Dr Dean Irwin

Gulp... The 735th anniversary of the Expulsion provides an opportunity to start jotting down some thoughts for my new project. Inevitably, a side project at the moment, but one which I'm looking forward to starting. By the 740th anniversary, I'll know what I think on the topic!

This! It's endemic in my area that lots people think that they can talk about the Jews but have only read outdated/discredited scholarship. There is no recognition that this does just as much damage, as the narratives that you're seeking to challenge.

On Halloween, I wish to draw your attention to an acknowledgement of debt which was so surprised to be ordered up, that it actually screamed...

For those wondering, my current book project is called 'Ernie'...

While, admittedly, not in the same league as the OG comment, will never not make me laugh...!

Making the final edits to an article, and increasingly, this could be adopted as a conclusion for any of my writing: 'It's OK, but it's not Lincoln, is it?!'...

Don't encourage him.

We can only imagine how many times Dr Dryburgh uttered the word 'legend' in the course of this research... Great read!

jack sparrow from pirates of the caribbean is talking to a man in a white hat . ALT: jack sparrow from pirates of the caribbean is talking to a man in a white hat .

In the same day, I have been told that I know nothing about Jewish communities, with my ‘expertise is superficial’, and then the head of a major institution has invited me to give a lecture on Jewish communities based upon my expertise. Definitely my preferred vibe:

I am happy for a certain amount of ambiguity on that point. The grad students will lead theirs as they see fit, and I shall lead mine as I see fit 😂

Having (in)famously developed the Canterbury Jewish walking tour from my pub crawl route, could go either way!

You'd be most welcome!

Just snooping at your bio - we have three, maybe four, papers on pilgrimage, I think (if you write me, I can pop over the details).

Details of registration can be found here (virtual possibility also): buytickets.at/bordersbound...

It's going to be so much fun!

The correct order of precedence for record volumes: Lincoln Record Society, Pipe Roll Society, literally anything including Jews, and then (not pictured) English Episcopal Acta.

Finishing a PowerPoint on the train, and the only photos I have with me of the modern editions of medieval Anglo-Jewish documents includes the Horrible Histories board game prominently... On second thoughts, this accurately summarises both my interests and priorities!

I was terribly confused by this article... Then I did a double take and realised the reference to Peckham was the place not the archbishop.

In general: graffiti in a church. Totally unremarkable.

Teaching the topic or the article...? Because I'll send my condolences if the latter.

Not meaning to be a pedant, because I'm very happy that people will be able to read my article, but what is the significance of 9 October 1290 to the Expulsion...?

Huge... if true.

You asked: is it possible to be any more excited about Borders, Boundaries, and Barriers?

We answered: Yes...:

🎉🎉🎉

It's been quite a day!

I don't mean to alarm anybody but we are very nearly there! For those who submitted proposals, keep an eye on your inbox next week. And if anybody wants to chair a session, get in touch!

That's quite something.

Next you'll be telling us that Louis XVI wasn't the last king of France...

What's the best way to contact you?

Having ignored my inbox for the last month (except from specific people), I started clearing the backlog. After 12 hrs, I am pleased to report that there are now only... 2,999 e-mails to respond to... I will throw something at the next person who says there's little interest in Anglo-Jewish history.

At the request of the community, I reviewed the application for the London medieval Jewish cemetery permanent memorial. It's of minimal historical value, so I objected. I encourage others to do the same: @jewishhistorical.bsky.social @rachelblakemp.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social

1. that description doesn't narrow it down even remotely.
2. why would I ask permission to talk about the Jews of medieval England? I need to justify my BSky handle somehow.
3. if anybody wants to appropriate my diary and do it themselves, quite frankly, I'm happy to let them!

There's a lot to unpack here. Capitalisation. Commit to three !!! or stick to just !. Sending me my father's correspondence.

Apparently, I've done some work (or am planning to - not quite clear) in a local area about their medieval Jewish history and haven't asked permission...