This is the first of a number of PhD studentships attached to the project, which will be spread between the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Tasmania. This one is based at Sheffield.
The doctoral project will constitute an independent piece of research on a topic related to the overall project. The student will be able to use evidence and electronic resources generated by the project; attend project meetings, workshops and conferences; benefit from working closely with the investigators and Research Associates; and be given the opportunity to co-write publications. Nonetheless, in consultation with the supervisors, s/he will be given the latitude to shape their own direction of research.
Studentship Description
The studentship will investigate the social and geographical origins and destinations of men and women convicted at the Old Bailey between 1785 and 1875, in order to shed light on patterns of mobility and understandings of identity in early industrial Britain. Using evidence of origins from convict registers and social/occupational and place labels in the Proceedings, the project will trace convicts from their places of origin through residence and work in London before their arrests, to places of imprisonment and subsequent life histories. Analysis of the language they used in trial testimonies will provide an indication of how identities were shaped by complex backgrounds.
The studentship will cover full UK/EU fees and a maintenance grant, to commence in February 2014.
Application deadline: 2 December 2013, with interviews in December or early January.
Any academic enquiries should be directed to Professor Robert Shoemaker: r.shoemaker@sheffield.ac.uk.