Dr. Ben Kaplan

Biography

Ben Kaplan holds UCL's Chair in Dutch History, a position that dates back to 1919 and reflects the close historical ties between Britain and the Low Countries, particularly Holland and Belgium. He fills this role with a broad, international comparative perspective, focusing on early modern Europe with an emphasis on religious history. Kaplan's research investigates the history of religious toleration and conflict during the European Reformations, particularly looking at how diverse religious groups coexisted. He explores the practicalities of life in religiously mixed communities and is interested in the social dynamics of various faiths, including their communal interactions, charitable sharing, and even sartorial similarities. This academic inquiry addresses crucial historical questions that remain relevant today. He actively supervises PhD students in early modern European religious history, guiding them through their research proposals.

Research Interests

Experience