Staff Spotlight: Dr Jessica Purdy

Blog written by Dr Jessica Purdy. Jess is an Associate Lecturer in Early Modern History. Her research focuses on the social history of early modern England, particularly as it concerns the history of libraries and of reading, education and identity.

I first fell in love with history, and the Tudors in particular, when I was eight years old. I was asked to do a project on Henry VIII in primary school, and I felt like the bee’s knees because my dad helped me to do it on Microsoft Word whilst most of my classmates’ projects were handwritten. Both of my parents continued to indulge my obsession with history – and still do to this day, no matter how much they grumble about me ‘already having enough books’. (Side note: is it even possible to have too many books?) As a teenager, I could often be found either with my nose buried in a book about the Tudors or watching the latest episode of some Tudor-based documentary with my dad. As an adult, not much has changed, except that I now spend a lot of time in castles and palaces as well (with occasionally animated discussions with the staff).

My love of history inspired me to pursue a degree in the subject, during which I spent time studying everything from the Norman Conquest to the Crusades to the Wars of the Roses and, of course, my beloved Tudors. After graduating with my undergraduate degree in 2014, I took a two-year hiatus from education before returning to pursue an MA in Library and Information Management, perhaps thinking I could pursue a career that would allow me to indulge in my other passion: reading! But a chance meeting with one of my former history lecturers led me to a PhD scholarship for a thesis on the history of parish libraries and reading practices in early modern England, which I completed in 2021.

My first lectureship was at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2021, and I joined the University of St Andrews in 2022, but I began teaching as a PhD student. It didn’t take me very long to realise how much I love it. For me, there’s nothing more exhilarating than a classroom of engaged and passionate students who are interested in discussing and debating all things early modern. I find my interactions with students really enriching and fulfilling, and I hope to be able to continue teaching for many years to come! When I’m not teaching on the Tudors or early modern social history, my research continues to focus on the history of libraries, books and reading. I’m currently thinking about the ways in which the books people read can help shape their identities and understand the world around them.

In my spare time, when I’m not reading or dragging people around castles, I enjoy a good hike around the Scottish countryside. I can’t lie: I’m something of a fair-weather hiker and I’ve yet to brave the Scottish elements on a hike. I much prefer to stay in and do some cross-stitch on a rainy day, with a nice cup of tea, a bit of chocolate and a good film!

Read more at the St Andrews School of History blog.