Rose Wallis

Dr. Rose Wallis is an Associate Professor of British Social History and Associate Director of the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England. She holds dual affiliations with the ACE Department of Creative & Cultural Industries and the CATE School of Arts. Her research focuses on the intersection of law and society, with specializations in 18th/19th-century criminal justice, the English Magistracy, and regional governance in South West England. She co-leads the Humanities Research Group and collaborates with heritage organizations like Shire Hall and Creative Youth Network.

Her work bridges academic research with public engagement, including projects like The Courts (a digital heritage experience) and The Bristol Girls (documenting transported convicts). Recent media appearances include Channel 4's Britain Behind Bars and BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?. Key publications explore judicial responses to social protest, criminal justice heritage interpretation, and magistracy in Regency England.

Wallis teaches modules on crime, public history, and heritage practices, informed by her research. She has led community co-created projects such as the Story of Yeovil, blending oral histories and material culture. Grants include NLHF funding for heritage redevelopment initiatives.