Trust Your Struggle: Professor Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol Department of History

“I look at students who don’t come from common backgrounds, especially those who feel they don’t fit in, and I worry for them because I’ve been there” - Professor Ronald Hutton
In this video Professor Hutton narrates his progress from humble beginnings to his gruelling years at Cambridge. He is now is one of the leading history academics in the country.
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Trust Your Struggle (TYS)
University can be a difficult time for students, especially during exam season. But trusting your struggle means accepting and believing that everything you are going through now will work out for your good later.
To round up Mind Your Head Month (a campaign to stimulate conversations about mental health) Bristol SU international student officer teamed up with the student media company InHouse Media to release the TYS videos. They feature the university stories of a diverse mix of staff at Bristol University that all students can relate to in some way.
The TYS videos were generously funded by the Alumni Foundation.

[@davidigo3271]

You exude humility Professor Hutton. Thank you for being so genuine. You’re admired by many.

[@malpreece5008]

I’ve had the pleasure of attending a number of Professor Hutton’s lectures at Bristol. I’ll never forget the time when he was about to begin a lecture on King Henry VIII and the computer system failed. He couldn’t access his notes nor his power point presentation, so he gave the entire lecture off the cuff and it was brilliant!

[@thisisit3333]

Prof Ronald Hutton is not only one of my favourite lecturers, his voice is like Lorazepam, and helps me combat anxiety attacks.

[@elainedejong2806]

I love you Ronald Hutton. You are a dear, dear man. Your presence brings joy in even the darkest of days. You are indeed a hero - my hero.

[@cletushatfield8817]

Dear Prof Hutton, I only came to this video via the KZbin algorithm and your appearance in some other videos (Tudor et al) on the Absolute History channel. I'm sorry to hear about your experiences early in life. I know that I am not alone in thinking that you are an absolute gift to humanity and that we have been and will hopefully continue to be enriched by your contributions. Your mark on history may not be Newtonian, but whose is and besides, there's still time. There's an unusually powerful charisma in your voice and it's a good time to get into podcasts, audiobooks, even narrating videos and the like. Plus a lot of us would like to see more living history type shows. I'm 100% positive that you have an audience already on the edge of their seats should you be at all tempted. Respectfully, Cletus in America

[@janedesmond5154]

This man is a 100% legend!!

[@lonitbonit5618]

I love listening to natural storytellers speak. Even when he's discussing his struggles in life, I'm enthralled and clinging to his every word. How wonderful it must be to have him as a professor.

[@Brokout]

A real national treasure, we are blessed to have you Ronald!

[@helenamcginty4920]

I know my mother had dreams of all her children going to an Oxbridge university. (We were working class and benefitted from the UK education system ) but we all disappointed her in some ways. She had even brought us up speaking RP on our Lancashire council estate do we wouldnt be laughed at later on. (We were laughed at at 5 and 6 yrs old instead but she didnt know that). But listening to you talk of your struggles I am pleased that my path never took me to Oxbridge as I dont think I could have coped as well as you. Especially in your 3rd year when your mother was so ill.. I landed in art school where I actually felt I belonged and where my odd mood swings were not as odd as some others. Thank you for your quiet honesty.

[@ReltubTheWiz]

I love you Ronald Hutton! I've seen you on TV with Ruth. I hadn't realised how challenging your early life was. I brought my child up alone in a council flat, where I don't fit in. Never quite managed the academic career I would have liked, but I adore the internet. I can discover virtually anything I want. It has been a privilege to listen to you speak. Bless you!

[@StephanieSoressi]

It made me cry just to hear such a marvelous man acknowledge & care about those bullied about. That entire bully hoard cannot begin to compare to his honor, his constitutional strength of character, his backbone. The dynastic rich will be our downfall; and those like Hutton our saving grace.

[@luciantargett6548]

I am sooo proud of you Prof Hutton. I know what bullying is like. Thank goodness we have you in the OBOD! You are very much appreciated. Blessed Be x

[@22poopoo]

I've always been interested in this man from history documentaries. His eccentric demeanor and warm wizardy voice. Then saw a few interview on KZbin which made me more interested. What a strong and determined man. Kind and wise. What a sweet man, a treasure.

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

I am so moved by his early life struggle. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jrhenry686]

What a complete gentleman. Quite lovely

[@martynlee7473]

Sir, I've always admired you as a man of great knowledge and insight. I have now learned that you are also a man of incredible determination and substance.

[@katrussell6819]

The music is too loud. Great content. I love Ronald.

[@stephb1221]

A complete treasure, this man. 💕

[@connorjohnstone6420]

What a star you are, Professor Hutton. Your honesty and articulation - outstanding.

[@THINKincessantly]

♥️from Tejas...Saw him on Tales from Green Valley and The Professor has been a favorite of mine ever since...

[@petejennings425]

Touching and warm, as I'd expect from the man who I very much respect in so many ways.

[@michaelchandler490]

A genuine voice that honestly relates experiences that are of immense help to anyone attempting the obstacle course of university. Well done.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Inspiring story. Made me realize how most others in similar situations did not make it.

[@michaellawrence2762]

Great guy . He is an inspiration.

[@SorchaSea]

Thank you, Prof Hutton, for that honest, compassionate, and thoughtful reflection; so important a consideration in the continuing massification of higher ed.

[@clairerobsin]

'Take from me all but my most bitter experience, 'tis from these I have learned the most'

[@margyrowland]

Very generous disclosure that will surely give hope to others who don’t fit in but want to Love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@robertpoustie5561]

Dear Ronald, Thank you so much for sharing your life story. I found your interview inspiring, reassuring, and inspiring. Brightest Blessings

[@auggiet8380]

Prof Hutton, I admire and respect you so much. Your passion for your subject matter is palpable, and I have learned so much from you via documentaries and online lectures. You are truly a treasure. Thank you for all that you do. ❤

[@ladyjusticesusan]

Thank you for your honesty and candor in delivering such a wonderful and encouraging message.

[@markmywords99]

Absolute top bloke

[@greggoreo6738]

He's a modem Day Reslient Benjames Franklin! Jolly Good, Professor! an honor to meet you on you Tube! Respectfully submitted for your consideration Gregg Oreo Long Beach CA etats unis

[@missk1942]

I love listening to anything at all when narrated by him, the content, his voice, his humour just so soothing for the mind and spirit.

[@astrogypsy]

Love this guy. Just began reading his works last fall.

[@chrish2277]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Professor Hutton is always wonderful to listen to.

[@athenassigil5820]

I've read a number of his books and enjoyed them very much! I'd also add his program on Gerald Gardner, the founder of Gardnerian Wicca, very insightful! I also enjoyed Pagan Britain, fascinating look into what constitutes paganism then and now and the lack of historical lineages between the two.But his compassion and understanding for both is quite illuminating.

[@darkisland04]

Good on you, Professor Hutton! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and insights. I know from my own experiences as a teacher that sharing one's life experiences and counsel is an important part of the mix as well.

[@BillOdyssey]

Didn't think it was possible to love him any more, but on hearing his story...

[@ladyrotha5420]

What a wonderfully inspiring interview.

[@chandongallagher4973]

Wholesome.

[@danhurley6152]

This man is a national treasure. I was fortunate to have Anton Bantock as my history teacher also in Bristol these two are cut from the same cloth special people 😊

[@diannehardwick950]

So WELL done!❤️

[@free_gold4467]

Lovely man.

[@barryballinger5912]

Professor Hutton you are truly an inspiration to how we should live thank you x

[@lindaetue87]

Thank you for sharing Dear Soul🙏💕

[@yvonneweavers2092]

Liked Ron since his appearance on Ghost Hunters dvd set. Re The Battle of Marston Moor (1644)..

[@JB-mz3eo]

I'm really inspired by this man, I live in Bristol and have encountered him quite a few times. He spoke at the recent Quest conference organised by Marion Green. He did a really interesting talk about dragons.

[@KernowekTim]

Naturallt talented; genius hard earned. Professor Hutton is not only a genius, he is also, now, a National Treasure, of sorts, in my opinion.

[@peterleprevost2154]

How very fortunate your students are. I ‘met’ you thru Absolute History, and now will look into your writings. Thank you! S.

[@sandrarickards886]

I have passed this on to my son. Thank you

[@julieconrad9820]

An inspiration.

[@irishelk3]

Thanks. I have seen him in a couple of interesting shows, never knew he had such a hard life, I can relate.

[@francesneville606]

The music is drowning out his voice.

[@eddielindaa]

My deepest respect U are a wonderful person Like u I also didn't fit in... But I fought...so did u.... Love your humorous and poetic side too... Thank you.

[@pollyrg97]

I always sort of assumed he came from a background of privilege. Can't believe how far I was from the truth!

[@penfloyd]

Wonderful Speaker.....I share that sense of history... especially the Stuarts. Gunpowder Plot,Civil Wars. and Restoration........

[@hindsighter]

I'll use this video as ASMR to relax.

[@remervision]

Brilliant!

[@cauldron1951]

Music's too loud, can't hear him. What a shame that his compassion is wasted due to a silly soundtrack.

[@oracleofaltoona]

such an interesting man

[@amcgee0668]

. . . What was mentioned about the possibility of experiencing a nervous breakdown at University is true.

[@harlotteoscara686]

❤️ from America.

[@Survivethejive]

My family also lived in Ooty and I am a pagan

[@JB-rl4ik]

Same here! A few of us then.

[@user-bh4rx8mf8g]

When I was growing up, Professor Hutton seemed to get a run out in pretty much every programme I watched (which, I suppose, says something about my interests) and I confess that always thought he was a bit of an affected steamer. It has really only been in the last year or so that I have come to appreciate the true brilliance of his scholarship. Watching this video has added still further to my admiration for him.

[@garyharley3868]

What a great person you deserve a knighthood sir

[@51394547]

He may very well deserve a knighthood, but in our present society Ant and Dec would take precedence over Ronald Hutton. It's a mad sad world we live in.

[@nightmisterio]

Posted in my birthday that might be a good sign because I wish to speak to him... History yes I wish to talk about that 😊

[@unbalancedcrank]

Sorry? Speak up - I can't hear you for the annoyingly loud music track!

[@jaimejaimeChannel]

Editor: Please reduce interim music bits to the level of the speaker, or less, so we don't have to ride the volume in order to listen. Thank you.

[@maryhitchcock4847]

The volume of the music takes away from listening properly

[@samrowbotham8914]

I believe everything is determined and that free will is like this physical world an illusion. It's all simulated meaning there must be a programmer.

[@markdpricemusic1574]

Legend. All he needs now is a few encouters with the Devil and a blood feud and he will have his own Saga, like Sæmundur The Learned.

[@CAM-fq8lv]

Wonderful human being. Music is annoying and unnecessary addition to a lovely interview.

[@avikal55]

Did Professor Hutton go to Amsterdam, I didn't follow that bit? I'm. A fan btw,

[@gerhardheydrich3146]

RH should be deemed a National Treasure .....but not quite so sure about Bristol S.U with their spelling of 'university' at 6.28!!!!

[@lisaklozenberg6408]

Wonderful inspiring interview. However, come on guys, no excuse for the typo at 6:30..........and please turn that intrusive soundtrack down

[@Mrbrbusby]

I had the privilege of attending the “water buffalo” school as an undergraduate and graduate. The U. of Pennsylvania. My grandfather was fond of saying I took one ship over and took the next back to fight the people I grew up. I struggled with French all my life. I had a little GF from Côte d’Ivoire who tutored me. My grades went from C’s to A’s, I’m not fluent but nearly so thanks to Lisalle. I asked her what do you think about these Israelis calling these black girls the N. word in Hebrew. Lisalle said what do you think about American Jews calling us the N. Word in English? Think about it. 🇬🇧#HumanRights. #CHARLESIII

[@jamesvitale333]

This is a good interview with Professor Hutton. But the background music is too loud and completely distracting. And I’m not sure who thought breaking up the Professor’s speech with the music getting even louder and more obnoxious during the breaks was a good idea. Very disappointing.

[@22genghis]

Ridiculous! For anyone with hearing difficulties difficult to hear what Prof. Hutton is saying over the totally unnecessary music! What is the point of music in a one person non-dramatic dialogue ????

[@teresadragstream8648]

Music is SUCH a distraction.

[@51394547]

What is the point of the music accompaniment? It is an offensive distraction and does nothing to enhance the Q&A.

[@dylanakent]

Wonderful interview but kill the music. Totally distracting and unnecessary.

[@avab803]

Music too loud, can’t concentrate on what he’s saying.

[@daveallen-fp1rr]

shame about the acoustic guitar , too loud

[@gobstoppa1633]

if ya got a trumpet blow it.

[@anneonimouse]

Please ditch the loud music, it’s so unnecessary!

[@marienissanka9657]

The music is too loud and over-powering - it's actually really annoying as the man himself is very soft spoken. A lesson in how not to make interview videos.

[@moniqueduval6441]

Hello Professor Hutton! I love this interview, my first encounter with you began with the documentaries in which you appeared with Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn etc. You're wonderful! What a privilege it would be to sit in your classroom!

[@seande1855]

Truly inspiring ! I've always admired Mr.Hutton since his first appearances in documentaries. Hearing his challenges and tests creates such a sincere portrait ; not lacking the depth of that beautiful soul that sprang forth from cultivating the mind . Bravo Sir , you earned every bit of your success . May kindness, and continued courage carry you all your days .