Features.
800-1,000 word articles on a vast range of topics, from academic mini-essays to commentaries on current affairs and the news.
Muxe: Dismantling the Gender Binary Before Its Conception
For our sixth - and final - sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of Isobel Edward’s article discussing the history, activism and cultures of the Muxe community. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
Alfred Fagon: Remembered
For our fifth sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of Chris Wright’s article exploring the life and career of one of Bristol’s forgotten talents: Alfred Fagon. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
The Granddaughters Who Ruled
For our fourth sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of Scarlett Bantin’s article discussing the often overlooked granddaughters of Queen Victoria. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
‘We’re Thieves In a World That Don’t Want Us No More.’: Red Dead Redemption 2 and the Old West
For our third sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of Ben Bryant’s article discussing Red Dead Redemption 2 and its depiction of the life and death of the Old West. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
Attitudes Towards Taiwanese Diaspora Communities
For our second sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of William Budd’s article discussing the developing identities of Taiwanese diaspora communities. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
The Beast With Two Backs
For our first sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here you can find an extended version of Isabel Armstrong’s article on the institutionalisation of sex work in the Italian Renaissance. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.
‘I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales’: Tolkien Reading Day
Ben Bryant reflects on Tolkien Reading Day: its founding, its practice and its legacy today for fans around the world.
"Nezha 2" Takes the Global Box Office by Storm
Suddenly achieving the title of the highest-grossing animated film in history, Nezha 2’s rise in the global box office has been unprecedented. Shujiao Guo looks at the success of Nezha, and what it can tell us about the growing influence of internationalised Chnese culture.
Valentine’s Day: From a Martyr’s Fate to Chocolates and Roses
Who would have thought that today’s sweet and romantic Valentine’s Day started with the execution of a Christian martyr?
The Nazis Close to Home: The Occupation of the Channel Islands
The 27th of January marks the International Holocaust Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration, yet the crimes of the Nazi regime took place much closer to home than one might think. Aine Ray delves into the history of the Alderney Camps on the Channel Islands.
Harold Godwinson: A Timeless Tale of Treachery, Ambition, & Power
Gus Latcham explores the short reign of Harold Godwinson, his defeat at the Battle of Hastings, and the ramifications of the consequent Norman sovereignty on British history.
2025 / Chinese New Year: The Year of the Snake and its Surprising Symbolism
As the Chinese traditional calendar turns to 2025, this article explores how Chinese mythology diversifies traditional Western views of the Snake from a fearful character to a wise and crafty human companion, offering much better fortune for its upcoming year.
‘Part of the Earth of Spain’: Remembering Bristol’s International Brigaders
You’ve heard of Orwell and Hemingway – how about the others? Ivor Starkey explores Bristol’s memorialisation of its Spanish Civil War volunteers, and the legacy of the International Brigades more broadly.
Party time? New Year’s traditions: origins around the world
Rowan Hulatt explores New Year’s traditions, old and new, and their origins.
Oh Crap! Spain’s Best Christmas Tradition
You may be surprised to find out that a central part of a traditional Catalonian Christmas involves a small, ceramic figure depicting an individual defecating. Isabel Armstrong looks at Spain’s best and most unique Christmas tradition.
A Bloody Footnote in English History: Remembering the St. Brice’s Day Massacre
On the 13th of November, 1002 AD, King Æthelred II ordered the mass execution of all those in England who were deemed to be ‘Danes’. Gus Latcham explores the St. Brice’s Day Massacre, an often-forgotten genocide in English history.
The Conspirators Behind the Gunpowder Plot
Editor-In-Chief AJ Birt tells us about the conspirators behind the gunpowder plot. After all, Guy Fawkes wasn’t the only one involved
Your Favourite Director’s Favourite Director
How Pedro Almodóvar pioneered a radical counterculture movement in the aftermath of one of Europe’s longest dictatorships.
The Camp of Vernet 1918-1944: the Silent History of the South of France
Aine Ray explores the complexities of the memorial to the Concentration Camp at Vernet and the process of remembering the crimes of fascist collaborators during WW2 in the present day.