On Thursday 27th November, the English Department welcomed Dr. Éadaoin Agnew, Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for English at Kingston University, to share her expertise on Gothic Literature with our A-Level English students. In her lecture, ‘Dracula and the Imperial Gothic’, Dr. Agnew provided fascinating insight into the literary, cultural and political contexts of Stoker’s seminal novel, illustrating how, as much as it evinces our fear of the monstrous, it also reflects many of the social anxieties of the late Victorian era. As Year 12s are about to begin studying Dracula, and Year 13s are consolidating their study of the Gothic as they reach the end of their studies, Dr. Agnew’s visit was a timely one and greatly appreciated by staff and students alike.