Katie - The Creative Historian
@creativehistorian.bsky.social
Tea addict. History blogger for my sins. QPR fan for my bigger sins. Selling geeky history stuff. Author of 30 Women in History. She/Her.
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The Creative Historian - Shop, Blog & eBook
The Creative Historian is a unique history blog and shop, specialising in gifts for history lovers, archaeologists, and everyone in between.
creativehistorian.co.uk
💻Website: creativehistorian.co.uk
📚eBook 1: amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ILW2SSQ
📚eBook 2: amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MK8QBM6/
📷IG: instagram.com/thecreativeh...
📌Pin: pinterest.co.uk/createhistor...
⚡️Zazzle 1: zazzle.co.uk/store/creati...
⚡️Zazzle 2: zazzle.co.uk/store/creati...
🔴Redble: redbubble.com/people/creat...
📚eBook 1: amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ILW2SSQ
📚eBook 2: amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MK8QBM6/
📷IG: instagram.com/thecreativeh...
📌Pin: pinterest.co.uk/createhistor...
⚡️Zazzle 1: zazzle.co.uk/store/creati...
⚡️Zazzle 2: zazzle.co.uk/store/creati...
🔴Redble: redbubble.com/people/creat...
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Since it's a season when a lot of people are spending time with friends and family: what are your favorite made-up games and traditions to play during the holidays? DIY scavenger hunts, almonds baked into cakes for win a prize, Scrabble tournaments that get way too heated... please share em all!
December 25, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Since it's a season when a lot of people are spending time with friends and family: what are your favorite made-up games and traditions to play during the holidays? DIY scavenger hunts, almonds baked into cakes for win a prize, Scrabble tournaments that get way too heated... please share em all!
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
This is thought to be the earliest photograph of a snowman in the world ⛄ ❄
It was taken at Penllergare by Mary Dillwyn in c.1853 🏴
Mary is thought to be one of the earliest female photographers in the world 📷
museum.wales/articles/972...
#Wales #History
It was taken at Penllergare by Mary Dillwyn in c.1853 🏴
Mary is thought to be one of the earliest female photographers in the world 📷
museum.wales/articles/972...
#Wales #History
December 24, 2025 at 1:09 PM
This is thought to be the earliest photograph of a snowman in the world ⛄ ❄
It was taken at Penllergare by Mary Dillwyn in c.1853 🏴
Mary is thought to be one of the earliest female photographers in the world 📷
museum.wales/articles/972...
#Wales #History
It was taken at Penllergare by Mary Dillwyn in c.1853 🏴
Mary is thought to be one of the earliest female photographers in the world 📷
museum.wales/articles/972...
#Wales #History
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
(I don't want to be a Bluesky scold, I really don't
But I wish that otherwise progressive people wouldn't post AI slop.
The uncanny valley effect alone is creepy AF, it's theft of intellectual property, and someone near a data farm is undoubtedly taking some kind of environmental hit from it)
But I wish that otherwise progressive people wouldn't post AI slop.
The uncanny valley effect alone is creepy AF, it's theft of intellectual property, and someone near a data farm is undoubtedly taking some kind of environmental hit from it)
December 23, 2025 at 10:15 PM
(I don't want to be a Bluesky scold, I really don't
But I wish that otherwise progressive people wouldn't post AI slop.
The uncanny valley effect alone is creepy AF, it's theft of intellectual property, and someone near a data farm is undoubtedly taking some kind of environmental hit from it)
But I wish that otherwise progressive people wouldn't post AI slop.
The uncanny valley effect alone is creepy AF, it's theft of intellectual property, and someone near a data farm is undoubtedly taking some kind of environmental hit from it)
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Dudes Rock
December 24, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Dudes Rock
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
King John may have been born #OnThisDay 1166 - or maybe not. His date of birth and place of birth are poorly documented and remain uncertain. No one pays much attention when you're son number five.
December 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM
King John may have been born #OnThisDay 1166 - or maybe not. His date of birth and place of birth are poorly documented and remain uncertain. No one pays much attention when you're son number five.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Just saw the Odyssey trailer and it is horrible but they are all dressed like in what I imagine Roman carnival costumes of Homer would have been, and I cannot stop thinking that Vergil would have absolutely*loved* it.
December 24, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Just saw the Odyssey trailer and it is horrible but they are all dressed like in what I imagine Roman carnival costumes of Homer would have been, and I cannot stop thinking that Vergil would have absolutely*loved* it.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Tomorrow evening it’ll be my annual duty to vaguely shepherd the activity on the #duvetknowitschristmas hashtag and urge people to give small sums to charity. 7.30pm? Something like that?
December 23, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Tomorrow evening it’ll be my annual duty to vaguely shepherd the activity on the #duvetknowitschristmas hashtag and urge people to give small sums to charity. 7.30pm? Something like that?
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
2025 Headline of the Year nominee (April)
December 23, 2025 at 12:19 AM
2025 Headline of the Year nominee (April)
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Am I happy or sad that Paddington has replace Charon in our mythology?
We're going to start burying people with a pot of marmalade on each eye
We're going to start burying people with a pot of marmalade on each eye
December 22, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Am I happy or sad that Paddington has replace Charon in our mythology?
We're going to start burying people with a pot of marmalade on each eye
We're going to start burying people with a pot of marmalade on each eye
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Founded in 1147, Kirkstall Abbey began when twelve monks from Fountains Abbey, led by Prior Alexander, settled first at Barnoldswick before moving to the present site in 1152. The community remained here until the Dissolution in 1539. Unlike many monasteries, Kirkstall escaped large-scale
December 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Founded in 1147, Kirkstall Abbey began when twelve monks from Fountains Abbey, led by Prior Alexander, settled first at Barnoldswick before moving to the present site in 1152. The community remained here until the Dissolution in 1539. Unlike many monasteries, Kirkstall escaped large-scale
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
PhD Funding!
University of Leeds
The School of History invites applicants from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship.
phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/387-...
University of Leeds
The School of History invites applicants from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship.
phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/387-...
School of History Access to Research Scholarship 2026/27
Project opportunity - School of History Access to Research Scholarship 2026/27 at the University of Leeds
phd.leeds.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 7:56 PM
PhD Funding!
University of Leeds
The School of History invites applicants from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship.
phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/387-...
University of Leeds
The School of History invites applicants from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship.
phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/387-...
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Also, if you don’t like reading works in your field you probably shouldn’t be a historian? It is very much your job to do that, and if you don’t like it then unfortunately it’s simply not the job for you.
This is one of the reasons I remain horrified by seeing @historians.org suggest "ways to use gAI" that included this:
December 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Also, if you don’t like reading works in your field you probably shouldn’t be a historian? It is very much your job to do that, and if you don’t like it then unfortunately it’s simply not the job for you.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
suspect a big reason why many academics and others who work in areas where getting facts RIGHT is key are disinterested in using LLMs for research:
they’ve tried it, they keep noticing major errors in output, and they conclude that having to verify all that doesn’t actually save them time.
they’ve tried it, they keep noticing major errors in output, and they conclude that having to verify all that doesn’t actually save them time.
December 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
suspect a big reason why many academics and others who work in areas where getting facts RIGHT is key are disinterested in using LLMs for research:
they’ve tried it, they keep noticing major errors in output, and they conclude that having to verify all that doesn’t actually save them time.
they’ve tried it, they keep noticing major errors in output, and they conclude that having to verify all that doesn’t actually save them time.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Christmas greetings, of a sort! The card wasn't posted but has the message:
"All the best to you all for Xmas and the New Year. Wally."
#PostedInThePast
"All the best to you all for Xmas and the New Year. Wally."
#PostedInThePast
December 21, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Christmas greetings, of a sort! The card wasn't posted but has the message:
"All the best to you all for Xmas and the New Year. Wally."
#PostedInThePast
"All the best to you all for Xmas and the New Year. Wally."
#PostedInThePast
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
St Mary’s Church, South Cowton, stands alone in a Yorkshire meadow, the village it once served long since vanished. Faint earthworks between the church and nearby South Cowton Castle mark where homes once stood. Built between 1450 and 1470 during the Wars of the Roses, the church and castle were
December 21, 2025 at 9:14 AM
St Mary’s Church, South Cowton, stands alone in a Yorkshire meadow, the village it once served long since vanished. Faint earthworks between the church and nearby South Cowton Castle mark where homes once stood. Built between 1450 and 1470 during the Wars of the Roses, the church and castle were
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Just had a festive visit to my favourite church…St. Margaret of Antioch, Knotting, Bedfordshire. It has a host of wonderful architectural features, including a possible Saxon arch. Above all though, it’s just a completely beautiful and peaceful place 😍
A photo thread…
A photo thread…
December 20, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Just had a festive visit to my favourite church…St. Margaret of Antioch, Knotting, Bedfordshire. It has a host of wonderful architectural features, including a possible Saxon arch. Above all though, it’s just a completely beautiful and peaceful place 😍
A photo thread…
A photo thread…
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
By donating to our GoFundMe, you are not only helping us fund our projects, but you are also us fund the development of the young Black British people who choose to volunteer their time into helping these projects come to fruition.
Thank you!
#EachOneTeachOne✊🏿
gofund.me/2d21c2b9a
Thank you!
#EachOneTeachOne✊🏿
gofund.me/2d21c2b9a
Donate to The Young Historians Project, organized by Young Historians Project
The Young Historians Project (YHP) is a UK–based collective which promotes the s… Young Historians Project needs your support for The Young Historians Project
gofund.me
December 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
By donating to our GoFundMe, you are not only helping us fund our projects, but you are also us fund the development of the young Black British people who choose to volunteer their time into helping these projects come to fruition.
Thank you!
#EachOneTeachOne✊🏿
gofund.me/2d21c2b9a
Thank you!
#EachOneTeachOne✊🏿
gofund.me/2d21c2b9a
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
The emperor was sitting in his bed when the assassin came in through the window.
"Welcome, old friend."
"Wait," the assassin wheezed.
The emperor waited for him to catch his breath.
"I'm too old for this," the assassin said at last.
1/3 #ShortStory
"Welcome, old friend."
"Wait," the assassin wheezed.
The emperor waited for him to catch his breath.
"I'm too old for this," the assassin said at last.
1/3 #ShortStory
December 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The emperor was sitting in his bed when the assassin came in through the window.
"Welcome, old friend."
"Wait," the assassin wheezed.
The emperor waited for him to catch his breath.
"I'm too old for this," the assassin said at last.
1/3 #ShortStory
"Welcome, old friend."
"Wait," the assassin wheezed.
The emperor waited for him to catch his breath.
"I'm too old for this," the assassin said at last.
1/3 #ShortStory
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
The complete Bayeux Tapestry has finally been released and proves that Bishop Odo had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal Norman invasion of England.
December 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The complete Bayeux Tapestry has finally been released and proves that Bishop Odo had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal Norman invasion of England.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
I've just been reminded of this. I've never corrected someone so fast in my life.
December 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I've just been reminded of this. I've never corrected someone so fast in my life.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
As well as publishing the December issue of Destinations today, our website has been updated with the first 6 of our #OnePlaceStudy blogging, vlogging and social media prompts for 2026. These prompts are for anyone seeking inspiration for their OPS-related blog and social media posts—and videos too!
December 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
As well as publishing the December issue of Destinations today, our website has been updated with the first 6 of our #OnePlaceStudy blogging, vlogging and social media prompts for 2026. These prompts are for anyone seeking inspiration for their OPS-related blog and social media posts—and videos too!
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
In 1876, quarry foreman John Chiddy saved potentially 100s of lives when he single handedly removed a large rock from the Bristol train tracks but was struck and killed by the famous Flying Dutchman train. A sizeable fund of £400 was eventually raised for the heroic man’s widow.
December 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
In 1876, quarry foreman John Chiddy saved potentially 100s of lives when he single handedly removed a large rock from the Bristol train tracks but was struck and killed by the famous Flying Dutchman train. A sizeable fund of £400 was eventually raised for the heroic man’s widow.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Absolutely nobody asked for this BUT
English Anglican cathedrals that have burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp: a thread.
English Anglican cathedrals that have burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp: a thread.
December 18, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Absolutely nobody asked for this BUT
English Anglican cathedrals that have burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp: a thread.
English Anglican cathedrals that have burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp: a thread.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
Not an original observation, but the way pregnancy is treated as just this natural process that happens with no effort or harm to the body in the era of medicalisation is a big reason that debates about abortion are where they are today.
Once again asking if anyone wants to write the “shit they didn’t tell you about pregnancy” book with me
I think it was the splitting of abdominal muscles at ~28 weeks that my partner just...wasn't told about? Until she asked about it afterwards.
Because why would you want to warn somebody things might happen before they actually experience it, right?
Because why would you want to warn somebody things might happen before they actually experience it, right?
December 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Not an original observation, but the way pregnancy is treated as just this natural process that happens with no effort or harm to the body in the era of medicalisation is a big reason that debates about abortion are where they are today.
Reposted by Katie - The Creative Historian
A fantastic little book this - Jane's letters, with observations on social life, the state of the roads, the practices of the parish church and much else - add insights into a village now completely different to the one she knew.
Pretty much the only building left from her time is the church. 🗃️
Pretty much the only building left from her time is the church. 🗃️
December 16, 2025 at 3:26 PM
A fantastic little book this - Jane's letters, with observations on social life, the state of the roads, the practices of the parish church and much else - add insights into a village now completely different to the one she knew.
Pretty much the only building left from her time is the church. 🗃️
Pretty much the only building left from her time is the church. 🗃️