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How did a French Huguenot exile end up writing the history that shaped how England understood its own political parties? This episode traces Paul de Rapin-Thoyras's History of England and its role in the emergence of Whig and Tory identity — connecting directly to the broader story of eighteenth-century political faction this show keeps coming back to.

🎓 A milestone moment in the PhD journey…

Last term, I had the privilege of delivering my first presentation of my doctoral research at the Humanities Research Day at the University of Buckingham — and what a moment it was.

Presenting “Moderation and Memory: Rapin de Thoyras and the Making of English Party” felt like more than just an academic exercise. It was the first time my work stepped out into the world — tested, shared, and given voice beyond the page. 

💭 To stand and articulate months (and years!) of thought — on party, moderation, and the strange, indeterminate nature of the English constitution — was both daunting and deeply rewarding.

Rapin asks us: if England is neither monarchy, aristocracy, nor democracy… what is it? And from that question emerges my broader argument — that political parties are not failures of the system, but necessary expressions of it.

📚 This presentation marked a turning point:

•  From research to communication 
•  From private writing to public argument 
•  From uncertainty to a growing confidence in my work 

Most of all, I felt incredibly proud — not just of the ideas themselves, but of reaching a stage where I could contribute meaningfully to the wider academic conversation.

Here’s to many more discussions, debates, and discoveries ahead.

#PhDLife #IntellectualHistory #UniversityOfBuckingham #HistoryOfIdeas #AcademicJourney

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