Masculinity and the British Army officer

Dr Catriona Kennedy provides an insight into masculinity and the army at the turn of the 19th century.

During the 18th century, recurrent wars with France had promoted a conception of British national identity as martial and masculine. Yet many officers who served with the British Army during this period would find it difficult to live up to their manly ideals.

Drawing on the rich collection of personal writings by officers in our archives, Dr Catriona Kennedy will explore how martial masculinity was practised and understood from 1793 to 1815.

Dr Catriona Kennedy is a Senior Lecturer in Modern British and Irish History and Director of the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies at the University of York.