Keith Gildart

Keith Gildart is a Professor of Labour and Social History at the University of Wolverhampton’s Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences. Previously a coal miner (1985–1992), he holds a DPhil from the University of York (1995–1998). His research focuses on 19th–20th century British history, labour movements, working-class politics, youth culture, and popular music. Notable works include Keeping the Faith: A History of Northern Soul (2020) and North Wales Miners: A Fragile Unity (2002). He has led major grants, including a £655,736 AHRC-funded project on the British coal industry’s legacy (2017–2020) and an international SSHRC-funded study on deindustrialization ($2.5M).

His research explores intersections of class, culture, and industrial decline. Key themes include coal industry history, the cultural politics of music (e.g., rock ‘n’ roll, northern soul), and deindustrialization’s social impacts. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and collaborates with museums, trade unions, and media outlets, appearing on BBC documentaries and contributing to public discourse on industrial heritage.

Teaching interests span modern British social history, youth culture, and the role of music in societal change. He supervises PhD students in labour history, coal industry studies, and cultural history. Current projects include analyzing post-war mining communities and the legacy of the 1984–1985 miners’ strike.