The RHS was founded in 1868 and exists to promote historical research across the UK while representing the profession of those who work in public history, including those working in archives, libraries, museums, and the heritage sector.
The Society’s Fellowship is a community of historians who research, teach and promote history in the UK and worldwide, with the title being awarded to those who have made an original contribution to historical scholarship, typically through the authorship of a book, or a body of scholarly work.
As recognised leaders in their field, Fellows support the work of the Royal Historical Society by sharing their expertise, promoting the value of historical research, and encouraging the next generation to study and engage with history at school and university level.
Joan is a Reader in Renaissance Literature at Loughborough University, as well as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and a long-standing member of the AHRC Peer Review College. Her research specialises in early modern literature, including Shakespeare, and the intersection of literary and culinary cultures.