Welcome to the Bristorian

Contextualising the present through the lens of the past

At The Bristorian, we’re committed to publishing provocative and insightful articles from across a wide range of disciplines within the humanities. If you have a nuanced take on something often overlooked or are looking for a platform to complete in-depth investigations into little-known phenomena, the Bristorian is the place for you.

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Roundhay Garden Scene - The First Ever Recorded Film
Roundhay Garden Scene - The First Ever Recorded Film

Arts Editor Charlie Whittle explores the history and legacy of the Roundhay Garden Scene, and the later misadventures of its director, Louis Le Prince.

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‘Basketball was a taboo in this world’ – The Release of Slam Dunk
‘Basketball was a taboo in this world’ – The Release of Slam Dunk

On this day, 34 years ago, the first volume of Slam Dunk was published. Alfie Stubbs looks at the history of the hugely influential sports manga and its effect on basketball in Japan.

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The Nazis Close to Home: The Occupation of the Channel Islands
The Nazis Close to Home: The Occupation of the Channel Islands

The 27th of January marks the International Holocaust Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration, yet the crimes of the Nazi regime took place much closer to home than one might think. Aine Ray delves into the history of the Alderney Camps on the Channel Islands.

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Howard Ashman: The Gay Man Behind Your Favourite Disney Songs
Howard Ashman: The Gay Man Behind Your Favourite Disney Songs

Howard Ashman was the gay man behind some of Disney’s most iconic and award-winning songs. Charlie Whittle explores his life, artistic contributions and lasting legacy.


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Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.
Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.

Amanda Schlicht explores the conception of the Harlem Renaissance and how the sound and lyricism of jazz music acted as a form of powerful emancipation for Black voices.

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Review: Bristol History Society’s Black History Panel - Reclaiming Narratives
Review: Bristol History Society’s Black History Panel - Reclaiming Narratives

Read Shujiao Guo’s review of the University of Bristol’s Black History Panel, discussing the theme of this year’s Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives.

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The Legacy of the Colston Statue in 2024
The Legacy of the Colston Statue in 2024

Molly Blay and Michaela Mamby explore the legacy of Edward Colston’s statue in 2024 and the exhibition which is now on display at Bristol’s M Shed Museum.

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Celebrating Black History Month:

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Featured
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day

Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores the way in which children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day through age-appropriate animated films and historical discussions.

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Man Beheaded by Society: Why is the new statue of Oscar Wilde causing controversy?
Man Beheaded by Society: Why is the new statue of Oscar Wilde causing controversy?

A new statue of Oscar Wilde is being dispalyed in Chelsea, but why is it causing outrage? Mia Townsend looks at Eduardo Paulozzi's artwork of Wilde.

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Piratical Plunder: A History of Bristol’s Links to Seafaring Outlaws
Piratical Plunder: A History of Bristol’s Links to Seafaring Outlaws

In this article, Mia Townsend explores the history of piracy throughout Bristol and its surrounding areas from the Roman period to modern day.


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