Talks

The Battle of Britain – Close call for Europe!
by Sir Christopher Coville

The Battle of Britain – Close call for Europe!

Date: Tuesday 26 September 2023

The Battle of Britain determined not only the future of the United Kingdom, but also of Europe and arguably the whole of the western world.

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The Battle of Britain – Close call for Europe!

1918: The Last Hundred Days, How Some Devon Newspapers Re-ported Events
by Robert Hesketh

Date: Tuesday 10 October 2023

This talk shows how Devon newspapers reported the dramatic events of the Great War’s final phase day by day.

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Byzantium and the fall of Constantinople.
by Professor Jonathan Harris

Date: Tuesday 24 October 2023

The last days of Byzantium as its impregnable capital city was besieged by the Ottoman Sultan in May 1453.

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FETING THE FINNS
by CHRISTOPHER MASSY-BERESFORD

Date: Tuesday 7 November 2023

1918-2018 – 100 YEARS OF INTREPID INDEPENDENCE

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Brunel – Father, Son & Grandson
by Bill McNaught

Brunel – Father, Son & Grandson

Date: Tuesday 21 November 2023

The talk explores the lives of three generations of one of the greatest Victorian engineering families, and their remarkable achievements.

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Brunel – Father, Son & Grandson

How can we know the personality of a medieval king: the case of Henry III (1216-1272)
by David Carpenter

How can we know the personality of a medieval king: the case of Henry III (1216-1272)

Date: Tuesday 5 December 2023

The talk shows how unique source material  enables us to  come very close to the personality of a medieval king.

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Hardy and his world: in letters
by Professor Angelique Richardson and Dr Beth Mills

Date: Thursday 18 January 2024

The two speakers will combine to present an insight into Hardy’s world, via the reading of his correspondence. 

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Resistance to Slavery in Western Mali
by Dr Marie Rodet

Resistance to Slavery in Western Mali

Date: Thursday 1 February 2024

This presentation analyses how formerly enslaved populations in Western Mali have escaped slavery, rebuilt autonomous communities, and resisted legacies of slavery along the twentieth century.

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Resistance to Slavery in Western Mali

Prison for the Poor - Gainsborough House, Dorset’s old bridewell
by Barry Brock

Prison for the Poor - Gainsborough House, Dorset’s old bridewell

Date: Thursday 15 February 2024

This talk tells the story of Dorset’s old bridewell, located here in Sherborne, and what happened after its closure.

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William Wilberforce: Myths and Reality
by Dr Mark Smith

William Wilberforce: Myths and Reality

Date: Thursday 29 February 2024

An introduction to the real William Wilberforce as revealed in his manuscript diaries and journals.

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William Wilberforce: Myths and Reality

The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis examined.
by Mr. Ian Fraser

The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis examined.

Date: Thursday 14 March 2024

The talk will be delivered by Mr. Ian Fraser, a A surgeon who has moved on from clinical practice to teaching at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

More details about 'The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis examined.'