Following the “How Filthy Were the Romans?” episode of Betwixt the Sheets, I wanted to let @k8lister.bsky.social know that we have “shit graffiti” in Britain too. This plaster was found at a Roman Villa site near Colchester and says “Cacas” which means “you are shitting”. Maybe from a latrine wall…

This is such a tough question. Though instinctually I would say Spirited Away. I love pretty much all of them, but Spirited Away I have seen many times and on stage, so it has a very special place in my heart.

Found out today that a book I had been planning to write, and had pitched to a publisher, has essentially already been done in the last few years… Back to the drawing board 🙃

I miss living here 💙

And at the moment has a rather fetching alligator companion on it!

Or, the eruption happened in October/November as more archaeological evidence is starting to suggest… www.livescience.com/archaeology/...

Happy Birthday, J R R Tolkien. Born on this day in 1892. Forever immortalised…on my right calf.

Had a wonderful wander around @nationaltrust.org.uk Anglesey Abbey today. Managed to catch their Christmas decs before they go away again for the year.

They will never let you down

Had a wonderful wander around @nationaltrust.org.uk Anglesey Abbey today. Managed to catch their Christmas decs before they go away again for the year.

I’ve been reflecting on my year and the huge number of things that have happened. So here’s a run through of some of the highlights… 🧵

Exciting news!!! YOU’RE DEAD TO ME returns tomorrow for series 11 We launch with an episode about Emperor Nero, with the stellar cast of @wmarybeard.bsky.social & @pattonoswalt.bsky.social It’ll only be available in the UK on BBC SOUNDS for the first month, then globally on other apps after

If you haven’t already, check out Jack’s year-long thread of queer history. So many fascinating stories proving that “we have always been here”. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🎉🎊👏

I’ve been reflecting on my year and the huge number of things that have happened. So here’s a run through of some of the highlights… 🧵

Share a great female villain.

As we approach the end of 2025, I’ll share some of my top 3s for 3 of my common pastimes. -Film 🎬 -Series 📺 -Video Games 🎮 Feel free to share your own!

“Play Tales of the Shire.” They said. “It’s a nice cosy and cute game for the winter.” They said. Tales of the shire:

“Play Tales of the Shire.” They said. “It’s a nice cosy and cute game for the winter.” They said. Tales of the shire:

It’s a bit bleak today, but starting my fitness journey with a long walk around Colchester. Manifesting by sharing on here and hoping the people in my phone hold me accountable. 2026 is the year I finally get in shape! 💪🏋️‍♂️🏃‍♂️

At my mum’s for Christmas and drinking from my (ancient) Disney on Ice cup that I got in the 90s. #ItBelongsInAMuseum

Finally started Katabasis and it’s MAGNIFICENT! -A descent into the underworld. -A magical version of Cambridge University. -Tolkien references in the first few pages. It’s like @rfkuang.bsky.social made this book for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Decided to get my final festive drink of the year from Pret, as everywhere else was so busy. I immediately regretted it 🤢

"Come ... It is time to keep your appointment with The Snowman."

Historic facts!

How I’m turning up to the Bluesky Christmas Party.

Leopard print Santa with thigh high boots is certainly something you’d still see in Essex today. Maybe down the pubs on Christmas Eve.

Did medieval people buy each other Christmas gifts? New Year's Day was the main gifting day, but little is known about everyday people's present giving. Our project on London's customs records has uncovered a wealth of affordable items imported around this time: gloves and hats to toys and rattles🧵

This image feels kind of like a teaser for what’s happening at Colchester Museums next year… Oops, I’ve said too much! 😬🫢🤫

Morning.

I’m sure this has done the rounds before, but it’s got me thinking again. Christmas is the time for musicals and TV specials, so what’s your favourite musical episode of a (typically non-musical) aTV series? Mine is Xena’s “The Bitter Suite”

A couple of weeks ago I took my, what has now become, annual visit to @stedscath.bsky.social to light a candle for family and friends who won’t be here this Christmas. Each year this ceiling wows me! Faith aside, it’s no wonder buildings like this instil a sense of awe and wonder.

I’m sure this has done the rounds before, but it’s got me thinking again. Christmas is the time for musicals and TV specials, so what’s your favourite musical episode of a (typically non-musical) aTV series? Mine is Xena’s “The Bitter Suite”

In the build up to Christmas, here’s a medieval (sort of) cracker. These roundels have beautiful decorations and some text, usually a quote or poem. They would be face down on tables during a meal, and used to cut fruit on. When the meal was over, you turn them to reveal this beautiful surprise.

In the build up to Christmas, here’s a medieval (sort of) cracker. These roundels have beautiful decorations and some text, usually a quote or poem. They would be face down on tables during a meal, and used to cut fruit on. When the meal was over, you turn them to reveal this beautiful surprise.

Can’t tell whether this is a super secret teaser or a dig at the comms/marketing team 😅

Spot on… poomang.com/en/t/mycolor...

Spot on… poomang.com/en/t/mycolor...

Still struggling for a gift idea for your friends and family this Christmas? Why not give a copy of 50 LGBTQ+ Finds! Give the gift of queer knowledge this year. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🎄🎁 www.amberley-books.com/50-lgbtq-fin...

Io, Saturnalia!

Io, Saturnalia!

Don't steal pies this Christmas.

Buy my bloody book 'Queer As Folklore' this Christmas... otherwise you're getting coal. 😠 manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781807070397/

Still struggling for a gift idea for your friends and family this Christmas? Why not give a copy of 50 LGBTQ+ Finds! Give the gift of queer knowledge this year. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🎄🎁 www.amberley-books.com/50-lgbtq-fin...

Artemis Claws says you’re on the naughty list.

After all these years it’s still one of the most magical shows ever to hit the West End. The current Wicked cast are absolutely phenomenal. So good to be back! 💚🩷 (Also, the real villain of the Wicked franchise is Boq, don’t @ me)

Wonderful addition to the Christmas tree this year. 😍😈😘

After all these years it’s still one of the most magical shows ever to hit the West End. The current Wicked cast are absolutely phenomenal. So good to be back! 💚🩷 (Also, the real villain of the Wicked franchise is Boq, don’t @ me)

Colchester Castle is full of graffiti. Many of it in the form of names, but there are plenty of drawings too. This ship was carved into one of the gaol cell doors. Sadly these can’t be dated, but the door is over 300 years old.