Hannah Barker

Hannah Barker is Professor of British History at the University of Manchester, where she has been based since 2000 after previously lecturing at Keele University and Worcester College, Oxford. She serves as Director of the John Rylands Research Institute and Chair of Manchester Histories, a charity dedicated to heritage projects in Greater Manchester. Her academic work spans the Department of History within the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

Professor Barker's research focuses on the late Georgian period and early industrial revolution in Britain, with particular emphasis on the north of England. Her work spans economic, social, and cultural history, with significant contributions to gender history, business history, and the history of religion. She has pioneered research on family businesses during industrialization, women's economic agency, and the intersection of faith and urban development. Her methodological approach incorporates digital humanities, material culture studies, and the history of emotions.

Her recent publications reveal a trend toward interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in digital humanities projects that connect academic research with community heritage. The 'Our Heritage, Our Stories' project demonstrates her commitment to developing AI tools for cultural heritage, while her work on the Mary Hamilton Papers showcases expertise in historical correspondence and women's networks. Her research consistently bridges historical scholarship with public engagement through partnerships with institutions like the National Trust.

• Social History Society's Book Prize (2019) for Family and Business During the Industrial Revolution
• Multiple major research grants from AHRC and ESRC totaling over £6 million
• Contributions to public understanding through media appearances with BBC, ITV, and The Guardian

Professor Barker has supervised 16 PhD students on diverse topics spanning from Georgian bachelorhood to textile production across centuries. Her grant portfolio includes significant projects like the £3.63m AHRC 'Towards a National Collection' grant and the £996,330 'Unlocking the Mary Hamilton Papers' project. She has established strong collaborative networks with institutions including the National Archives, University of Glasgow, and the National Trust.

Her current work centers on collaborative projects that connect historical research with community heritage initiatives, particularly through digital tools that make historical materials more accessible. The 'Our Heritage, Our Stories' project represents the cutting edge of her work in linking academic research with community-generated digital content.