Pardon me if this has already been mentioned, but I am convinced that the
best place to do a PhD in British history is in Britain; access to archives,
the PRO, the British Library--all of these are essential. In my experience
hiring committees look more favourably on British degrees for British
specialisms. Admittedly, it involves considerably financial sacrifice for
many students, but in the past few years an impressive array of research
studentships and part-time teaching have become available for postgrads at
British Universities. Speaking personally, I had a choice of tenure-track
positions even before the degree (from a newish British school) was even
awarded; I am convinced that this would not have been the case had I done my
degree in North America.
S. Mumm
York University, Toronto