Rohan McWilliam

Professor Rohan McWilliam holds the position of Professor of Modern British History and Course Leader for the BA (Hons) History at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). He is affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Cambridge. His roles include Director of the Labour History Research Unit, editor of two book series, and reviews editor for the Journal of Victorian Culture. McWilliam’s research focuses on the West End of London, Victorian studies, Labour history, and popular culture. He has supervised notable PhD students and contributes to interdisciplinary approaches blending history with literature and media studies.

Education:

• DPhil, University of Sussex, 1990
• MA, University of Sussex, 1983
• BA (Hons), University of Sussex, 1982

Research Interests: McWilliam explores the West End’s evolution as a pleasure district, Victorian cultural and political history, Labour Party dynamics, and the intersection of history with film and literature. His work highlights interdisciplinary methodologies, such as examining Elsa Lanchester’s bohemian networks and the legacy of E.P. Thompson’s historiography.

Key Contributions: He has authored/co-authored influential books like London's West End: Creating the Pleasure District, 1800-1914 and edited volumes on Edward Lloyd’s publishing empire. His articles analyze topics from Victorian populism to 1980s Labour politics. McWilliam’s media engagements include appearances on BBC Radio and Sky News, discussing historical figures and contemporary political issues.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Labour History Research Unit, organizing conferences and publications on Left politics in modern Britain. Also serves on editorial boards for journals like the London Journal and the Journal of Victorian Culture.