Medieval and Early Modern Essay Prize

Many local historians are hesitant about researching and writing on subjects from the period before 1650, perhaps worried that the problems of reading the handwriting, and maybe the use of Latin, will make the sources difficult or inaccessible. The result is that over the years in The Local Historian there have been comparatively few articles focusing on this period.

To encourage new writing and research we are offering an annual prize of £150 for the best article which considers an aspect of medieval and/or early modern local history. Why not consider submitting a paper yourself?

Further details can be downloaded here:

Why BALH?

Nick Barratt Historian and Author

Where did your ancestors live?

It is impossible to trace the history of one’s family without considering where they lived. Local history societies and one-place study groups have researched and published content that will allow you to place the lives of your ancestors in the context of their local communities, villages, towns and cities as well as some of the key socio-economic factors that lay behind their development. They often use the same sources as family historians, and can help provide an alternative interpretation of a document or suggest new resources to help your research.

Nick Barratt, Historian and Author

Meet the team

Julia Tubman Trustee

Julia Tubman

Julia, an archaeology graduate, began her heritage career as an objects conservator, with roles at the University of Arizona, the British Museum, and the National Museum of Iceland. She later joined Gunnersbury Park Museum, where she developed a deep passion for local history, rising to Senior Curator over ten years. Now moving to the Museum of Croydon as Heritage, Museum, and Collections Manager, she is excited to work closer to her roots in Mitcham. In her first trustee role with BALH, she hopes to champion grassroots history and the vital role of local communities in preserving heritage.

Julia Tubman, Trustee