Log in
The Bristol department of Classics and Ancient History has long been well known for its work on the reception of antiquity. In addition to scholarly publication it has sponsored a great many public events on reception topics, bringing aspects of the classical heritage to the attention of diverse audiences. The first aspect of the impact therefore relates to "creating and interpreting cultural capital" (Main Panel D Criteria, para 84). The second aspect is the influence this research has had on education during the REF period in HEIs both in the UK and North America with respect to the undergraduate curriculum.
The Cabot Project, led by Dr Evan Jones at the University of Bristol, has raised public awareness of England's contribution to early maritime exploration, in the process challenging perceptions among both the public and schoolchildren about how history is researched and written. The Project's research has generated massive international news coverage, including numerous follow-up stories, written as a result of the positive response to earlier coverage, in both the mainstream press and popular history publications. Attention has focused on both the outcomes of the research and on the process of historical research and publication. Since 2013, the Project's `Schools Group' has used the team's research findings to contest accepted readings of history in local schools. Research conducted by Dr Jones led to his appointment as a trustee and Education Chair for the Matthew of Bristol Trust, which runs a replica ship that serves as an icon for the city and is an important heritage attraction.