Philip Williamson (historian)

Philip Williamson is a British historian specializing in modern British political, social, and religious history, particularly of the period 1900-1945. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Church of England, interwar politics, and the Conservative Party.

Williamson was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he also held a research fellowship. He has held academic positions at the University of Durham and is currently an Emeritus Professor of History at the same institution.

His research has explored the complex relationship between the Church of England and British society during the 20th century, arguing for its continuing influence and role in shaping national identity. He has also made significant contributions to the understanding of British political culture in the interwar years, challenging traditional interpretations of decline and emphasizing the resilience of established institutions and values. His work often examines the role of elites and the persistence of traditional forms of authority in a period of significant social and political change.

Key Publications:

• Stanley Baldwin: Conservative Leadership and National Values (1999)
• National Crisis and National Government: British Politics, the Economy and Empire, 1926-1932 (1992)
• Religion and Social Class in Britain (edited with Hugh McLeod, 1994)
• Numerous articles and book chapters on British political, social, and religious history.

Williamson's work is characterized by its meticulous research, nuanced analysis, and engagement with historiographical debates. He is considered a leading scholar in his field.