Welcome to the Bristorian

Contextualising the present through the lens of the past

At The Bristorian, we’re committed to publishing provocative and insightful articles from across a wide range of disciplines within the humanities. If you have a nuanced take on something often overlooked or are looking for a platform to complete in-depth investigations into little-known phenomena, the Bristorian is the place for you.

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Alcibiades- Sex, Wine and Betrayal in Ancient Greece
Alcibiades- Sex, Wine and Betrayal in Ancient Greece

In this piece, Ben Steele discusses the fascinating life of the debauched Athenian Statesman and General, Alcibiades. Often remembered for his friendship with Socrates, Ben argues that there are many more intriguing layers to Alcibiades’ story.

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A Tax on Beards? Inside One Russian Tsar’s War on Traditionalism
A Tax on Beards? Inside One Russian Tsar’s War on Traditionalism

Archie McKinlay explores the tax on beards. The early 18th century was a period of great upheaval for Russia, where one coercive tsar went as far as introducing a tax on beards as part of his mission to modernise Russian society.

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From Sinterklaas to Ded Moroz: The Evolution of Father Christmas
From Sinterklaas to Ded Moroz: The Evolution of Father Christmas

In this festive feature, Charlotte Wyatt explores the history and cultural legacy of Father Christmas, from his clothing to what he can teach us about the culture behind the celebration of Christmas.

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A Celebration of Ada Lovelace
A Celebration of Ada Lovelace

Charlotte Wyatt explores the extraordinary life of computing pioneer Ada Lovelace. Next time you walk past the Ada Lovelace building on campus, you’ll have her full life story to hand.

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Trumpeters, Divers, and Silk-Weavers: Black Presence in Tudor England
Trumpeters, Divers, and Silk-Weavers: Black Presence in Tudor England

Inspired by Miranda Kaufmann’s novel Black Tudors: The Untold Story, Bea Vivian explores the lives of three African men in Tudor England: a trumpeter, a salvage diver, and a silk-weaver. Their stories demonstrate that historical accuracy and diversity in the media are not mutually exclusive.

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The Forgotten Army: Remembering the West African Contribution to the Allied War Effort in Burma
The Forgotten Army: Remembering the West African Contribution to the Allied War Effort in Burma

Kedric Morgan explores the overlooked role of the West African troops in the Burma Campaign, highlighting their military achievements, the racial prejudices they endured and the lasting challenges of securing recognition for their contributions to the Allied war effort.

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Who Had the Right to Be a Mother? The Limits of Maternal Power under Slavery 
Who Had the Right to Be a Mother? The Limits of Maternal Power under Slavery 

Sukhi Singh explores the challenges posed to maternal authority under slavery, the use of motherhood as labour, and the repurposing of motherhood as a source of resistance.

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Bassline of Belonging: Windrush, Caribbean Identity, and Bristol’s Musical Evolution
Bassline of Belonging: Windrush, Caribbean Identity, and Bristol’s Musical Evolution

Anna Luchmun explores the arrival of Caribbean music and sound brought to Bristol by the Windrush generation, and how it has influenced and shaped the diverse and dynamic music scene we experience in the city today.

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Celebrating Black History Month:

Public History:

Featured
Highwaymen, Heretics and Hangings: The Hidden History of Bristol’s Gallows Field and Bewell’s Cross
Highwaymen, Heretics and Hangings: The Hidden History of Bristol’s Gallows Field and Bewell’s Cross

Harry Marson explores the old gallows in Bristol that stood at today’s junction of Cotham Road. In operation for nearly 500 years, countless men and women were condemned here.

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‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed
‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed

The Assassin’s Creed games are a standout franchise in the counterfactual world, and gamers are currently getting to grips with the latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ben Bryant explores the series’ history, its depiction of various periods, and its overall historical importance.

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Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play
Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play

Charlie Farmer uses experiences of her sixth-form’s role play game, ‘Game of Roses’ to explore the impact of role play on education and public history.

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“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day

Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores the way in which children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day through age-appropriate animated films and historical discussions.

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