Dr Caroline Lewis
@carolinelewis1997.bsky.social
English teacher and historian of nineteenth-century India and Britain. PhD from Edinburgh University on Scottish and English women missionaries in North India and Bengal. London Welsh via Hong Kong. Now Edinburgh.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Delighted to share details of our Autumn @htenuk.bsky.social Conference featuring @alanlester.bsky.social and @justice2history.bsky.social & @abdulmohamud.bsky.social.
Make sure to pop it in your calendar.
Please contact [email protected] for more information about membership.
Make sure to pop it in your calendar.
Please contact [email protected] for more information about membership.
September 4, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Delighted to share details of our Autumn @htenuk.bsky.social Conference featuring @alanlester.bsky.social and @justice2history.bsky.social & @abdulmohamud.bsky.social.
Make sure to pop it in your calendar.
Please contact [email protected] for more information about membership.
Make sure to pop it in your calendar.
Please contact [email protected] for more information about membership.
Just booked tickets! Back to the city of my birth this November to see 'Owain and Henry'. I remember my Welsh speaking grandfather complaining about how the English pronounced 'Glyndwr'.
'There are myriad films, plays and books focusing on heroes of English, Scottish and Irish history but far fewer...of the great figures of Wales.
A major new play about the Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndŵr’s early 15th-century rebellion against the English crown will help redress the balance.' 1/2
A major new play about the Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndŵr’s early 15th-century rebellion against the English crown will help redress the balance.' 1/2
‘I was never taught Welsh history’: Michael Sheen on reclaiming rebel leader Owain Glyndŵr
Actor will play 15th-century hero in sweeping production about Welsh rebellion against English crown
www.theguardian.com
September 3, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Just booked tickets! Back to the city of my birth this November to see 'Owain and Henry'. I remember my Welsh speaking grandfather complaining about how the English pronounced 'Glyndwr'.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
'Do we have too many universities, or have we failed to decide clearly what universities are for.'
'Universities are among humanity’s oldest institutions. They have existed longer than the nation state'.
Good reading. 1/2
'Universities are among humanity’s oldest institutions. They have existed longer than the nation state'.
Good reading. 1/2
British higher education is in crisis.
We moved from an elite university system to mass higher education within a single lifetime.
That brought huge benefits writes Stephen McNair - but without a settled answer to a fundamental question, what do we really want from our oldest institutions?
We moved from an elite university system to mass higher education within a single lifetime.
That brought huge benefits writes Stephen McNair - but without a settled answer to a fundamental question, what do we really want from our oldest institutions?
What do we really want from our universities?
British universities are under attack from multiple directions. After decades of expansion is it time to ask what we want from higher education?
eastangliabylines.co.uk
August 30, 2026 at 10:42 AM
'Do we have too many universities, or have we failed to decide clearly what universities are for.'
'Universities are among humanity’s oldest institutions. They have existed longer than the nation state'.
Good reading. 1/2
'Universities are among humanity’s oldest institutions. They have existed longer than the nation state'.
Good reading. 1/2
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Dolly Parton's legacy is downright incredible. A woman of huge talent, deep faith and boundless love.
She brought the joy of reading to hundreds of millions of children through the Imagination Library, including thousands here in Scotland.
She brought the joy of reading to hundreds of millions of children through the Imagination Library, including thousands here in Scotland.
August 25, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Dolly Parton's legacy is downright incredible. A woman of huge talent, deep faith and boundless love.
She brought the joy of reading to hundreds of millions of children through the Imagination Library, including thousands here in Scotland.
She brought the joy of reading to hundreds of millions of children through the Imagination Library, including thousands here in Scotland.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
About 300,000 demonstrated across south Wales, 1935, against means testing of unemployment benefits. Photo by Edith Tudor-Hart, Austrian-British photographer and spy for the Soviet Union.
August 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM
About 300,000 demonstrated across south Wales, 1935, against means testing of unemployment benefits. Photo by Edith Tudor-Hart, Austrian-British photographer and spy for the Soviet Union.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
I don't watch much TV, but must say that David Olusoga's "House through Time" on an Edinburgh house is great social history: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Two - A House Through Time, Series 6: Edinburgh
David Olusoga reveals the amazing stories of the residents of an Edinburgh house.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 16, 2026 at 7:53 AM
I don't watch much TV, but must say that David Olusoga's "House through Time" on an Edinburgh house is great social history: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Be like Alice and don't look at the sun directly during the eclipse today! 🌝🌚
Are you looking forward to seeing the #SolarEclipse today?
On 29 March 1652 Alice Thornton saw a solar eclipse which cast complete darkness over much of northern England: 'I could not refrain [from] going out into the garden and look on the eclipse in water.' (Book 2, 136-7)
#EarlyModern 🗃️
On 29 March 1652 Alice Thornton saw a solar eclipse which cast complete darkness over much of northern England: 'I could not refrain [from] going out into the garden and look on the eclipse in water.' (Book 2, 136-7)
#EarlyModern 🗃️
August 12, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Be like Alice and don't look at the sun directly during the eclipse today! 🌝🌚
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
'Professor Alavi’s research has transformed the understanding of South Asia’s transition from its Indo-Persian legacy to the colonial era. Her work examines the military, religious and medical cultures of the region, while exploring...intellectual, social and cultural exchanges'.
Ashoka University's Professor Seema Alavi elected International Fellow of the British Academy 2026 - PNI
New Delhi : Ashoka University, India’s leading interdisciplinary and research university, congratulates Professor Seema Alavi, Professor of History and one of India’s leading historians, on being ele...
www.pninews.com
July 27, 2026 at 9:07 AM
'Professor Alavi’s research has transformed the understanding of South Asia’s transition from its Indo-Persian legacy to the colonial era. Her work examines the military, religious and medical cultures of the region, while exploring...intellectual, social and cultural exchanges'.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Exhibition painting a portrait of Edinburgh's housing schemes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Exhibition painting a portrait of Edinburgh's housing schemes
A new exhibition of photographer Sandra George's work shows life on Edinburgh's streets in the 1980s and 1990s.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 25, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Exhibition painting a portrait of Edinburgh's housing schemes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
This Saturday we have our next seminar titled: “And out goes she”: The women of 1926!
Speakers include Dr. Sue Bruley, Micaela Panes, and Darren Macey.
Don't forget to register for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1926-and-c...
Speakers include Dr. Sue Bruley, Micaela Panes, and Darren Macey.
Don't forget to register for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1926-and-c...
July 23, 2026 at 11:14 AM
This Saturday we have our next seminar titled: “And out goes she”: The women of 1926!
Speakers include Dr. Sue Bruley, Micaela Panes, and Darren Macey.
Don't forget to register for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1926-and-c...
Speakers include Dr. Sue Bruley, Micaela Panes, and Darren Macey.
Don't forget to register for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1926-and-c...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Read the Foreword by @sathnam.bsky.social and the Introduction by me for free here:
PB edition of the critically acclaimed ‘The Truth About Empire’ edited by @alanlester.bsky.social w/foreword by @sathnam.bsky.social out now!
‘Book of the Year’ @historyextra.bsky.social
Extracted in @theguardian.com
Sample 👉 tinyurl.com/38u2ndw3 & use code TRUTH20 for a 20% off in buy link.
‘Book of the Year’ @historyextra.bsky.social
Extracted in @theguardian.com
Sample 👉 tinyurl.com/38u2ndw3 & use code TRUTH20 for a 20% off in buy link.
July 23, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Read the Foreword by @sathnam.bsky.social and the Introduction by me for free here:
Years of Cold War, schoolgirl Russian mean I can just about read the political graffiti all over Belgrade. A blunt message from Serbia about Rio Tinto's plans for its lithium deposits.
July 17, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Years of Cold War, schoolgirl Russian mean I can just about read the political graffiti all over Belgrade. A blunt message from Serbia about Rio Tinto's plans for its lithium deposits.
Essentials for train travel in the Balkans: a book dispenser in Timisoara train station, which includes Plato's Republic for a little light reading.
July 14, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Essentials for train travel in the Balkans: a book dispenser in Timisoara train station, which includes Plato's Republic for a little light reading.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
New blog on Teaching the British Empire in Schools.
The Spectator couldn’t resist misrepresenting the way the Empire is taught in their attacks on @willdalrymple.bsky.social and @zackpolanski.bsky.social
Here’s the truth.
alanlester.co.uk/blog/teachin...
The Spectator couldn’t resist misrepresenting the way the Empire is taught in their attacks on @willdalrymple.bsky.social and @zackpolanski.bsky.social
Here’s the truth.
alanlester.co.uk/blog/teachin...
Teaching the British Empire: Experts Versus The Spectator
Alan Lester The Spectator’s owner Paul Marshall and its editor Michael Gove are afraid of William Dalrymple. His sequence of books on colonial India that have sold millions, his Empire podcast with…
alanlester.co.uk
July 11, 2026 at 6:20 AM
New blog on Teaching the British Empire in Schools.
The Spectator couldn’t resist misrepresenting the way the Empire is taught in their attacks on @willdalrymple.bsky.social and @zackpolanski.bsky.social
Here’s the truth.
alanlester.co.uk/blog/teachin...
The Spectator couldn’t resist misrepresenting the way the Empire is taught in their attacks on @willdalrymple.bsky.social and @zackpolanski.bsky.social
Here’s the truth.
alanlester.co.uk/blog/teachin...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
People in the Shetland Islands listening to the 'northern' discourse today
Michael Scott Fed Up in The Office
ALT: Michael Scott Fed Up in The Office
static.klipy.com
July 3, 2026 at 12:33 PM
People in the Shetland Islands listening to the 'northern' discourse today
The Edinburgh Welsh were out in force last night for a screening of 'Effi o Blaenau', which was based on the play, 'Iphigenia in Splott'. This film was Welsh-language Greek drama - absolutely beautiful.
"It's a film that talks about what's wrong with this country and how people like Effie are neglected and suffering."
Read Benjamin Poole's interview with EFFI O BLAENAU director Marc Evans at www.themoviewaffler.com/2026/06/inte...
#EffiOBlaenau #MarcEvans #film #movies #interviews
Read Benjamin Poole's interview with EFFI O BLAENAU director Marc Evans at www.themoviewaffler.com/2026/06/inte...
#EffiOBlaenau #MarcEvans #film #movies #interviews
Interview - EFFI O BLAENAU Director Marc Evans
We spoke with filmmaker Marc Evans about his acclaimed Welsh language drama.
www.themoviewaffler.com
June 26, 2026 at 12:53 PM
The Edinburgh Welsh were out in force last night for a screening of 'Effi o Blaenau', which was based on the play, 'Iphigenia in Splott'. This film was Welsh-language Greek drama - absolutely beautiful.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Campaigning with @hackedOff & Tulisa for fair press regulation. In my case as author of the National Trust report, the press did not report the story but became a mouthpiece for the powerful
June 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Campaigning with @hackedOff & Tulisa for fair press regulation. In my case as author of the National Trust report, the press did not report the story but became a mouthpiece for the powerful
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Will the far-right be rioting and terrorising communities over this?
‘Five injured in a series of suspected faith-hate attacks as a bare-chested man roamed the streets of Edinburgh with a weapon. A 36-year-old white man has been arrested and counter terrorism officers have joined the investigation’
‘Five injured in a series of suspected faith-hate attacks as a bare-chested man roamed the streets of Edinburgh with a weapon. A 36-year-old white man has been arrested and counter terrorism officers have joined the investigation’
Four in hospital after bare-chested man with weapon roams around Edinburgh
A man was seen battering the door of a pizzeria as members of the public run away on Friday night.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 20, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Will the far-right be rioting and terrorising communities over this?
‘Five injured in a series of suspected faith-hate attacks as a bare-chested man roamed the streets of Edinburgh with a weapon. A 36-year-old white man has been arrested and counter terrorism officers have joined the investigation’
‘Five injured in a series of suspected faith-hate attacks as a bare-chested man roamed the streets of Edinburgh with a weapon. A 36-year-old white man has been arrested and counter terrorism officers have joined the investigation’
Lynn Nottage's 'Sweat' has transferred to the Lyceum, Edinburgh. An excellent production.
Explosive factory drama tackles big business impact on working class communities
In Sweat, workers battle division, redundancy and survival in a blistering revival of Lynn Nottage's industrial tragedy.
www.heraldscotland.com
May 30, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Lynn Nottage's 'Sweat' has transferred to the Lyceum, Edinburgh. An excellent production.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
I WILL get back to my seminar papers, but, 1st, 1 more quote from Pope Leo. For my deans and yours:
"We must learn . . to protect our young people from the promise of the perfect machine, from that subtle temptation which renders human thought seemingly superfluous when it is most needed."
"We must learn . . to protect our young people from the promise of the perfect machine, from that subtle temptation which renders human thought seemingly superfluous when it is most needed."
There's more for the deans (for ALL who teach): "intelligence, when absolutized, overshadows other essential dimensions of life, such as affection, the will, commitment & relationships . .. technical power, if left unbalanced, makes us more isolated & more vulnerable to being dominated & excluded."
OMG, so trenchant: "we cannot consider AI to be morally neutral...If a system is designed or used in a way that treats some lives as less worthy ... then it is not merely a tool 'to be used well,' since it has already introduced criteria that contradict the inalienable dignity of the human person."
May 25, 2026 at 4:11 PM
I WILL get back to my seminar papers, but, 1st, 1 more quote from Pope Leo. For my deans and yours:
"We must learn . . to protect our young people from the promise of the perfect machine, from that subtle temptation which renders human thought seemingly superfluous when it is most needed."
"We must learn . . to protect our young people from the promise of the perfect machine, from that subtle temptation which renders human thought seemingly superfluous when it is most needed."
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
Herald interview with Tom Devine: '...preeminent Scottish historian has said that “inept decisions” by Edinburgh University bosses are to blame for the institution’s financial shortfall' #StopTheCuts #SaveHE www.heraldscotland.com/news/2611944...
Scottish historian delivers scathing verdict on 'inept' Edinburgh University bosses
Sir Thomas Devine said that “gross failures” by Sir Peter Mathieson and his senior team have left the institution in a perilous state.
www.heraldscotland.com
May 19, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Herald interview with Tom Devine: '...preeminent Scottish historian has said that “inept decisions” by Edinburgh University bosses are to blame for the institution’s financial shortfall' #StopTheCuts #SaveHE www.heraldscotland.com/news/2611944...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
I'll be participating in this discussion of the 1926 General Strike @qmul.bsky.social @mileendinstitute.bsky.social on 5 May. Do come along.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-edge-o...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-edge-o...
The Edge of Revolution: The 1926 General Strike 100 Years On
Join Mile End Institute to celebrate the publication of David Torrance's new history of the General Strike that shook Britain 100 years ago!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 23, 2026 at 9:53 AM
I'll be participating in this discussion of the 1926 General Strike @qmul.bsky.social @mileendinstitute.bsky.social on 5 May. Do come along.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-edge-o...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-edge-o...
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
"A spokesperson for Reform added: "Too often some public spaces are presenting divisive views of history that are designed to make people feel guilty."
On this point, too:
The past doesn't owe you comfort, and it doesn't owe you a life without reflection.
The past doesn't owe you anything.
On this point, too:
The past doesn't owe you comfort, and it doesn't owe you a life without reflection.
The past doesn't owe you anything.
"Reform's manifesto for the Senedd election says the party will tell museums how to display history if it wins, saying they will present events in chronological order and "in context"."
So, History Reclaimed but in government.
History without rigour, compassion, or reflection.
#skystorians
So, History Reclaimed but in government.
History without rigour, compassion, or reflection.
#skystorians
Reform to tell Welsh museums how to present history, manifesto says
Election pledges say Reform would ask museums to present history chronologically.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 21, 2026 at 11:54 AM
"A spokesperson for Reform added: "Too often some public spaces are presenting divisive views of history that are designed to make people feel guilty."
On this point, too:
The past doesn't owe you comfort, and it doesn't owe you a life without reflection.
The past doesn't owe you anything.
On this point, too:
The past doesn't owe you comfort, and it doesn't owe you a life without reflection.
The past doesn't owe you anything.
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
More than a fifth of UK’s ‘austerity children’ scarred by poverty, study says
More than a fifth of UK’s ‘austerity children’ scarred by poverty, study says
Researchers say hardship is a direct legacy of welfare benefit cuts imposed by Tory governments in recent years
More than a fifth of all “austerity generation” British children have been scarred by poverty for at least half their childhood, a direct legacy of the welfare benefit cuts imposed by Conservative governments in recent years, research reveals.
The proportion of children born after 2013 who spent at least six of their first 11 years of life in hardship surged after ministers froze working age benefits levels and imposed policies such as the two-child limit, it found. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
April 13, 2026 at 5:07 AM
More than a fifth of UK’s ‘austerity children’ scarred by poverty, study says
Reposted by Dr Caroline Lewis
What is the public purpose of the #University in an age of #AI everywhere?
I had a go at answering this whopper of a question in the latest issue of the Journal of the British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social
#democracy #discernment
doi.org/10.5871/jba/...
I had a go at answering this whopper of a question in the latest issue of the Journal of the British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social
#democracy #discernment
doi.org/10.5871/jba/...
Democracy and discernment: the public purpose of the University in a world of ‘AI everywhere’
We are entering an era of ‘AI everywhere’, in which Artificial Intelligence is not merely being utilised but integrated into countless aspects of human interaction and occupation
Such is the nature o...
doi.org
March 30, 2026 at 4:14 PM
What is the public purpose of the #University in an age of #AI everywhere?
I had a go at answering this whopper of a question in the latest issue of the Journal of the British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social
#democracy #discernment
doi.org/10.5871/jba/...
I had a go at answering this whopper of a question in the latest issue of the Journal of the British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social
#democracy #discernment
doi.org/10.5871/jba/...