History students to showcase original research at Gloucester History Festival
University of Gloucestershire history students will present two original research projects exploring the county’s connections to major historical movements and figures, at the Gloucester History Festival.
For the second consecutive year, students from the University’s BA (Hons) History course will display their work and take part in public Q&A sessions as part of the Scriptorium programme at the History Festival (5-20 September).
One of the featured projects, Gloucester’s Forgotten Founding Father: Button Gwinnett, was developed to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The students’ research explores the life and legacy of the Gloucester-born merchant who later became Governor of Georgia and a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Students investigated Gwinnett’s story through archival research conducted in both the UK and the United States, as well as interviews with some of his descendants. The project examines the obscure life and complex aspects of the lesser-known figure in the American Revolution, including his role as a slaveholder, providing important context for understanding the social and political forces that shaped the Revolution.
A second project focuses on the Chartist movement, a mid-19th century working-class campaign for democratic rights. Students examined Gloucestershire’s distinctive role in the movement through two Chartist settlements at Snig’s End, in Corse and Staunton, and Lowbands, near Redmarley.
The research explores why the settlements were ultimately short-lived, the contributions of women and key local figures, and present-day challenges related to the conservation of these historically significant sites.
The two projects were undertaken through the University’s Cotswold Centre for History and Heritage, which brings together the work of undergraduate history students and staff at University of Gloucestershire.
The Centre has been established with the intention of creating partnerships between the University, the local community, and significant local organisations, so that the research benefits not only staff and students, but the local community.
Dr Christian O’Connell, Course Leader in BA (Hons) History, said: “Once again, I am incredibly proud of our students for the hard work, creativity and commitment they have shown throughout these projects, examining global historical themes through a local lens.
“Their work demonstrates that university study can extend far beyond the classroom, engaging with stories that matter to local communities and exploring issues of genuine social and historical significance.
“By sharing their research with the public at the Gloucester History Festival, they have made an important contribution to preserving and promoting these stories for a wider audience.”
The student presentations and discussions will take place in the spectacular medieval Scriptorium at Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, on Wednesday, 16 September.
The Button Gwinnett discussion will run from 3.15pm to 3.45pm, while the Chartism discussion will take place from 5.15pm to 5.45pm. Both events are free to attend with no booking required.
Main image: Audience members at the Gloucester History Festival