Welcome Angel-Celeste to The Historian Circle!

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Hi all!

My name is Angel-Celeste Drinkwater and I am currently in my second year of an undergraduate degree in English Literature & History at the University of Winchester. My main academic focus revolves around Medieval England & France, as well as Early Modern France (specifically the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, and the lives of Maximilien de Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just), however, other areas that I’m interested in include Renaissance Italy, Victorian Crime & Punishment, and general Queer History.

I’ve been interested in history for as long as I can remember. I think it primarily stems from my dad’s influence; he raised me on tales of mythological heroes and Medieval knights. I have many fond memories of returning him from school to stacks of history books that he’d surprise me with. My interest only grew as I visited castles and museums, which were regular family outings for us. As a child I was convinced I’d be the one to discover just where Alexander the Great’s tomb was hidden. Nowadays, I’ve regressed to more simplistic hopes for the future; I’m planning on becoming either an archivist or a museum creator, but anything that allows me to be surrounded by history on a daily basis would be great.

As previously stated, I’m currently in my second year of uni, doing English Literature & History, however, I’m planning on writing my dissertation in history next year. Being the overthinker that I am, I already have a plethora of ideas on what I’d wish to explore, and this list only expands as the semester progresses. At this present moment, my main ideas include;

  • Deconstructing modern perceptions of the French Revolution with reference to the negative impact of Thermidorian propaganda on the ‘Reign of Terror’

  • Changing views on death and burial in the Renaissance/Burial & Funerary art

  • Catholic imagery vs mythological imagery in the art of the Italian Renaissance

  • Anything to do with Edward II & Piers Gaveston

  • Opium & its influences on the Victorian criminal underworld

Like most good historians, I have far too many ideas and far too little time to properly explore and develop them! However, I’m hoping my contributions to this blog will not only give myself an outlet to delve into topics I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity too, but also will provide a source of entertainment and interest for you, the readers!

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings, and thank you for giving me a platform to share, what I think, are exciting historical discussions!


Yours kindly,
Angel-Celeste


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