Academy to Arena - 19th Century Cornwall: Popular Protest, Religion and the Path to Brexit

Beyond the Text

Welcome to the debut episode of Academy to Arena, a captivating podcast within the Beyond the Text series. Join me as we delve into the dynamic intersection of political theory and real-world battles, exploring how ideas can transform into impactful change.
In this episode, we embark on a fascinating journey through a paper presented at the University of Exeter during my undergraduate studies. Unveiling the intriguing relationship between dissident faith, embodied by Methodism in Cornwall, and political action, we unravel the influence of these dynamics on the landscape of political battles. From inspiring uprisings in the fishing industry and tin mines to shaping idealistic forms of politics and identity across the Duchy, the exploration of this unique connection sheds light on the complexities of societal transformation.
While socialist and materialist protests made a modest entrance, the enduring prominence of political identity and idealistic forms of protest remained steadfast throughout the peninsula. By the conclusion of this paper, a compelling suggestion emerges — that this historical narrative may have contributed to the robust support for Brexit in the 2016 referendum, with a focus on identity trumping more material aspects of politics.
Join me in unraveling the threads of this intellectual quest, inspired by Nick Darke's play, The Riot, and guided by the insightful supervision of Professor Timothy Cooper. Together, we navigate the intricate landscape where academia meets the arena of real-world political discourse. Tune in and explore the transformative power of ideas on Academy to Arena.