Welcome to the Bristorian

Contextualising the present through the lens of the past

At The Bristorian, we’re committed to publishing provocative and insightful articles from across a wide range of disciplines within the humanities. If you have a nuanced take on something often overlooked or are looking for a platform to complete in-depth investigations into little-known phenomena, the Bristorian is the place for you.

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Radio Caroline: The Boat that Rocked the World
Radio Caroline: The Boat that Rocked the World

Arts Editor Sam Aylwin explores how the creation of Pirate Radio helped foster a cultural revolution in the 1960s, and moulded broadcasting into what it is today – all from a ship anchored in international waters.

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The Persistence of a Dream: A History of the Walt Disney Company
The Persistence of a Dream: A History of the Walt Disney Company

On this day in 1923, the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio was established. Martha Chapman explores the huge cultural legacy of what was to become one of the most successful media organisations of human history.

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Muxe: Dismantling the Gender Binary Before Its Conception
Muxe: Dismantling the Gender Binary Before Its Conception

For our sixth - and final - sneak peek at the upcoming print edition of The Bristorian, here is an extended version of Isobel Edward’s article discussing the history, activism and cultures of the Muxe community. The Bristorian print edition launches at 5pm on Monday the 19th of May 2025.

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How did Virginia Woolf’s Orlando become an iconic piece of queer media?
How did Virginia Woolf’s Orlando become an iconic piece of queer media?

Manini Manushi Gangal details the enchanting romantic inspiration behind Woolf’s highly acclaimed novel Orlando.

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The Black Unicorn: Audre Lorde, Intersectionality and the Importance of Community
The Black Unicorn: Audre Lorde, Intersectionality and the Importance of Community

Eleanor Flower explores the life and impact of poet and academic Audre Lorde, the Black, Lesbian feminist whose fight against oppression continues over three decades after her death, in the resonant form of the Black Unicorn.

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Dressed for Resistance: The Black Panther Uniform
Dressed for Resistance: The Black Panther Uniform

In this article, Alice Peters explores the history of the Black Panthers iconic uniform, reflecting on the impact it has on Black activism today.

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Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.
Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.

Amanda Schlicht explores the conception of the Harlem Renaissance and how the sound and lyricism of jazz music acted as a form of powerful emancipation for Black voices.

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Celebrating Black History Month:

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‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed
‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed

The Assassin’s Creed games are a standout franchise in the counterfactual world, and gamers are currently getting to grips with the latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ben Bryant explores the series’ history, its depiction of various periods, and its overall historical importance.

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Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play
Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play

Charlie Farmer uses experiences of her sixth-form’s role play game, ‘Game of Roses’ to explore the impact of role play on education and public history.

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“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day

Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores the way in which children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day through age-appropriate animated films and historical discussions.

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