend to omit the line of 22 virgin saints following the Magi to Christ - the closest are Pelagia and Euphemia, both victims of Diocletian's persecution (apparently there were five churches dedicated to Euphemia in Ravenna).
In case you missed it - there's a preliminary report of the intriguing findings by scholars creating an interactive digital transcription and translation of the fabulous Edward IV Roll: riiiresearch.blogspot.com/2025/12/impo...
Important Yorkist Genealogy Now Available On-Line in Interactive Digital Format
The Yorkist claim to the English throne was based, in large part, on a hereditary argument that the children of Anne Mortimer and Richard, e...
riiiresearch.blogspot.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:37 PM
In case you missed it - there's a preliminary report of the intriguing findings by scholars creating an interactive digital transcription and translation of the fabulous Edward IV Roll: riiiresearch.blogspot.com/2025/12/impo...
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
3 March 2026 - our Online Schools Conference. Register Now! So many good speakers with analysis of key documents for the Wars of the Roses. @teachmedwomen.bsky.social @htenuk.bsky.social @kriiicentre.bsky.social @danlyndon.bsky.social @1972shp.bsky.social @histassoc.bsky.social #HistoryEducation
January 5, 2026 at 12:41 PM
3 March 2026 - our Online Schools Conference. Register Now! So many good speakers with analysis of key documents for the Wars of the Roses. @teachmedwomen.bsky.social @htenuk.bsky.social @kriiicentre.bsky.social @danlyndon.bsky.social @1972shp.bsky.social @histassoc.bsky.social #HistoryEducation
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
My forthcoming book—
For which I began research in 2006.
Is now posted on the website for Princeton University Press.
Cover will be added soon.
The King’s Slaves: The British Empire & the Origins of American Slavery
For which I began research in 2006.
Is now posted on the website for Princeton University Press.
Cover will be added soon.
The King’s Slaves: The British Empire & the Origins of American Slavery
The King's Slaves
A provocative account of how empire and absolutism institutionalized slavery in America
press.princeton.edu
December 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
My forthcoming book—
For which I began research in 2006.
Is now posted on the website for Princeton University Press.
Cover will be added soon.
The King’s Slaves: The British Empire & the Origins of American Slavery
For which I began research in 2006.
Is now posted on the website for Princeton University Press.
Cover will be added soon.
The King’s Slaves: The British Empire & the Origins of American Slavery
The latest @richardiiisociety.bsky.social podcast is available, discussing Emperor Maximilian; Richard III & The Missing Princes. open.spotify.com/episode/5VhU...
Maximilian I, Richard III and the Princes in the Tower
open.spotify.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The latest @richardiiisociety.bsky.social podcast is available, discussing Emperor Maximilian; Richard III & The Missing Princes. open.spotify.com/episode/5VhU...
For the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth I couldn't resist sharing her observations on Richard III - we're all familiar with how Horace Walpole's 'Castle of Otranto' led to 'Northanger Abbey' but it seems his 'Historic Doubts' were discussed in the Austen household too.
The December Ricardian Bulletin, the Richard III Society's magazine for members, is on its way! Articles include 'The Indispensible Isabelle Despenser', & a research update on the Battle of Wakefield, challenging the traditional story of Richard, Duke of York's final hours.
December 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
For the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth I couldn't resist sharing her observations on Richard III - we're all familiar with how Horace Walpole's 'Castle of Otranto' led to 'Northanger Abbey' but it seems his 'Historic Doubts' were discussed in the Austen household too.
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Funded in large part by @r3-society-usa.bsky.social .
Medieval Genealogical Roll Goes Online www.medievalists.net/2025/12/medi... #medieval #medievalmanuscripts
Medieval Genealogical Roll Goes Online - Medievalists.net
A richly illustrated medieval genealogical roll of Edward IV has been digitised and translated for the first time, offering high-resolution images, annotations, and new insights into…
www.medievalists.net
December 2, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Funded in large part by @r3-society-usa.bsky.social .
Very much hoping @yuanfenyang.bsky.social will be here.l
We've got 3 more days to urge MPs to join 100s attending the @nebriefing.bsky.social
1️⃣ Check if your MP is going and if not email them from this link: www.nebriefing.org
2️⃣ Tag your MP in social media
3️⃣ Share this event on your social channels
1️⃣ Check if your MP is going and if not email them from this link: www.nebriefing.org
2️⃣ Tag your MP in social media
3️⃣ Share this event on your social channels
November 24, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Very much hoping @yuanfenyang.bsky.social will be here.l
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Liberal Democrats vs Reform UK Ltd: who’s really the underdog?
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
@politicalsatirical.bsky.social
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
@politicalsatirical.bsky.social
Liberal Democrats vs Reform UK Ltd: who’s really the underdog?
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
centralbylines.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Liberal Democrats vs Reform UK Ltd: who’s really the underdog?
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
@politicalsatirical.bsky.social
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
@politicalsatirical.bsky.social
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Our thanks to @richardasquith.bsky.social for a fascinating talk. Members of the Richard III Society who missed it will have a chance to view a recording for a limited time.
November 22, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Our thanks to @richardasquith.bsky.social for a fascinating talk. Members of the Richard III Society who missed it will have a chance to view a recording for a limited time.
Every MP should be required to read @lauralaker.bsky.social 's 'Potholes and Pavements'!
Compare and contrast the Government language.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
November 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Every MP should be required to read @lauralaker.bsky.social 's 'Potholes and Pavements'!
Silk that's over a thousand years old! I first heard about these relics of St Julian in July (in a keynote lecture @imc-leeds.bsky.social) and was awestruck to come upon them at the National Museum of Ravenna last week. Byzantine work, 9th-10th century.
November 21, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Silk that's over a thousand years old! I first heard about these relics of St Julian in July (in a keynote lecture @imc-leeds.bsky.social) and was awestruck to come upon them at the National Museum of Ravenna last week. Byzantine work, 9th-10th century.
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - good news about heat-pumps.
Heat-pump homes put less strain on grid than expected, study shows
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:08 AM
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - good news about heat-pumps.
I'll be here! Talking about Harold Godwinson's much mythologised partner Edith Swanneck.
Now booking: Canterbury Medieval Weekend
Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd May 2026
Join leading historians and writers as they uncover the ideas, people and events that shaped the Middle Ages.
📍 University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
ℹ️ For details and tickets: history-weekends.org
Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd May 2026
Join leading historians and writers as they uncover the ideas, people and events that shaped the Middle Ages.
📍 University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
ℹ️ For details and tickets: history-weekends.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I'll be here! Talking about Harold Godwinson's much mythologised partner Edith Swanneck.
I was fascinated to learn that the earliest surviving evidence of writing in Italy comes from a woman's tomb from the 8th century BC and it probably says 'the one who spins well'. (Found at Gabii, now at the Diocletian Baths in Rome).
November 20, 2025 at 11:13 AM
I was fascinated to learn that the earliest surviving evidence of writing in Italy comes from a woman's tomb from the 8th century BC and it probably says 'the one who spins well'. (Found at Gabii, now at the Diocletian Baths in Rome).
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Are you a scholar of the fifteenth century and have an interest in the British Isles and its wider connections? If so, then you will want to know that @memsunikent.bsky.social will be hosting the 2026 Fifteenth Century Conference in Canterbury and the CfP is now open: www.kent.ac.uk/medieval-ear...
MEMS to Host the Fifteenth Century Conference 2026
www.kent.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Are you a scholar of the fifteenth century and have an interest in the British Isles and its wider connections? If so, then you will want to know that @memsunikent.bsky.social will be hosting the 2026 Fifteenth Century Conference in Canterbury and the CfP is now open: www.kent.ac.uk/medieval-ear...
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Are you interested in the roads and bridges of #medieval England and Wales? In our latest #blogpost, Dr David Harrison discusses his fascinating new map that provides crucial insights into the road network as it existed in the 15th century yorkisthistorytrust.org/2025/11/10/a... #Skystorians
A Road Map of the Yorkist Age
The Trust On…A Road Map of the Yorkist Age In a slight departure from our normal blogposts, here we present a guest post: Dr David Harrison discussing his fascinating new publication, Histori…
yorkisthistorytrust.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Are you interested in the roads and bridges of #medieval England and Wales? In our latest #blogpost, Dr David Harrison discusses his fascinating new map that provides crucial insights into the road network as it existed in the 15th century yorkisthistorytrust.org/2025/11/10/a... #Skystorians
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
I've written about mead and its popular perception for The Conversation. theconversation.com/the-truth-ab... Mildly concerned that by pointing out that the Vikings (probably) didn't drink (much) mead, I will have annoyed all the re-enactors, many of whom have swords oh dear.
The truth about Vikings and mead might disappoint modern enthusiasts
The standard drink was far more likely to be ale.
theconversation.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I've written about mead and its popular perception for The Conversation. theconversation.com/the-truth-ab... Mildly concerned that by pointing out that the Vikings (probably) didn't drink (much) mead, I will have annoyed all the re-enactors, many of whom have swords oh dear.
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Crucial action by @StopCambo: The Government wants to hear what you think about approving new oil and gas field Rosebank. Submit your comment here today: actionnetwork.org/forms/the-go...
Decision time: Tell Keir to #StopRosebank
This is the moment we've been building towards: it's final decision time for the UK Government. Equinor is trying to get the new Rosebank oil field re-approved. It's up to us all to convince the Gover...
actionnetwork.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Crucial action by @StopCambo: The Government wants to hear what you think about approving new oil and gas field Rosebank. Submit your comment here today: actionnetwork.org/forms/the-go...
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Good news for nature
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Nature not a blocker to housing growth, inquiry finds
Commons committee report challenges ‘lazy narrative’ used by ministers that scapegoats wildlife and the environment
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Good news for nature
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by J L Laynesmith
Dorothy Whitelock Lecture 2025: Guthlac: what the early medieval records tell us
3 December 17:15
St Peter’s College chapel, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford
@ox.ac.uk
Join the event in person or online.
www.english.ox.ac.uk/event/doroth...
3 December 17:15
St Peter’s College chapel, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford
@ox.ac.uk
Join the event in person or online.
www.english.ox.ac.uk/event/doroth...
Dorothy Whitelock Lecture 2025: Guthlac: what the early medieval records tell us
www.english.ox.ac.uk
November 16, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Dorothy Whitelock Lecture 2025: Guthlac: what the early medieval records tell us
3 December 17:15
St Peter’s College chapel, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford
@ox.ac.uk
Join the event in person or online.
www.english.ox.ac.uk/event/doroth...
3 December 17:15
St Peter’s College chapel, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford
@ox.ac.uk
Join the event in person or online.
www.english.ox.ac.uk/event/doroth...