Alex Barber

Dr Alex Barber is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Durham University, specializing in Early Modern British History (1660-1730). His work bridges intellectual history, media studies, and Romani cultural anthropology, with emphasis on freedom of the press and marginalized communities.

Education

• State Grammar School and Sixth Form College, Kent
• PhD, Royal Holloway, University of London (supervised by Prof. Justin Champion; Thomas Holloway scholar)

Barber's research centers on three interconnected strands: (1) Freedom of the press and censorship in late Stuart England, analyzing debates on public discourse; (2) News culture dynamics between scribal and printed media; (3) Gypsy/Roma/Traveller identity and language in the European diaspora. His work challenges traditional historical narratives through community-engaged methodologies.

Publications reveal a trajectory from intellectual history toward interdisciplinary scholarship, increasingly focusing on marginalized voices and the intersection of media, religion, and political identity in early modern Britain.

Scientific Awards

• Thomas Holloway Scholarship (PhD)
• Folger Shakespeare Library Short-Term Fellowship

As an active PhD supervisor, Barber guides research on Jeremy Collier's moral reform, apocalyptic millenarianism, heraldic practices, and Puritan politics. He champions widening participation through leadership in First Generation networks and targeted outreach for Gypsy/Roma/Traveller students.

• Current PhD Supervision: 4 students on Restoration politics, religious dissent, and manuscript culture
• Recent Completions: 3 theses on 17th-century policymaking, melancholy, and manorial law
• Widening Participation: Co-founded school outreach programs; leads university pledge for Gypsy/Roma/Traveller student inclusion

Collaborating with the National Gypsy Council and family historians, Barber develops community-centered projects including 'Posh Rat' (Romany family history) and Anglo-Romani linguistic studies, while commemorating Gypsy/Roma/Traveller History Month through public scholarship.