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The development of commercial photography in the 19th Century was liberating for women
‘When things were at their peak of suppression for women – no formal education, no vote, legal anonymity as soon as you get married – photography just…
 • Amy Freeborn
Re-post: The accidental archivist and his unrivalled folk customs collection
One man's mission to document the traditions that 'make up life for communities' across the British Isles.
 • Amy Freeborn
The historical treasure trove emerging from a family photography business
Known colloquially as 'Lewes' family album', the collection is significant not just to its hometown, but the field of photographic history at large.
 • Amy Freeborn
What happens on medieval pilgrimage, stays on medieval pilgrimage (NSFW-ish)
The idiom used by rugby teams, rock bands, and Las Vegas holidaymakers can also be applied to 14th and 15th century pilgrims on their religious…
 • Amy Freeborn
The cousins who built a women-only community and centuries-long legacy
Most historic homes represent patrilineal expressions of wealth; A la Ronde is a matrilineal expression of creativity.
 • Amy Freeborn
The accidental archivist and his unrivalled folk customs collection
One man's mission to document the traditions that 'make up life for communities' across the British Isles.
 • Amy Freeborn
From the archives: X marks the spot
A typographic tale of love and hate, hide and seek.
 • Amy Freeborn
From the archives: of multi-generational migration fame
What we know about the monarch butterfly and "the most remarkable biological phenomena in the world".
 • Amy Freeborn
From the archives: the crucial role of women in the birth of the Bronze Age
The gender stereotype-redefining research that puts women at the forefront of major innovation in ancient history.
 • Amy Freeborn
From the archives: Goodbye Gary Arber
I’m taking the summer to reflect on the purpose (and potential new format?!) of this newsletter. So, to tide you over, I’m sharing one of my favourite…
 • Amy Freeborn
The forgotten success and status of English cider
How a combination of restrictions drove experimentation and a brief boom in cider. And how its versatility, sustainability, and community credentials…
 • Amy Freeborn
The ‘extinct’ wonder plant of the ancient world, rediscovered
It made food taste better and had multiple medicinal properties, but now that therapeutic value could put it at risk again.
 • Amy Freeborn
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