Mark Knights

Judith Hawley, a Professor of 18th Century Literature, Miles Taylor, a Professor of British History, and Mark Knights, a Professor of History, dive into the iconic figure of John Bull. They explore how this satirical character originated with John Arbuthnot in 1712, reflecting the woes of the English everyman overwhelmed by government taxations. The conversation highlights John Bull's evolution from a tradesman to a symbol of British identity and imperialism, shedding light on satire’s role in political critique and societal shifts across the centuries.

Andreas Gestrich, a historian from Trier University, Elaine Chalus, a British history expert from the University of Liverpool, and Mark Knights, a Warwick historian specializing in political history, dive into the Hanoverian Succession crisis. They discuss the intense political maneuvering after Queen Anne's reign, the urgency for a Protestant heir, and the implications of the 1701 Act of Settlement. The complexities of British and Hanoverian relations surface as they explore tensions leading to the Jacobite Rebellion and the cultural shifts of the early 18th century.

In this engaging discussion, guests include Ian Haywood, a Professor of English with a knack for literature and history, Catriona Kennedy, a Senior Lecturer specializing in Modern British and Irish History, and Mark Knights, a Professor of History focused on historical contexts. They delve into the chaos of the Gordon Riots, tracing their roots in anti-Catholic sentiment and political unrest. The conversation highlights the transformation from peaceful protest to violent upheaval, revealing the complexities of crowd dynamics and the socio-political landscape of 18th century Britain.