Episode 10: Queer British History – 1714 to 1785

In episode 10, Dr Declan Kavanagh (University of Kent), reflects on Queer British history 1714-1785. Dr Kavanagh looks at the history of the language of LGBTQ+, in particular the term ‘queer’ in its very recent usage and how the language of descriptors for these communities has been influenced. Dr Kavanagh draws our attention to the important work exploring these concepts that the esteemed French historian of ideas Michel Foucault was studying as part of his research. This new film examine some of the historic legal terminology that, in addition to marginalising peoples’ sexualities and discriminating against them, also carried with it moral judgements that affected individuals and groups at the time, and subsequently has impacted how we trace these histories.

Please be aware that some of the terms that Dr Kavanagh uses that are part of the historical terminology and were used in legal and societal contexts may seem upsetting to some people today; however, he is using them to be accurate in his explanation of the past.

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Power and Freedom in Britain and Ireland: 1714–2010

1714-1785 – From early to modern Britain and Ireland

View the other films in the series here:

• 1. Power & freedom: Introduction – 1714 to 1785 (open access)
• 2. Party Politics – 1714 to 1785 
• 3. Economic and social change – 1714 to 1785 
• 4. Black British History – 1714 to 1785 (open access) 
• 5. Finance in Britain and Ireland – 1714 to 1785 
• 6. Disability in Britain and Ireland – 1714 to 1785 (open access)
• 7. Power and protest in England – 1714 to 1745 
• 8. Power and Protest in Scotland – 1714 to 1785
• 9. Film: Power and Protest in Wales – 1714 to 1785
• 9. Ffilm: Grym a Phrotest yng Nghymru – 1714 i 1785
• 10. Queer British History – 1714 to 1785

From royal courts to radical protests, from industrial revolutions to global empires – this compelling new film series traces the dramatic evolution of power, rights, and freedom across three centuries of British and Irish history.

We will trace Britain and Ireland’s transformation from 1714 to 2010, unpacking power struggles, social revolutions, and the evolving meaning of freedom.

With expert insights from renowned scholars including Emma Griffin, Carl Griffin, and Katrina Navickas, the series offers a fresh and inclusive perspective on Britain’s past and brings to life the voices of monarchs, reformers, workers, and everyday people.

Further films will be released over the coming months, covering the period 1714-1785 – from early to modern Britain and Ireland. These will be followed by further series in 2026-2027 and beyond, ultimately bringing the content up to 1997-2010.