Helen McCarthy at St. John's

How will history tell our stories?

24 March 2025

Historian Helen McCarthy helps us make sense of our recent past. She infuses her subjects – from working mothers to modern retirees – with urgency and personality. 

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Samuel Pepys’ fashion prints reveal his love of fancy French clothes

22 July 2024

A collection of French fashion engravings offers precious new insights into the life of Samuel Pepys years after his premature final diary entry. The prints show the tailor’s son remained fascinated by the power of fashion long after he had secured wealth and status. But they also expose Pepys’ internal conflict over French style.

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