History news archive 2015-2023
Research uncovers how the Valentine’s Day Telegram provided ‘love on delivery’ to revitalise the holiday tradition
PhD student Megan Furr made a remarkable find while conducting research on the telegraph system - how the Valentine's Telegram helped to save the telegram and the St Valentine's tradition.
Historian captures Queen Elizabeth II’s Exeter legacy in new book
The late Queen Elizabeth II's 11 visits to the city of Exeter are captured in a new book by Devon historian Dr Todd Gray MBE.
Medieval doctors thought fertility suddenly ended rather than slowly declining with age, study shows
Medieval doctors saw fertility as having a cut-off point rather than slowly declining with age, ancient medical texts show
Alumni from Britain’s top girls’ public schools 20 times more likely to reach elite positions
Unique 120-year historical analysis of Who’s Who reveals that private girls’ schools have a propulsive effect on the trajectories of women to elite positions - but not the extent that leading private boys' schools do so with men.
UK obesity campaign risked turning fat-shaming into ‘wilful political strategy’
The government's Tackling Obesity campaign labelled “unproductive”, “ineffective” and “irresponsible”
Health, care and social services should be designed to be sensitive to people’s shame, experts urge
Experts call for health, care and social services to be designed in a manner that is more sensitive to shame experiences of their users.
Ancient documents give unique glimpse into Malta’s magic history
From love charms to getting rid of demons and curing illness, ancient documents give a unique glimpse into how magic was used in Malta
Experiences of racism in society must form part of any evaluation of the long-term impact of coronavirus social distancing, study says
Experts suggests that people's experiences of racism prior to COVID-19 must be considered when evaluating impact of social distancing
New book that frames Second World War as 'violent end of global imperialism' wins Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History
A critically lauded account of the Second World War has been awarded the country’s foremost prize for military history writing.
History graduate helps create poignant film on 50th anniversary of Ugandan migration
The experience of being forced to leave Uganda is the subject of a poignant new short film involving a history graduate and her grandmother.
Norman dominance of Europe inspired first crusades in the Holy Land, new book shows
First European crusaders of Holy Land were inspired by fame and fortune awarded to Norman conquerors in Europe.
Exeter researchers help secure £6.5m Wellcome Trust grant for new project on global health crises
Experts in Medical History and English Literature at the University of Exeter have helped to secure a new multi-million-pound research grant for a project that will look at how our concept of time impacts the way we approach global health crises.
New book reveals the historical and political inspirations of Star Wars
Real-world historical events and political actors have played a pivotal role in shaping the Star Wars universe according to a ground-breaking new book published this week.
Experts celebrate shipshape partnership to reveal more about Cornwall’s maritime history
Experts from the University of Exeter and National Maritime Museum Cornwall are celebrating their continuing partnership. They are working together to spread the word about the region’s fascinating maritime history.
University of Exeter experts nominated for the prestigious Wolfson History Prize 2022
Two University of Exeter experts have been nominated for the UK’s most prestigious history writing award.
Falklands Forty Schools Competition: Once in a lifetime opportunity for eight UK students to visit the Falkland Islands
This year the UK and Falkland Islands will mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.
Experts mark centenary of key election battle crucial for survival of Cornish liberalism
Experts are marking the centenary of a key South West political battle which proved crucial for Liberalism to survive in Cornwall.
Step back in time to explore Exeter with characters living through the city’s most dramatic moments
A colourful cast of characters living through Exeter’s most dramatic moments are bringing the city’s history to life thanks to new research.
New play co-created with people living in the South West shows long history of LGBT loneliness in the region
A new play co-created by people living in the South West shows the long history of LGBTQIA+ loneliness and belonging in the region.
US early Cold War hostility towards Chinese Communist Party due to the influence of Truman’s nationalist beliefs, new research argues
US hostility towards the Chinese Communist Party in the early years of the Cold War stemmed from the influence of President Truman’s nationalist beliefs, a new study argues.
From telegrams to Twitter – archives of letters sent to party leaders will uncover impact of political correspondence
Whether being treated like celebrities with thousands of adoring fans or being demonised by online ‘trolls’ today’s politicians receive a never-ending barrage of public communication.
Better understanding impact of shame on HIV patients can help improve healthcare, study argues
Ensuring healthcare workers better understand the psychological, social and physical impacts of shame on HIV patients will help improve their medical treatment, a study argues.
Cromwell struggled to control closure of the monasteries as his government lost its grip during dissolution, new book shows
Thomas Cromwell struggled to keep control of the closure of the monasteries and his government lost its grip during dissolution, a new book shows.
Global campaigning role for University of Exeter student ahead of appearance at COP26
A University of Exeter student taking part in high-profile summits held to coincide with the G20 and COP26 meetings is calling on world leaders to listen to young people to tackle the climate emergency.
New book provides fresh insights on dramatic Star Wars battles
People can explore epic Star Wars battles in an innovative new way through an entertaining book which gives fresh insights on the famous films, animation, books, and comics
University of Exeter expert advises on Imperial War Museums’ ground-breaking new Second World War and Holocaust exhibition
A University of Exeter expert has helped to develop the Imperial War Museums’ ground-breaking new Second World War exhibition.
Experts set to use history and comedy to empower LGBTQ+ young people to play a central role in climate activism
Experts will use history and comedy to empower LGBTQ+ young people to play a central role in climate activism as part of a major project held ahead of the COP26 conference.
Thomas Cromwell’s Tudor London mansion revealed in unprecedented detail and first-ever artist’s impression
New insights come on anniversary of Cromwell’s death and ahead of the final part of the ‘Wolf Hall’ trilogy which hits West End later this year
Oldest book of English literature in the world available to browse online for the first time
One of the oldest books of English literature in the world - created more than 1,000 years ago - is now available for anyone to browse online for the first time.
Experts and filmmakers to discuss how historians can better inform period drama at virtual conference
Experts and filmmakers will discuss new directions in period drama, including how historical research can inform productions, at an event which will give unique glimpse into how stories from the past end up on screen.
Powerful political leaders gathered in the South West – a thousand years before the Cornish G7
The imminent G7 meeting in Cornwall is not the first time leaders have taken advantage of spectacular settings in the South West to boost their political fortunes.
New documentary series shows mystery, history and beauty of Cornwall’s maritime churches
A new documentary series shows the mystery, beauty and history of Cornwall’s stunning maritime churches.
Forgery of official documents by monks was rife across medieval Europe, new book shows
Forgery of official documents by monks was rife across medieval Europe because of social changes and the growing importance of the written word, a new book shows.
Students from Exeter and Lahore participate in innovative teaching workshop
On 9 April, students and tutors from the History departments of the Lahore University of Managements Sciences (LUMS), and the University of Exeter, came together for an hour-long workshop simulating a taught seminar for an innovative cross-institutional module.
Georgian children boycotted sugar to protest against slavery and support abolitionists, study shows
Children around the country gave up sweets and cakes hundreds of years ago as part of a sugar boycott to protest against slavery, a study shows.
Beardless dandies of the 18th century actually had heavy stubble, study shows
The 18th century gentlemen may often be viewed as perfectly groomed and bewigged, but in reality he only shaved once or twice a week, and probably often had heavy stubble, new research shows.
LGBTQIA communities to help create new Exeter play showing history of loneliness and exclusion
A new play co-created by people living in the South West – due to be performed in Exeter – will show the long history of LGBTQIA loneliness and marginalisation.
New study will show how efforts to tackle coronavirus can inadvertently cause shame and stigma
Experts have begun a major new study to understand how public health efforts to tackle coronavirus can inadvertently cause shame and discrimination.
Discovery of thousands of pieces of fabric gives historians a rare glimpse into fashions of the past
The discovery of thousands of pieces of 18th century fabric has given historians a rare glimpse into fashion hundreds of years ago.
Major new research project to help pupils promote peace and make sense of the violent past
Experts have begun a major new research project to help pupils around the world to use history and heritage to promote peace and make sense of past violence.
University of Exeter historian’s work on epidemics honoured by the AHRC Medical Humanities Awards
Pioneering research by a University of Exeter historian on the impact and management of epidemics has been honoured at this year’s AHRC Medical Humanities Awards.
Pioneering health research at the University of Exeter to continue thanks to renewed Wellcome funding
Pioneering University of Exeter work on worldwide health challenges will continue thanks to renewed funding for a unique research centre.
Community action and a higher profile in schools key to growth of Cornish language
Community activism and a higher profile in schools will be essential for the numbers speaking Cornish to increase, an expert in the language has said.
New time-traveling drama podcast takes listeners on a moving and inspiring journey through transgender history
A new podcast takes listeners on a moving and inspiring journey through the ages as they time-travel to explore transgender history.
Grandfather’s World War Two experience inspires new epic from UK’s youngest film director
The UK’s youngest feature film director has been inspired by his great-grandfather’s epic battle for survival during World War Two for his debut movie.
Black History Month: Professor Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina to hold public lecture
On Friday 23rd October 2020 (17:30-19:00), Professor Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina of Univeristy of Massachusetts Amherst will be holding a public lecture as part of the Black History Month series of events hosted by the University of Exeter, College of Humanities.
Major new project will show impact of communist medical innovations on global healthcare
A major new project to uncover the impact and origins of socialist and communist medical innovations will help experts to produce a new history of global healthcare.
Churchill refused to apologise over unfounded accusation of fake news, study shows
Winston Churchill refused to apologise after he wrongly accused a newspaper of printing a fake picture of him, new research shows.
New analysis of records shows serious and traumatising violence suffered by women during Irish Civil War
Women were killed by guns and bombs, were the victims of sexual assault and had their hair forcibly shorn during the Irish Civil War, new analysis of documents shows.
Labour must engage seriously with the rural community to win again, study by former MP and historian says
Labour must take rural politics seriously and actively campaign in the countryside in order to win power again, a study by a historian and a former MP says.
Penryn students receive awards for Cornish community voluntary work
Two students at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus have received prestigious local awards for promoting the Celtic spirit of Cornwall.
Word describing alcohol-fuelled electioneering added to dictionary to describe boozy voting of the past
A new word for alcohol-fuelled electioneering has been officially added to the dictionary thanks to the popularity of boozy voting in the past.
Acclaimed playwright and University of Exeter experts to collaborate on new production exploring LGBTQ+ loneliness and history
An acclaimed playwright will collaborate with University of Exeter experts on a new production exploring how LGBTQ+ communities have experienced loneliness and isolation in the past and present, including during the coronavirus pandemic.
Traumatised communities reflecting on loss of war meant many didn’t celebrate on VE day
It is remembered as a time when seemingly everyone in Britain lined the streets to mark the end of six years of conflict around the world – but in reality the trauma of war meant many people didn’t celebrate on Victory in Europe Day.
Researchers to investigate impact of shame on doctors, medical students and patients as part of major new study
Patients, doctors and medical students will share their experiences of shame as part of a new project that aims to understand the impact that the emotion has on healthcare.
Teenagers learn of the horrors and legacy of the Holocaust at University of Exeter event
Teenagers learned of the horrors and legacy of the Holocaust – including a secret Nazi family past - as part of a University of Exeter event.
Anxiety-suffering sons of the gentry suffered from emotional turmoil, letters show
Younger sons of the gentry faced so much emotional turmoil from having to make their own way in the world they suffered from anxiety, research shows.
WWII ping pong balls shortlisted for award
Two World War Two ping pong balls, from Penryn Campus Archives, have been shortlisted for Object of the Year in the Cornwall Heritage Awards.
Blast from the Past: Edwardian doctors feared winter election would leave Parliament empty and destroy health of candidates
Political parties fighting for votes in the forthcoming General Election may be worried winter weather could put off supporters from coming out to cast their vote – but a century ago doctors were more concerned a December election would leave Parliament empty.
New partnership will help experts discover more about the history of Devon’s most illustrious family
A new partnership between the University of Exeter and Powderham Castle will help experts to continue to discover more about Devon’s most illustrious family.
Growing length of manifestos casts new light on electioneering history
From a modest 150 words to the length of a children’s book – the number of words used by politicians in their election manifestos has grown substantially in the past century, new research shows.
University of Exeter historian’s role in major new BBC series on World War Two
A University of Exeter expert has played a key role in the creation of a major new BBC TV series which depicts the impact of World War Two on families living across Europe.
New partnership will help to protect and celebrate the South West’s historic treasures
A new partnership between the University of Exeter and the South West Heritage Trust is furthering research and access into the region’s remarkable heritage.
New study to explore the history of sexual violence in South Africa
A major new study will explore the history of sexual violence of South Africa, drawing on the voices of women.
Major new study tracing the history of psychiatry will show roots of today’s global mental health
A major new study of the history of psychiatry will show how efforts to create a “global standard” for mental health has left a lasting legacy on the treatment offered today.
Iconic folk song "Widecombe Fair” didn’t originate from Devon village, new book reveals
The quest to discover the true origins behind one of the most quintessentially English folk songs has taken a new, surprise twist.
Exeter student hailed as “the next Spielberg”
A University of Exeter student is already making a big impact in the film industry as the UK’s youngest feature film director, with an acclaimed film critic labelling him as “the next Steven Spielberg.”
Forget trying to recreate the close-knit communities of the past – they never existed
The happy, close-knit communities some claim England had in the past are a myth and never existed, new research shows.
Research showing how Black intellectuals built modern Britain earns historian prestigious prize
Research showing how 18th century Black intellectuals played a key part in the building of modern Britain has earned a historian a prestigious prize.
Collaboration between historians and community groups key part of success of First World War centenary
Collaboration between historians and community groups has played a key part in the success of the First World War centenary commemorations, research shows.
Rugby star twins graduate with degree in same subject from the same university
Talented twins have graduated with the same degree from the same university – after playing in the same championship-winning rugby team as students.
Rare map found in an attic gives extraordinary glimpse into life in the 18th century
A rare map found in an attic gives an extraordinary glimpse into 18th century life in Exeter before radical changes to the landscape and industry transformed the city.
Rare examples of Anglo Saxon fake documents on display
Rare Anglo Saxon documents which show a Bishop hoped unconvincing forgeries might protect his property during the instability of the Norman Conquests can be seen by the public.
GPs report large numbers of patients suffering mental health issues linked to poverty
GPs in some surgeries estimate that up to half of their patients are seeking help for mental health issues caused or exacerbated by poverty, according to a new study.
Victorian attempts to celebrate hirsute feats with new championship turned hairy
Victorian attempts to introduce the world’s first beard and moustache contest fell flat, when far fewer hairy entrants than expected turned up to have their facial furniture judged, research shows.
Changing the relationship between disability and technology
A major new research project will harness a diverse range of disciplines to examine how technologists can learn from people with disabilities – and support them in the future.
Pressure from advertisers and self-help gurus contribute to mid-life crises
Mid-life crises are caused by people feeling pressured by advertisers and self-help gurus to live a better life after they pass the age of 40, according to new research.
Is Theresa May the worst prime minister of modern times? Here are her rivals for the title
Professor Richard Toye, Head of History at the University of Exeter, writes for the Coversation UK
Historic records shed light on the gender pay gap and forced labour in England’s past
Experts will use ancient records to discover the truth about how women worked centuries ago and the history of the gender pay gap and forced labour.
Remarkable letter reveals earthquake drama for nuns in exile
Travelling around Europe in search of a new home after the dissolution of the monasteries must have been dramatic enough for England’s oldest community of Bridgettine nuns. But a remarkable newly-catalogued letter shows they also experienced another harrowing event – the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
Efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance must take account of fourfold difference in use across Europe, report says
Global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance will be more effective if they focus on the cultural context behind the fourfold difference in total antibiotic use and consumption across Europe, according to a new report.
Devon teenagers hear incredible tales of courage from Holocaust survivor
Hundreds of Devon teenagers and students witnessed the incredible courage of concentration camp survivor Mala Tribich during an event organised to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
Men donned fake sideburns to join in with 19th century craze for whiskers
The mid nineteenth century was the age of the ‘beard movement’, a time when huge beards suddenly became all the rage, as the ultimate badge of manliness. But new evidence shows there was also a long-forgotten earlier mania for whiskers.
Exeter graduate achieves First Class Honours from prestigious educational programme
A University of Exeter graduate has received a First Class Honours degree and Dean’s commendation from a renowned, non-profit organisation in America.
Tudor England shunned ‘festive fatigue’ for three-month Christmas celebrations
Those who are beginning to suffer from ‘festive fatigue’ may want to spare a thought for those who lived in the Tudor times – when Christmas celebrations ran for three months.
Historians and computer scientists unite for £9.2m project which will revolutionise research
Historians and computer scientists are set to collaborate to analyse millions of pages of documents as part of a major new research project which will shed new light on the impact of mechanisation on the lives of ordinary people.
First women parliamentary candidates utilised their gender to win votes, records show
Britain’s first female parliamentary candidates utilised their gender as a campaigning tool to win votes and championed new policies such as equal citizenship, analysis of records show.
University of Exeter expert to receive historic key to mark Freedom of the city
A University of Exeter expert will receive a fitting keepsake to mark being awarded the Freedom of the City for his services to history - the key to an iconic lost building.
100 years since women won the right to be MPs – what it was like for the pioneers
PhD Candidate in History at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK
Experts trace remarkable history of colonial Indian wildlife paintings
The mysterious origins of remarkable paintings of Indian wildlife are no longer shrouded in mystery thanks to detective work by experts around the world.
Great War Armistice was marked in Devon with joy and sadness
Those on the “Home Front” in Devon marked the end of World War One with both joy and sadness, a University of Exeter historian has found.
Bonfire Night provided another excuse for a riot in city ruled by “the tyranny of a mob”
Exeter may now have a genteel image – but centuries ago the city was known for its disorderly and violent mobs who would cause havoc on occasions such as Bonfire Night, according to new research.
Theresa May has been told to ‘find her inner Boudica’ – here’s why that’s a terrible idea
Dr Martha Vandrei, Lecturer in History at the University of Exeter, writes for The Conversation UK
The evolution of the medieval witch – and why she’s usually a woman
Dr Jennifer Farrell, Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK
The Empathy Effect: Teaching Literature about the World Wars and the Holocaust
Academics, educational practitioners, playwrights and filmakers gathered at the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum to consider the role empathy plays in the teaching of the two world wars, including the Holocaust.
Long-forgotten folklore of how to summon fairies set to be revealed
The ethereal and mysterious methods that people of bygone times tried to summon fairies to help navigate the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life are set to be uncovered.
Britain’s first ‘national’ anthem embraced Boudica and druids
The national fervour that traditionally surrounds the Last Night of the Proms would have had a very different focus if Britain’s first ‘national’ anthem was still in vogue, research has shown.
History of medicine expert receives prestigious Royal Society medal
A University of Exeter expert in the history of medicine has been honoured by the Royal Society
Experts discuss how to commemorate marginalised histories of the Second World War
Experts from academia, the media, publishing, education, heritage, and museums discussed how marginalised aspects of Second World War history could be made visible during the forthcoming anniversaries of the conflict at an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded research event led by University of Exeter historian, Professor Catriona Pennell.
Wartime hospital past of Exeter landmark building commemorated
The First World War hospital past of one of Exeter’s landmark buildings and the contribution of doctors and nurses who worked there will be commemorated.
Five Exeter academics awarded British Academy funding
Five University of Exeter academics have been awarded prestigious funding from the British Academy, the national body for the humanities and social sciences.
Tudor and Stuart women spent more time making money than caring for their families, new research shows
Tudor and Stuart women spent more time making money than caring for their families and were regularly employed in physically demanding jobs, according to major new research.
Newspaper small ads used by Victorians for their equivalent of ‘texting’
150 years before the advent of ‘texting’, the small ads of the Evening Standard were used by Victorian lovers to send each other illicit messages, beg forgiveness and arrange trysts.
Sex tips for Victorians: Men with broad noses make passionate husbands
The Victorians may have a reputation for prudery, but new research shows that 19th Century manuals contained explicit sex and flirtation advice.
Pretentious ‘executive’ job titles were a Victorian invention
Pompous job titles, such as hygiene technician and communications executive are not a 21st or even 20th century invention
University of Exeter hosts “Great Debate” for local pupils
Devon pupils competed to win the chance to speak in the Houses of Parliament by debating the significance of women being given the right to vote at a special event at the University of Exeter.
Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme helps young people see scale of First World War losses
A programme which allows a group of pupils from every English school to tour First World War battlefields is helping young people better grasp the scale of loss caused by the battles on the Western Front, analysis shows.
Help recreate pioneering medical instruments with University of Exeter historians
Historians are hoping to recreate pioneering medical instruments created by an inventor who died before he could reveal the secrets of how they worked.
Tudor Royal Court brought to life thanks to Exeter historian
A University of Exeter expert has helped to bring the world of the Tudor court to life for television viewers around the world.
Bishop son of Lord Salisbury suggested political conscientious objectors faced horrors of German bombing raids to change their stance
A prominent bishop and son of the former Conservative Prime Minister Lord Salisbury suggested political conscientious objectors in World War 1 should face the full horror of German bombing raids to “bring about a sudden conversion” from their views.
Historians working to analyse legacy of World War I centenary events
Members of the public are being asked for their views on the way Britain has commemorated the centenary of the First World War by completing a new survey being launched on Armistice Day (11 November).
Sports fans invited to share memories at new Exeter City FC group
A special social group designed to encourage men over 50 to come together and talk about sports and memorabilia has been launched in Exeter.
“Newspapers” devoted to reporting spooky behaviour were a hit with communities in the 17th century
People in the 17th century were so keen to read news of ghostly behaviour that they bought “newspapers” devoted to reporting the latest paranormal goings on around the country, research shows.
Ancient toilet and Elizabethan illustrations among the historic treasures surviving in Exeter’s oldest buildings
An ancient toilet, Elizabethan wall illustrations and Victorian wallpaper are among the historic treasures surviving in Exeter’s oldest buildings, new research shows.
St Pauls inquiry could have prevented 1981 riots, research suggests
A full public inquiry into the 1980 Bristol riots could have prevented similar widespread violence which took place around Britain a year later, a new study suggests.
Educationalists and academics explore how young people engage with history of the two world wars
Educationalists and academics from around the world gathered to discuss the latest research and practical experiences around the way young people engage with the complex histories of the First and Second world wars, including the Holocaust.
Men were diagnosed as infertile in medieval times – and recipes drawn up to cure them, research shows
Men could be held responsible for the failure to produce children as far back as medieval times, a new study of medical and religious texts has shown.
Exeter historian scoops book of the year award
University of Exeter academic Dr Levi Roach has won a prestigious prize for his biography of Æthelred the Unready.
Newly discovered notes show Venetian physician had a key role in shaping early modern chemistry
Newly discovered notes show the Venetian doctor who invented the thermometer and helped lay the foundations for modern medical treatment also played a key role in shaping our understanding of chemistry.
Shortage of essential diphtheria treatment drugs needs international action, experts warn
International action is needed to tackle a global shortage of medicine which could hinder the ability of doctors to treat diphtheria, experts have warned.
Secrets of Powderham Castle - including Earl’s ancestor buried with Henry V - revealed in new exhibition
Family secrets uncovered by the new Earl of Devon – including an ancestor so close to Henry V that the King had him buried in his Royal tomb in Westminster Abbey – are revealed in an exhibition at Powderham Castle.
Holocaust survivor shares horror of Nazi atrocities with children and students
A Holocaust survivor who witnessed the horrors of Nazi persecution of Jewish families shared his experience with Devon pupils and students as part of a memorial event at the University of Exeter.
Defining massacres as ‘a holocaust’ diminishes Nazi persecution of the Jews
Labelling mass killing and massacres as a “holocaust” risks downplaying the scale of the Nazi plan to eradicate the Jews and Roma (gypsies), a leading expert on the holocaust says.
Was James Bond a Feminist? 007 admired ‘modern women’ with a 21st century attitude towards sex
James Bond was not a misogynistic dinosaur but a sensual ‘stylish commando’ who valued strong, independent women with a 21st century attitude to sex, a new book on 007 asserts.
People power stopped early attempts to ruin fun of the pub
Interfering politicians once tried to restrict drinkers to spending just an hour in the pub and to close locals at just 9pm, new research shows.
Experts given £4m to tackle world’s most pressing health problems
Historians, literary scholars, social scientists and medical experts will work together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing public health issues as part of a new £4m research centre at the University of Exeter.
Victorian beard craze inspired false ‘mechanical’ whiskers
Today they are a male fashion accessory, adored by hipsters and spurned by clean-shaven creatives. But in the 19th century, men associated beards and whiskers with manliness, strength and even male beauty.
City event to celebrate Exeter's history following fire
Exeter residents will gather to celebrate the city’s historic buildings which still stand despite the recent devastating fire at an event this weekend.
The Age of the Beard: magnificent examples of 19th-century facial hair on display
A photographic display of magnificent examples of 19th-century facial hair and a special version of the pantomime Bluebeard are part of a new exhibition.
Medical historians and social scientists helping to tackle the world’s most pressing public health problems
Researchers at the University of Exeter will work with the World Health Organization to tackle the world’s most pressing public health problems.
New guide to Devon’s top swear words and insults
Calling someone a nippy or ninnycock today might not cause much offence – but hundreds of years ago if you wanted to be rude these were among a rich choice of crude words available.
Campaigning footballer at men’s mental health event
Former professional footballer turned campaigner Clarke Carlisle met experts at an event held today to discuss how they can tackle male suicide and mental health problems.
Humanities continues to score highly for student satisfaction in National Student Survey 2016
Latest results in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016 show that the College of Humanities continues to score highly - with students among the most satisfied within UK universities.
Funding for projects 'uses of the past'
Academics from the University of Exeter have received funding for collaborative projects across with academics across the world from the Humanities in the European Research Area Joint Research Programme.
Family secrets of Powderham Castle revealed
University of Exeter experts are helping the Earl and Countess of Devon uncover fascinating new insights into the long history of their family by examining centuries-old documents at Powderham Castle.
Air power now weapon of choice
Air power has become the weapon of choice for Western politicians because it causes maximum destruction with the minimum of commitment.
Humanities Success at the Teaching Awards 2016
The College of Humanities achieved fantastic success at the Teaching Awards 2016, with five winners and five runners-up, including Best Subject for English.
Exeter subjects ranked amongst very best in the world
The University of Exeter’s status as one of the best academic institutions in the world has been confirmed by new global subject rankings.
Cornish Colloquium hosted to celebrate St Piran’s Day
The University of Exeter will mark its celebration of St Piran’s day with a special Cornish Colloquium.
Study of violent decolonisation may provide lessons about insurgency today
A new study which examines the causes and consequences of anti-colonial violence following the Second World War may offer insights into current conflicts today in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The body, according to the 18th Century
People in the 18th century were expected to look neat, elegant and have a natural shape, according to a University of Exeter academic.
Do Beards Matter: Exploring health and humanity in the history of facial hair
Wellcome Trust funded project launched ahead of World Beard Day