Centre for Cultural History

The Centre for Cultural History was first set up in the early 2010s as an informal hub for scholars interested in a wide range of historical periods – from the late middle ages to the early twenty-first century. Following the insights of the later ‘Annales’ school, the Centre fosters innovative, interdisciplinary and microhistorical research into all aspects of ‘low’ and ‘high’ culture, and how they can reshape our awareness of wider contexts and trends.

Our research is particularly concerned with the marginal and mobile in human history: rural workers, women and diaspora groups; forgotten experiences of war, poverty and displacement; and the often-overlooked historical forces that shape collective memory making.

By taking an inclusive view of cultural history, the Centre also supports collaborative research that draws on the University’s unique research strengths in art, literature, theology, philosophy and sporting history. In the REF 2021 research assessment, 65% of the University of Chichester’s History submission was judged to be either internationally renowned or world leading.

The breadth of our work can also be seen in the wide range of organisations we have worked (and continue to work) with, including the West Sussex Records Office, Pallant House Gallery, Arundel Castle, Novium Museum, Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Tangmere Aviation Museum, and the British Council.

We welcome approaches from potential postgraduate research students or cultural organisations interested in working with us.