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One thing that has continually fascinated me throughout all of my research on medical practitioners, barbers and retailers in the long eighteenth century, is the extent of what historians call ‘occupational diversity’. Rather than having one occupation, people might have several…and often at the same time. This was particularly common amongst certain types of shop … Continue reading The ‘Celebrated Inventions’ of Alexander Ross.
over a year ago

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More from Dr Alun Withey

To Tip or Not To Tip: A Victorian Traveller’s Perspective

Like it or not, tipping is a big part of hospitality and the service industry. Debates about how much/whether to tip rumble on, but they are not new. Even in the 18th and 19th centuries, travellers were complaining about the amount of unwanted or unexpected extras they had to pay for.

4 months ago 65 votes
News Just In: Dr W Joins TikTok – @dralun7

Yes, it’s true – I’ve finally joined the 21st century and decided to try something new. I am still only setting things up, so please be patient with the extremely cheesy and clunky vids as I try to work out what I’m doing! I’ve only got a couple of videos up at the moment too, … Continue reading News Just In: Dr W Joins TikTok – @dralun7

5 months ago 71 votes
Victorian Swappers! Adverts for exchange in the 19th century.

Victorians were inveterate 'swappers' (NB: this might not be what you think!). Newspapers and journals were full of ads for objects sought and to be exchanged. These offer a fascinating insight into what was considered desirable, the value of objects, and the processes of exchange.

6 months ago 50 votes
Should I Stay or Should I go?: Encouraging travel in the early modern period.

Travel today is often portrayed as a healthy activity, good for body, mind…and what’s left of the spirit!  A good holiday is generally viewed as a tonic, and holiday company advertisements extol the virtues of ‘getting away’, encountering new places, people and cultures and (if you want to ‘live life to the full’) experiences. As one travel … Continue reading Should I Stay or Should I go?: Encouraging travel in the early modern period.

11 months ago 70 votes
The Troublesome Gibbet of John Haines, the ‘Wounded Highwayman’ of Hounslow.

For this post, I am going to wander into the world of crime in the late eighteenth century, and the grisly fate that befell many who committed the heinous crime of highway robbery. (Full disclosure: I’m not an historian of crime, gibbets or highwaymen…perhaps the case I’m about to discuss is very well known. But he’s … Continue reading The Troublesome Gibbet of John Haines, the ‘Wounded Highwayman’ of Hounslow.

a year ago 76 votes

More in history

Summer in Nags Head, North Carolina, 1975

“I was working on my own, and I was wrestling with what the highest and best use of the photograph in color could be. Eventually, I came up with a formulation for myself that went something like, “in the good or successful color photograph, the definition or the meaning of the picture will somehow arise … Continue reading "Summer in Nags Head, North Carolina, 1975" The post Summer in Nags Head, North Carolina, 1975 appeared first on Flashbak.

21 hours ago 2 votes
What Is Latin America? Definition, History, & the Rise of “Abya Yala”

Latin America is a geographical, geopolitical, and cultural concept defined by the common characteristics of some of the countries located on the American continent. Most well-known is the use of Latin-derived languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, and French as their official languages, resulting from a history of colonization. Latin America comprises a diverse conglomeration […]

20 hours ago 1 votes
Reflections on the Turquoise Revolution in England

Wrong Side of History Newsletter #62

yesterday 2 votes
10 Must-See Historic Sites in North Carolina

Originally part of the Carolina Colony granted by King Charles II in 1663, North Carolina became a separate province in 1712 and one of the original thirteen colonies. In 1776, it made history by being the first colony to officially call for independence through the Halifax Resolves. During the Civil War, it was the […]

yesterday 1 votes
Found Studio Portraits of Children – 1970-71

We’re back to the late mid-Century in this album of found photographs from Steenbergen in the south of The Netherlands. Last time going through this haul we focused on weddings. Now we look at studio portraits of children. The photos were taken by professional photographer Van Mechelenand in 1970 and 1971. And on many we can see the sitter’s name. … Continue reading "Found Studio Portraits of Children – 1970-71" The post Found Studio Portraits of Children – 1970-71 appeared first on Flashbak.

2 days ago 2 votes