Conference: The Radical North, 1779-1914

A Symposium in Memory of Professor Malcom Chase

Northern History journal, with the support of the School of History, University of Leeds and the Social History Society, is organising a symposium to celebrate the life and work of Professor Malcolm Chase, author of many important works on British popular radicalism and labour history including Chartism: A New History (Manchester University Press, 2007) and 1820: Disorder and Stability in the United Kingdom (Manchester University Press, 2013).

The event will include panels presenting original research in fields relating to Malcolm’s interests and a round-table discussion of the significance of Malcolm’s work and future directions in the field.

Confirmed speakers

Professor Katrina Navickas (University of Hertfordshire)

Professor Robert Poole (University of Central Lancashire, emeritus)

Dr Matthew Roberts (Sheffield Hallam University)

Call for papers

The organisers welcome proposals for 20-minute papers on any aspect of radicalism in northern England from 1779 to 1914. We will take a broad definition of radicalism, while ‘the north’ will be taken to refer to the seven historic northern English counties (Cheshire, Cumberland, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Westmoreland, and Yorkshire) covered by Northern History. Successful papers will be considered for inclusion in a special issue of the journal.

Please send proposals of not more than 300 words to Professor Simon Morgan by 28 June 2024: s.j.morgan[at]leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Limited bursaries funded by the Social History Society are available to support PhD students and early career researchers (within 8 years of their PhD award), with priority going to those travelling from distance and/or staying overnight.  If you believe you fit these criteria, please state this on your proposal.

Blue plaque for the Northern Star

The symposium is timed to coincide with the Leeds Civic Trust’s unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating the Chartist newspaper Northern Star on Saturday 30 November. This was a cause that Malcolm had championed, and we hope that as many delegates as possible will stay on to participate in the programme of events around the unveiling.