Jessica Sharkey

I am an Associate Professor of Early Modern History specialising in Tudor politics, the origins of empire, and Anglo-European diplomatic relations. I currently serve as Deputy Head of the School of History and History of Art and Director for Teaching and Learning Quality.  I previously held research fellowships at Wolfson College, Cambridge, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC. My academic background includes a PhD and MPhil from Clare College, Cambridge, and an MA (Hons) from the University of St Andrews.  I am deeply committed to high-quality teaching and have received multiple awards for my work with students. Beyond the university, I contribute regularly to public history through invited lectures and various advisory roles.

I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate early modern history.  I have taught across a wide range of subjects from Imperial Rome to the Wars of the Roses, but I specialize in sixteenth-century England and its relations with Europe and the wider world.

Tudor history; the origins of empire; Anglo-European diplomatic relations

Deputy Head of School, History and Art History (2025 - )

Director of Teaching and Learning, School of History and Art History (2024 -)

PhD in History, Clare College, University of Cambridge (2008)

MPhil in Early Modern History, Clare College, University of Cambridge (2004)

MA (Hons) in History, St Andrews University (2003)