Ben Marsh

Dr. Ben Marsh is a Senior Lecturer in American History at the University of Kent’s School of History, affiliated with the Rutherford College. He holds positions in multiple research centers, including the Centre for American Studies, Centre for Heritage, and Centre for Indigenous and Settler Colonial Studies. Previously, he taught at Brunel University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Stirling. His research focuses on the social and economic history of the Atlantic World (1500–1820), early American settlement, gender and race history, and textile history. He has authored books like Georgia’s Frontier Women (2007) and Unravelled Dreams: Silk and the Atlantic World (2020), which won the Natalie Rothstein Prize (2014). Beyond academia, he directed the University of Kent’s Faculty of Humanities Public Engagement (2016–2018) and leads initiatives like the Age of Revolution educational project. His work has featured on BBC Radio and in international exhibitions like the Enlightened Princesses display.

Education:

• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees, Downing College, University of Cambridge

Research Interests: Marsh explores intersections of political economy, utopianism, and colonialism through textile history. Current projects include a microhistory of 18th-century geophagy in Savannah River Lutherans, Kent’s historical ties to slavery, and a digital tool to contextualize heritage collections’ imperial legacies. His work on silk culture has been supported by grants from the AHRC, Carnegie Trust, and others.

Publications & Awards: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, edited volumes, and chapters. Notable awards include the Natalie Rothstein Prize (Textile Society) and AHRC Research Fellowship (2013).

Teaching & Supervision: Teaches Atlantic World, American Revolution, and early U.S. history. Supervises postgraduates on topics like loyalism in Georgia, dark heritage in Salem, and European/Native American perceptions of physiognomy.

Professional Roles: Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; committee member, Historical Association (Canterbury); and contributor to Waterloo200’s educational initiatives.