My research focuses on the cultural history of collecting, collections and antiquarianism in the long 18th century. I am currently leading a long-term project on the early history and collections of the Spalding Gentlemen's Society (SGS), Britain's oldest provincial learned society and second-oldest extant museum. My recent publications have focused on aspects of the SGS's early history, and I am currently working on two book-length projects related to the SGS's original collections and networks, and a larger study of the provincial Enlightenment.

I also maintain active teaching and research interests in medieval studies and medievalism. My first book, Anglo-Saxonism and the Idea of Englishness in Eighteenth-Century Britain, explores how early medieval English texts, objects and buildings were collected, interpreted and used to promote particular ideas about the relationship between Old English literature and culture, and a sense of a 'modern' English identity.

I collaborate with partners across the heritage sector, and specialise in public engagement and knowledge-exchange projects based on historic library, archive and museum collections. I supervise a range of student placements with arts, culture and heritage partners each year on behalf of the University.

I am currently co-supervising 7 PhD students and am always interested in hearing from prospective students about new projects, particularly projects that are collaborative and/or collections-based.