Richard Gaunt

I work on late eighteenth and early nineteenth century British history, with a particular specialism in the political and electoral history of the age. My research interests have encompassed work on national political figures such as Sir Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington and Benjamin Disraeli as well as individuals with a strong Nottinghamshire connection, such as the 4th Duke of Newcastle (of Clumber Park) and William Edward and Godfrey Tallents (solicitors, land stewards and political agents of Newark).

I have specialist research interests in the use of biographies, diaries and autobiographies and maintain scholarly interests in the political cartoons and caricatures of the age. These have given rise to publications in a range of academic and general readership outlets, to reviews and review articles and to exhibitions.

I have also developed a number of web-based applications, drawing on my research in the manuscripts and special collections held at Nottingham, in particular, a website exploring political themes from the time of the 4th Duke of Newcastle including working class unrest, electioneering and issues relating to Ireland.

I curated the exhibition Charging Against Napoleon. Wellington’s Campaigns in the Peninsular Wars and at Waterloo which runs at Lakeside Nottingham until 6 September: http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/special-collections/event/2860/charging-against-napoleon.html