Dr Rory M. Butcher

Well that's some fun news! My 1st article on #18thC history is now live: doi.org/10.1177/096834…. I argue that the fencibles' relationship with authority was fundamentally shaped by their limited service: in how justice was done and how men engaged with their officers /1

A complex man with a...nuanced legacy - and one who definitely deserves a biography (beyond Michael Fry's political analysis), biopic, and at least one podcast 👀👀👀

...less great if you wanted any oversight in central government (like many did, and indeed continue to do!) or he just didn't like you. It's little wonder he wasn't exactly welcomed back by all when Pitt regained power. /7

While I'm back in Edinburgh, likely for the last time while researching the fencibles, I thought I'd make a point of visiting this statue of Henry Dundas one final time. And why? Well, because Henry Dundas was fundamentally the reason the fencibles existed! /1

Small archiving win for the day: revisiting a source I struggled with the handwriting of 5-6 years ago, and now being able to read every word!

@SilenceInPolish So apparently the price of victory is 30% less than usual?

Currently 30% off via the Pen & Sword website: Pen and Sword Books: The Price of Victory - Hardback

@GraemeCallister What a shill. Are you in the pocket of Big Paperback now too? #hardbackforlife

On this day in 1815, Napoleon ordered the creation of two army corps to watch France's northern border. They would become I and II Corps of the Armée du Nord. Read more about I Corp's story in 'Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps' - now out in paperback! pen-and-sword.co.uk/Waterloo-The-A…

I'm curious - has anyone else incorporated elements of historical speech/writing into their own? I'll start. I now write "tho" and "altho" like many 18thC letter writers did, because I like how it looks in print and it's quicker to write. #history

A great pleasure to be invited to @History_Bham to speak about the dichotomy between professionalism and patronage in the fencibles! Some very insightful discussion and a lovely evening socialising afterwards #academiclife

@EarlOfTunis Very kind of you! A few immediate projects in the pipeline, and then yes hopefully...

@RMB_History Many congratulations Dr Butcher! Any signs of publication on the horizon?

And that's it! Over the last 4 and a half years I have carried out research in 28 archives across the British Isles, written a 100k+ word thesis, defended it in a viva, and at last my corrections are approved (and the thesis finally submitted). #phdone

I offer no further comment at this time. Brb adding dr to my name on here #vivadone #itsdoctoractually

Anyone can write a terrible first draft. Do you have the courage to write a terrible last draft

Viva in 36 hours....

@TDGNavalHistory @KKriegeBlog

@KKriegeBlog 12 years later…

Previously unreleased footage of the court of Louis XVI after the commencement of hostilities between the British and their rebel American colonists

One week to go until registration closes for this online conference I'm participating in. There might also be some fun news to share so would be lovely to see some friendly names in the attendees list (plus there's some amazing speakers scheduled)! fortticonderoga.org/ft_events/virt…