Our research themes
Community heritage and archaeology
In our archaeological research, we use material culture – things, places and organic remains – to study human societies from the distant past to the recent present.
We make use of a suite of approaches, from engaging volunteers in archaeological digs to 3D digital modelling and radiocarbon dating.
A central theme of our work is the interpretation, presentation and politics of the past, which means we are active in critical heritage studies and public debates about heritage.
We work with government and international bodies to explore what accessibility, interpretation, sustainability and wellbeing mean for heritage sites and practices.
Sports history
We explore the international cultural and social impact of sport and leisure activities in different time periods.
In particular, we focus on the development of sports coaching and training in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and the emergence of women’s sports.
A big part of our work is building networks with international scholars and helping the public to engage with our research, including through collaborative platforms such as Playing Pasts.
Histories of material culture and consumption
Our work seeks to further understanding of consumption practices and spaces - from broadcasting and publishing to shopping and home furnishing.
In particular, we examine:
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the relationship between material culture, lifestyle and identity – for example in royal courts in Lorraine, France and England
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how domestic settings were shaped by taste and aesthetics, practical concerns for bodily comfort and a desire to construct home as a place with emotional resonance
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the development of print and broadcast media for young people