The Centre for Midlands History and Cultures was founded in 2006 to:
- Promote innovative, interdisciplinary research into the history and culture of the Midlands;
- Develop collaborative partnerships with local organisations and community groups;
- Provide opportunities for local people and communities to learn about, engage with, and contribute to our understanding of the region.
T
he Centre’s scope spans the historic counties of Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire and adjacent counties such as Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire, and Leicestershire, from Roman times to the present day.
We run an annual programme of research seminars (both online and in-person), a student research showcase, and an annual Centre conference, as well as various trips, study days and other public events.
We also run a selection of accessible, part-time programmes on the history of the Midlands region, including our popular MA in Midlands History and Local History (formerly MA in West Midlands History) and PGCert and PGDip courses (to commence in autumn 2024). The Centre produces a journal, Midland History and a West Midlands imprint with the University of Hertfordshire Press.
Our members come from departments across the University, including the School of History and Cultures and School of English, Drama, and Creative Cultures, the Centre for the History of Medicine, the School of Education, and the School of Geography. We also have an active Friends of the Centre network, comprised of both former students and members of the public, who organise a range of events and activities for anyone interested in the history of the region.
If you’d like to get in touch please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d be delighted to hear from you.