Talks Archive
Programme 2014 - 2015
Pompeii
by Dr Paul Roberts
Date: Tuesday 23 September 2014
A fascinating insight emerges into everyday life in the Roman Empire's best preserved city
The Norman Conquest
by Dr Marc Morris
Date: Tuesday 14 October 2014
Not only the famous events of 1066 will be re-examined but also their wider impact on England’s development.
Who’s coming from where? Different perspectives on the English Reformation
by Canon Eric Woods, Vicar of Sherborne
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2014
This great religious, social and political revolution in sixteenth century England has been totally re-written by modern Historians. How? And why?
(NB The text of Canon Eric Wood's talk is included below)
Turnpikes and Coaching Days
by Rob Curtis
Date: Tuesday 11 November 2014
The thrills and spills of travel in the South West before the modern era!
Surgery during the Napoleonic Wars
by Mick Crumplin
Date: Tuesday 25 November 2014
Himself a retired Surgeon, with a life-long interest in surgey during the Napoleonic Wars, Mick Crumplin delivers an exciting talk highlighting the reality of war
Good King Hal (Henry VIII)
by Mike Farley
Date: Tuesday 9 December 2014
Living History --- memorable Christmas Entertainment from a talented local Henry VIII 'look-alike' re-enactor
Cecil Beaton: My Fashionable Life
by Dr Ben Wild
Date: Sunday 11 January 2015
Beaton's personal style and legacy to 20th century male fashion are analysed in this pioneering talk by a member of the History Department of Sherborne School
Religion in 18th century England
by Dr Colin Haydon
Date: Thursday 22 January 2015
A key century of change was shaped by the Church of England, developments in Roman Catholicism and Non-conformity and the continuing strength of popular superstition and magic
Women in the RNLI
by Sue Hennessy
Date: Thursday 5 February 2015
The hitherto unknown story of the heroic role of women in saving lives at sea
Lady of the Palms and Paddy Fields: The life and work of Diana Ruth Wilson (1886-1969)
by Elizabeth Bletsoe
Date: Sunday 15 February 2015
A Sherborne Watercolourist in early 20th century, who made remarkable botanical drawings in India as a pioneer scientist and conservationist.
Ramsay MacDonald: Traitor or Hero?
by Professor Andrew Thorpe
Date: Sunday 15 March 2015
‘Ramsay Mac’ led Labour into its first Governments (1924 & 1929-31) but also to the disastrous 1931 split. He then headed the National Government (1931-5). Can he be forgiven by History?
Sir Walter Raleigh
by Dr Mark Nicholls
Date: Thursday 19 March 2015
The famous Elizabethan (and resident of Sherborne) is put under the spotlight of modern research