Adyan Sharda

Adyan Sharda started his PhD in Modern History (Reformation Studies) in September 2023 under the supervision of Professor Andrew Pettegree and Dr. Arthur der Weduwen. Adyan's research focuses on Roman Catholicism in England in the post-Reformation period, spanning the reigns of Elizabeth I to Charles I. His PhD thesis, entitled 'The Manuscript and Material Culture Renaissance in Post-Reformation English Catholicism, Elizabeth I to Charles I' explores how books, manuscripts, and devotional items sustained the Roman Catholic community during this era of religious persecution.

Specifically, Adyan investigates the role the Jesuits and other missionary priests played in facilitating the importation of books into England and their creation of underground Catholic networks. Moreover, his analysis on the reception and popularity of English Catholic writers in Counter-Reformation Europe showcases the transnational nature of English Catholicism, in contrast to much scholarship which emphasises its insularity and domestication. Besides his primary research, Adyan is fascinated by church history more broadly, especially the history of the Puritans and the development of Christianity in the New World.

Adyan previously studied for his BA in History at King's College London (2018-21) and his MPhil in Early Modern History at the University of Oxford (2021-23). Besides his PhD research, Adyan works for the Universal Short-Title Catalogue, the largest bibliographical database of printed material.