received from Andrew Simpson and Abraham Sullivan (University of St. Andrews) Death and Bereavement in Early Modern Britain, 1520-1689 A two-day conference on the theme ‘Death and Bereavement in Early Modern Britain, 1520-1689,’ to be held at the University of St Andrews on 26 and 27 June 2026. The event will explore how individuals, families, and communities experienced death and mourning during a period of profound religious and social change. The keynote speaker will be Professor Alec Ryrie of Durham University, whose work on the history of the Reformation continues to shape the field. The conference will bring together established scholars, postgraduate students, and independent researchers to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the subject. The discussion will include the following anticipated panels: · Practice of death · Theology of death · Execution and massacre · Death in literature · Funerals · Burial and remembrance · Commemoration and partisanship Registration is now open. To register for the event, as well as to view a provisional programme, please visit the conference website Past and Present is pleased to support this event and supports other events like it. Applications for event funding are welcomed from scholars working in the field of historical studies at all […]

Received from Dr. Max Long (Lincoln College, University of Oxford) and Dr. Andrew Seaton (University of Manchester) Modern British History and the ‘Environmental Turn Taking place: Lincoln College, Oxford, 16-17 September 2026 Call for Papers deadline: 15 May 2026 Environmental approaches are flourishing in modern British history. In contrast to their more peripheral standing within the field a few years ago, there are now papers and panels at the leading conferences, new articles and books, and exciting research networks. It is an opportune moment to take stock of what might be called an emerging ‘environmental turn’ in British history. This two-day workshop will explore several questions. How can environmental history complement or offer alternatives to existing historiographical narratives and periodisations in British history? What new actors, events, or phenomena might come to the fore? How should it foster engagements with places beyond its national borders or with other disciplines? Is environmental history different from longstanding traditions of ‘landscape’ or ‘urban’ histories of Britain? What contributions can historians make to environmental advocacy and policymaking? And how might a focus on the environment reshape teaching in British history? To take part, participants should submit a 300 word proposal for a short ‘position […]

received from Dr. Olivia Formby (Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge) Dates: 23 – 24 April 2026 Location: Harrods Room, Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge Programme Registration (closes 12 April 2026. Places free but limited) Contact the workshop’s convener Dr. Olivia Formby Besides the Past and Present Society this workshop is supported by: the George Macaulay Trevelyan Fund (Faculty of History, University of Cambridge), and the Social History Society. Past and Present is pleased to support this event and supports other events like it. Applications for event funding are welcomed from scholars working in the field of historical studies at all stages in their careers.

received from Dr. Norman Aselmeyer (Wadham College, University of Oxford) and Dr. Eric Burton (University of Innsbruck) Cities and Decolonization: Anti-colonial Struggles, Urban Protest, and Global Solidarities in the Twentieth Century Organisers: Norman Aselmeyer (Wadham College, University of Oxford) and Eric Burton (University of Innsbruck) Location: Wadham College, Seminar Rooms 4 and 5 Dates: 19/20 March 2026 Overview The conference examines the role of cities as central and contested arenas of decolonization, one of the most significant historical processes of the twentieth century. Across seven thematic panels and a keynote lecture, the conference brings together contributions that analyse the diverse actors, sites, and tensions that shaped decolonization as a global and urban process. Particular attention is paid to the ways in which local struggles were connected to transnational dynamics and to the analysis of urban spaces as sites of resistance and solidarity. Programme Conference website Registration (free) – by e-mail to the organisers Sponsors and supporters besides the Past and Present Society: Wadham College University of Oxford, Faculty of History University of Oxford, University of  Innsbruck Department of Contemporary History Past and Present is pleased to support this event and supports other events like it. Applications for event funding are welcomed from […]