Douglas Hamilton

Professor Douglas Hamilton is a historian specializing in enslavement, emancipation, and the eighteenth-century British Atlantic empire at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). He serves as Head of History and holds fellowships from the Royal Historical Society and Higher Education Academy. His research emphasizes the Caribbean, the Royal Navy’s role in African enslavement, and imperial dynamics. Recent projects include The Royal Navy and Slavery in the Caribbean, supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the National Maritime Museum.

• Educational Background: MA(Hons), PhD

Research interests include Caribbean enslavement, Atlantic World studies, island empires, and imperial history. He collaborates with institutions like the National Maritime Museum and has published in leading journals such as International Journal of Maritime History.

His work explores the Royal Navy’s complicity in slavery, including suppression of uprisings and enforcement of colonial control. Current projects analyze naval policies and their impact on enslaved populations.

• Awards: Fellowships from Royal Historical Society & Higher Education Academy

Advises postgraduate students on 18th-century history, including Caribbean enslavement and maritime history. Supervised research projects funded by AHRC and government grants. Collaborates with the National Maritime Museum and AHRC on historical research initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Culture and Creativity Research Institute and Sheffield Creative Industries Institute, focusing on interdisciplinary historical research.