Historian of Marian England, Early Modern Spain and Latin America, Director of Centre for Early Modern Exchanges, lectures in Golden Age Literature at UCL

Joined November 2011
84 Photos and videos
Alexander Samson retweeted
Me for @Telegraph (£) on why academics are leaving UK higher ed: 1000s of jobs & courses cut Pensions cut Learning politicised Low paid, precarious work REF & Kafkaesque bureaucracy AI undermining teaching and research Dependence on itnl student fees 1/2 telegraph.co.uk/money/jobs/c…
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Alexander Samson retweeted
I spoke to many scholars for this piece. Thanks especially to @samsonaws, Andrew Hadfield, Joad Raymond, Jean Andrews, and @SBrewittTaylor, and also to @ucu for their help. Thanks also to @tillyarmstrong_ for the commission. 2/2
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Lovely once again to see Mary featured on the anniversary of her death. Thank you, @wabbey, for making her a focus yesterday. If you’re interested to learn more, head over to my website drjohannastrong.ca
Mary I died #onthisday in 1558. The daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, Mary reigned for five years and was succeeded by her half-sister, Elizabeth I. Mary and Elizabeth are buried together in this magnificent tomb in the Abbey's Lady Chapel.
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c.org/j5tsTMVvdQ please sign the petition opposing the closure of Modern Language programs at Nottingham
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Man with stubble, "Small boats arrivals are 37,000. There are over 4 million kids in child poverty. And 4.5 million who can't get a dentist appointment" #BBCQT "We spend 90% of the media discourse on the 37,000. How much more could we achieve if we put that effort into the 4.5 million?" Well said that man 👏
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Alexander Samson retweeted
🎄✨ Spending the Holidays with Mary I Step back into Tudor England and discover Christmas through the eyes of Mary I. This 4-week online course, led by Dr. Peter Stiffell, explores the meaning, traditions, and celebrations of the season at court — from spiritual reflection and festive ritual to the grandeur of banquets, gift exchanges, and royal imagery. Uncover how Mary and her courtiers marked the holiday, blending devotion with pageantry, and how these customs shaped the Tudor experience of Christmas and New Year. With a mix of history, culture, and seasonal spirit, this course offers a fresh look at Mary I’s reign during one of the most cherished times of the year. 📅 Begins November 19 💻 4 recorded sessions replays included 🎟️ Tickets on sale now via Eventbrite! Wrap up your year with Tudor warmth, wonder, and a touch of royal Christmas magic. 👉 Spend the Holidays with Mary I eventbrite.com/e/spend-the-h… #TudorHistory #MaryI #TudorsDynastyAndBeyond #TudorChristmas #OnlineCourse #QueenMary #HistoryCourse #drpeterstiffell
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Alexander Samson retweeted
All those who have the pockets. This gorgeous painting is currently up for auction. Once believed to be Mary I, it is now seen as an unknown lady, with some thinking it may be Margaret Tudor. I hope the lucky owner puts the piece on display. Link will be below.
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Good grief. A politician with a brain and integrity and concern for what’s in the national interest. Starting to think I’d never see that again in my lifetime.
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Alexander Samson retweeted
22 Oct 2025
Britain isn't lawless, Britain isn't out of control. Britain is a beautiful place full of beautiful people. Yes we need political change, but Reform UK can jog on with their fear and hate mongering. Proud to be British, Proud to be Green 💚

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Alexander Samson retweeted
After a busy first week of school, I'm looking forward to my next talk! Join me, @PStiffell, and Rosamund Gravelle on September 16 at 7.30pm on Zoom for "Queen Mary and her Cultural Depictions", in partnership with the @EnglishCatholi2 👑 1/2
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Alexander Samson retweeted
El taller de la Historia: entrevista a Ricardo García Cárcel youtu.be/GOYXgWureYU?si=UAwA… a través de @YouTube

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Alexander Samson retweeted
Gas sets the UK energy price 97% of time. Labour must do more to reduce energy bills for consumers to help the cost of living crisis. Labour dropped zonal pricing & has done nothing. The Lib Dems have set out clear plans to halve your energy bills by 2035 libdems.org.uk/news/article/…
27 Aug 2025
🚨 NEW: Ofgem has announced that the Energy Price Cap will rise by 2% in October to £1,755 for a typical household
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Alexander Samson retweeted
It feels timely & appropriate to post this magnificent beast ... the ultimate vox pop! ✊️🫡🤜🤛
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Alexander Samson retweeted
🧵 The internet never forgets. A thread of tweets posted by Lucy Connolly. A reminder of the one, viewed 310,000 times, for which she was jailed, which urged people to burn down asylum seeker hotels after the #Southport attack - which had nothing to do with asylum seekers.
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Alexander Samson retweeted
16 Aug 2025
Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7. Business confidence at a 10 year high International investment at record levels. Violent crime in the UK a 25 year low. NONE of these stories are in The Daily Mail, Telegraph, or GBNEWS. Thankfully SOME of us are better informed.
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Excited to share the first volume in a new series from @Brepols on #courtstudies, organised by Fabian Persson and me. Many chapters about wives, siblings and bastards!
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Alexander Samson retweeted
HOW PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SUCKS MONEY OUT OF THE NHS CASE STUDY Five private companies were paid £536m by the NHS for outsourced eye care in 23/24. Of the £536m, £68m went to private equity debts & a whopping £169m in profits. That’s 44% going to capitalists not frontline care.
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Strict rules for British tourists going to EU to come in within weeks Britons travelling to Europe will have to prove they have medical insurance and a return ticket under strict new border rules. A digital system for arrivals into the European Union will be introduced from October 12. Non-EU passport holders will have to have their fingerprints and a photograph taken the first time they use it. Passengers will also be asked a series of questions to confirm they have proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for the trip, medical insurance and a return or onward ticket
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Alexander Samson retweeted
#OTD in 1553. The first published pamphlet about the reign of #QueenJane was published & sold in London. Entitled 'Epistle of Poor Pratte to Gilbert Potter' it told the story of the brave boy who spoke out against Jane & Northumberland. #History #Tudors #OnThisDay #ladyjanegrey
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Alexander Samson retweeted
Reform are 92% funded by donations from the fossil fuel industry and 100% wrong. Cutting Net Zero Projects makes us less energy secure, increases your energy bills, cuts GB jobs and growth and destroys the planet. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yl…
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