Dr Victoria Bateman's banner

Dr Victoria Bateman

@vnbateman • 58,727 subscribers

Author of #Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth & Power (an FT Best Book 2025). Resident economic historian @BBCRadio4 #UnderstandTheEconomy.

Videos

Anya Rossi

sweetdream.ai

SweetDream.ai•Sponsored•Livecam

Watch Anya Live

Anya is streaming live right now! Join her private show and enjoy exclusive content.

Exclusive private shows

1.2k viewers online

Private Show

Join now for exclusive access

Free preview available • Premium content

I’m feeling incredibly exposed now, walking naked along this road in central London, but of course what I’m trying to do is to expose the way that #Brexit has left Britain naked and alone on the world stage, just as I am naked and alone here now. I’ve just got to hope that the IEA lets me in quickly, as I don’t really want to be stood out here for long. #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

I’m feeling incredibly exposed now, walking naked along this road in central London, but of course what I’m trying to do is to expose the way that #Brexit has left Britain naked and alone on the world stage, just as I am naked and alone here now. I’ve just got to hope that the IEA lets me in quickly, as I don’t really want to be stood out here for long. #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Dr Victoria Bateman

1,138,331 views • 5 months ago

Here I am, walking naked through the streets of Bath, in the outfit chosen by the roll of my Brexit Anniversary die: just a comfortable pair of shoes. It’s not what I would have ideally chosen to wear for my #Economica interview today, but the whole point of leaving my clothing decision to the die is to reflect our loss of personal freedom - particularly freedom of movement - since Britain left the EU, and the way Brexit has left Britain exposed and vulnerable on the world stage. I’ve now made it to the cafe for my interview. I’m delighted to say that they have let me in despite the fact that I’m completely naked, and I feel a lot more comfortable in here than I did naked and alone on the streets of Bath. I hadn’t quite realised how long the walk was from my hotel, and how busy the centre would be once I got here, but I’m proud to be spreading my message about the damage that Brexit has done to the UK. I’ve just ordered a cup of tea, and the journalist is arriving now, so I’ll update you again later. #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Here I am, walking naked through the streets of Bath, in the outfit chosen by the roll of my Brexit Anniversary die: just a comfortable pair of shoes. It’s not what I would have ideally chosen to wear for my #Economica interview today, but the whole point of leaving my clothing decision to the die is to reflect our loss of personal freedom - particularly freedom of movement - since Britain left the EU, and the way Brexit has left Britain exposed and vulnerable on the world stage. I’ve now made it to the cafe for my interview. I’m delighted to say that they have let me in despite the fact that I’m completely naked, and I feel a lot more comfortable in here than I did naked and alone on the streets of Bath. I hadn’t quite realised how long the walk was from my hotel, and how busy the centre would be once I got here, but I’m proud to be spreading my message about the damage that Brexit has done to the UK. I’ve just ordered a cup of tea, and the journalist is arriving now, so I’ll update you again later. #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Dr Victoria Bateman

634,275 views • 4 months ago

Well that was quick-fire questioning - under 30 minutes and I’ve run out of clothes to take off. Next time I’m being questioned by Anne-Sophie, I know to wear a lot more layers. But she still had another great question on the link between the success and failure of great civilisations, and their approach to women’s freedom. It won’t surprise you to hear that it’s those civilisations that most promoted women’s independence who flourished, and that when they restricted women’s freedoms they failed. #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Well that was quick-fire questioning - under 30 minutes and I’ve run out of clothes to take off. Next time I’m being questioned by Anne-Sophie, I know to wear a lot more layers. But she still had another great question on the link between the success and failure of great civilisations, and their approach to women’s freedom. It won’t surprise you to hear that it’s those civilisations that most promoted women’s independence who flourished, and that when they restricted women’s freedoms they failed. #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Dr Victoria Bateman

118,651 views • 1 month ago

Emerging from the comfort of the cafe where I had just enjoyed being interviewed about my book #Economica, the reality of having to walk back to my hotel completely naked suddenly hit me, and as the city was getting busier I took some of the quieter back streets to avoid the hordes of tourists. The closer I got to my hotel, the more not only did I ponder whether Georgian architecture and the female nude clash or complement one another, but also whether the hotel would let me back in like this (or if I might be left naked and alone in Bath with nowhere to go).

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Emerging from the comfort of the cafe where I had just enjoyed being interviewed about my book #Economica, the reality of having to walk back to my hotel completely naked suddenly hit me, and as the city was getting busier I took some of the quieter back streets to avoid the hordes of tourists. The closer I got to my hotel, the more not only did I ponder whether Georgian architecture and the female nude clash or complement one another, but also whether the hotel would let me back in like this (or if I might be left naked and alone in Bath with nowhere to go).

Dr Victoria Bateman

295,196 views • 4 months ago

Latest update… I’m now in central London and in a taxi on the way to the IEA, still in the outfit chosen by the die - a pair of comfortable shoes and absolutely nothing else. It’s even more daunting now I’m amongst the crowds of the capital, but I’m determined to stay true to my word and convey my message, even though it means baring all of my body today. IEA, here I come.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Latest update… I’m now in central London and in a taxi on the way to the IEA, still in the outfit chosen by the die - a pair of comfortable shoes and absolutely nothing else. It’s even more daunting now I’m amongst the crowds of the capital, but I’m determined to stay true to my word and convey my message, even though it means baring all of my body today. IEA, here I come.

Dr Victoria Bateman

323,591 views • 5 months ago

What would #JaneAusten think of me? Would she be horrified at the sight of a naked woman walking down the street where she once lived in this historic and beautiful city of #Bath? Or might she actually have approved? On the one hand, when we think of Austen we think of bonnets and ball gowns but on the other, her writing poked fun at British society, highlighting hypocrisies and ridiculing airs and graces, and some of her strongest female characters longed to break free of constraints, challenging the status quo. Which of Austen’s heroines could you imagine ripping off her corset and running wild through Bath? More than anything, I hope - if Austen is looking down on me from above - that she can have a good giggle. After all, she certainly had a good sense of humour.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

What would #JaneAusten think of me? Would she be horrified at the sight of a naked woman walking down the street where she once lived in this historic and beautiful city of #Bath? Or might she actually have approved? On the one hand, when we think of Austen we think of bonnets and ball gowns but on the other, her writing poked fun at British society, highlighting hypocrisies and ridiculing airs and graces, and some of her strongest female characters longed to break free of constraints, challenging the status quo. Which of Austen’s heroines could you imagine ripping off her corset and running wild through Bath? More than anything, I hope - if Austen is looking down on me from above - that she can have a good giggle. After all, she certainly had a good sense of humour.

Dr Victoria Bateman

259,717 views • 4 months ago

Well I can’t believe that I’m doing this, but here I go - out into the world leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. As Margaret Thatcher said, “The Lady’s not for Turning”, and nor am I - as I pledged, I am following the choice of outfit given by the throw of the die, and as I am naked and alone in London, I will be thinking about just how naked and alone Britain is now we have left the EU. Wish me luck today, and if you’re in London and see me (I’ll be hard to miss), do come and say hello.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Well I can’t believe that I’m doing this, but here I go - out into the world leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. As Margaret Thatcher said, “The Lady’s not for Turning”, and nor am I - as I pledged, I am following the choice of outfit given by the throw of the die, and as I am naked and alone in London, I will be thinking about just how naked and alone Britain is now we have left the EU. Wish me luck today, and if you’re in London and see me (I’ll be hard to miss), do come and say hello.

Dr Victoria Bateman

250,673 views • 5 months ago

Let me confront this question head-on: Am I damaging the tone of the beautiful city of #Bath by walking naked through its historic lanes and crescents? Does the female nude jar against the Georgian architecture, or is it the perfect counterpoint to the masculine buildings? And just how liberal were the #Georgians? A few thoughts as I meander through the city wearing nothing but a (comfortable) pair of shoes, trying to distract myself from the fact that I’m naked in a city known for the bonnets and ball gowns of #JaneAusten.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Let me confront this question head-on: Am I damaging the tone of the beautiful city of #Bath by walking naked through its historic lanes and crescents? Does the female nude jar against the Georgian architecture, or is it the perfect counterpoint to the masculine buildings? And just how liberal were the #Georgians? A few thoughts as I meander through the city wearing nothing but a (comfortable) pair of shoes, trying to distract myself from the fact that I’m naked in a city known for the bonnets and ball gowns of #JaneAusten.

Dr Victoria Bateman

197,072 views • 4 months ago

And a truly great question - why didn’t I write a history just of women, rather than a global history that includes women? My answer is fundamental to my philosophy - if I write men out of history, I’d be making the same mistake as histories written by men, about men, and for men. History is about all of the population, not half of it. Women need to be at the heart of it and not on the periphery. But with such a great question also came the end of my clothes - no prizes for guessing what I have to take off next. #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

And a truly great question - why didn’t I write a history just of women, rather than a global history that includes women? My answer is fundamental to my philosophy - if I write men out of history, I’d be making the same mistake as histories written by men, about men, and for men. History is about all of the population, not half of it. Women need to be at the heart of it and not on the periphery. But with such a great question also came the end of my clothes - no prizes for guessing what I have to take off next. #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Dr Victoria Bateman

56,830 views • 1 month ago

Can a topless book signing be #feminist? I’ve had so many lovely conversations during my month long protest against #Brexit - to mark the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum - but this is one of my favourites. It was Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop - a conversation that touched on Greek gods and #goddesses (and the double standards goddesses faced), the artistic genre of #nudewithbook (including my own painting by Anthony Connolly), why women are expected to choose between their bodies and their brains, how confidence grows with age - and how my younger self would have been terrified of my older self. With huge thanks to the team at Blackwells Oxford, where you can find signed copies of my book #Economica - the copies I’m signing in the video in fact - in store now. #womenwealthpower

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Can a topless book signing be #feminist? I’ve had so many lovely conversations during my month long protest against #Brexit - to mark the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum - but this is one of my favourites. It was Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop - a conversation that touched on Greek gods and #goddesses (and the double standards goddesses faced), the artistic genre of #nudewithbook (including my own painting by Anthony Connolly), why women are expected to choose between their bodies and their brains, how confidence grows with age - and how my younger self would have been terrified of my older self. With huge thanks to the team at Blackwells Oxford, where you can find signed copies of my book #Economica - the copies I’m signing in the video in fact - in store now. #womenwealthpower

Dr Victoria Bateman

161,414 views • 3 months ago

Just my luck, my taxi dropped me nowhere near my destination so it was a bit of a walk to BBC Cambridgeshire this morning - but at least I had my comfy shoes on #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Just my luck, my taxi dropped me nowhere near my destination so it was a bit of a walk to BBC Cambridgeshire this morning - but at least I had my comfy shoes on #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Dr Victoria Bateman

183,975 views • 4 months ago

Going out of this door today and shutting it behind me is going to be one of the hardest things I have done, as the choice of the die was for me to bare every part of my body for an entire day in #Cambridge. I know from being there yesterday in my EU flag dress that Cambridge is incredibly crowded at the moment and - given growing pedestrianisation - requires a long and very public walk in and out of the city. Doing this naked fills me with dread, but I take courage from the fact that however unpleasant what I do today might be for me, I am delivering my message with force: #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Going out of this door today and shutting it behind me is going to be one of the hardest things I have done, as the choice of the die was for me to bare every part of my body for an entire day in #Cambridge. I know from being there yesterday in my EU flag dress that Cambridge is incredibly crowded at the moment and - given growing pedestrianisation - requires a long and very public walk in and out of the city. Doing this naked fills me with dread, but I take courage from the fact that however unpleasant what I do today might be for me, I am delivering my message with force: #BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Dr Victoria Bateman

163,531 views • 4 months ago

It’s almost 10 years since Britain voted to leave the EU, when I spent the day completely naked at Cambridge University. A decade on, I’m in Barcelona on #EuropeDay - a time to celebrate Spain’s 40 years in the EU. There’s no doubt that Brexit still leaves Britain (& me) naked.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

It’s almost 10 years since Britain voted to leave the EU, when I spent the day completely naked at Cambridge University. A decade on, I’m in Barcelona on #EuropeDay - a time to celebrate Spain’s 40 years in the EU. There’s no doubt that Brexit still leaves Britain (& me) naked.

Dr Victoria Bateman

206,331 views • 6 months ago

I’m in #Oxford now, walking to Blackwell’s Bookshop to sign copies of the new paperback release of my book #Economica 📗. As per my pledge to mark the 10th anniversary of the #Brexit referendum, my outfit was chosen by the roll of a die this morning, so I’m here wearing only a skirt, baring my breasts against Brexit. I’ve done the best I can to protect my modesty, but I hadn’t thought through how difficult it would be to cover myself whilst holding a selfie stick and a handbag.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

I’m in #Oxford now, walking to Blackwell’s Bookshop to sign copies of the new paperback release of my book #Economica 📗. As per my pledge to mark the 10th anniversary of the #Brexit referendum, my outfit was chosen by the roll of a die this morning, so I’m here wearing only a skirt, baring my breasts against Brexit. I’ve done the best I can to protect my modesty, but I hadn’t thought through how difficult it would be to cover myself whilst holding a selfie stick and a handbag.

Dr Victoria Bateman

115,553 views • 4 months ago

And if some periods of history were difficult to research, which ones were easiest? Of course, as the questions from Anne-Sophie kept coming, so my clothes kept coming off. Farewell my lovely skirt… #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

And if some periods of history were difficult to research, which ones were easiest? Of course, as the questions from Anne-Sophie kept coming, so my clothes kept coming off. Farewell my lovely skirt… #economica Rendez-vous-histoire

Dr Victoria Bateman

32,994 views • 1 month ago

An update on today’s naked protest - with huge thanks to my interviewer and also to the people of Bath. I’m now off to take a bath (in Bath)…#BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

An update on today’s naked protest - with huge thanks to my interviewer and also to the people of Bath. I’m now off to take a bath (in Bath)…#BrexitLeavesBritainNaked

Dr Victoria Bateman

98,184 views • 4 months ago

Follow me to enter the world famous #NorringtonRoom Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop. While it’s probably not every day that a topless woman walks in and browses the book selection before signing books, since this “underground book room” (as it was initially called) opened in the “swinging sixties” - the time of the sexual revolution, the mini skirt and #thekinks - who knows what tales the bookshelves could tell, if only they could talk. With huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Blackwell’s Bookshop, Oxford. Signed copies of #Economica 📗 are now in store.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Follow me to enter the world famous #NorringtonRoom Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop. While it’s probably not every day that a topless woman walks in and browses the book selection before signing books, since this “underground book room” (as it was initially called) opened in the “swinging sixties” - the time of the sexual revolution, the mini skirt and #thekinks - who knows what tales the bookshelves could tell, if only they could talk. With huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Blackwell’s Bookshop, Oxford. Signed copies of #Economica 📗 are now in store.

Dr Victoria Bateman

98,896 views • 4 months ago

Now onto economic history questions, starting with the difficulty of finding sources in early and pre-history, which allows me to make my point that economic history is - quite literally - written on women’s bodies. I should add that you might think I’d be taking my skirt off next to protect my (upper body) modesty for as long as possible. But you don’t know how much I love this skirt - which I also wore at the London launch of #Economica at the National Portrait Gallery - so I’ll do anything to keep it on a bit longer. #economica 📗 Rendez-vous-histoire

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Now onto economic history questions, starting with the difficulty of finding sources in early and pre-history, which allows me to make my point that economic history is - quite literally - written on women’s bodies. I should add that you might think I’d be taking my skirt off next to protect my (upper body) modesty for as long as possible. But you don’t know how much I love this skirt - which I also wore at the London launch of #Economica at the National Portrait Gallery - so I’ll do anything to keep it on a bit longer. #economica 📗 Rendez-vous-histoire

Dr Victoria Bateman

30,218 views • 1 month ago

I’m home, after a day baring all of my body against #Brexit. It feels good to have a dress back on but whilst I’m now comfortable, Britain is still naked and alone in the world, and will be until the government starts the process of rejoining the EU. Thank you again to the team at the #IEA today, and if not before I’ll be posting another roll of the die - and the result - on Thursday.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

I’m home, after a day baring all of my body against #Brexit. It feels good to have a dress back on but whilst I’m now comfortable, Britain is still naked and alone in the world, and will be until the government starts the process of rejoining the EU. Thank you again to the team at the #IEA today, and if not before I’ll be posting another roll of the die - and the result - on Thursday.

Dr Victoria Bateman

110,402 views • 5 months ago

Following my #Economica book signing, I’m leaving Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop now to head to a meeting, but couldn’t resist some book shopping before doing so. I’m now realising that carrying a bag of heavy books (as well as a handbag and selfie stick) makes it even harder to stay covered up and, as you can see, even the back streets of #Oxford are busy today (and there are so many builders at work). But, I am keeping to my pledge, wearing just a skirt all day.

Sensitive content

This media may contain sensitive content.

Following my #Economica book signing, I’m leaving Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop now to head to a meeting, but couldn’t resist some book shopping before doing so. I’m now realising that carrying a bag of heavy books (as well as a handbag and selfie stick) makes it even harder to stay covered up and, as you can see, even the back streets of #Oxford are busy today (and there are so many builders at work). But, I am keeping to my pledge, wearing just a skirt all day.

Dr Victoria Bateman

95,184 views • 4 months ago