Talks Archive
Programme 2016 - 2017
China, the Modern Nation
by Jane Macartney
Date: Tuesday 27 September 2016
In the 20th century few countries experienced such dramatic political, social and cultural change as China. The recently retired China Foreign Correspondent for The Times is well placed to offer an exciting new account of its recent history.
Without Let or Hindrance: the story of passports
by Martin Lloyd
Date: Tuesday 11 October 2016
The evolution of an indispensable, if sometimes taken-for-granted, document.
Tombs and Brasses of Medieval England
by Professor Nigel Saul
Date: Tuesday 25 October 2016
New Members’ Reception
An overview of the types of tombs and brasses to have come down to us from medieval England illustrated as far as possible from examples in Somerset and Wiltshire.
Apothecaries, Pills and Potions: the history of dispensing
by Professor Tilli Tansey
Date: Tuesday 8 November 2016
This talk tells the fascinating story of pills and potions since 1850.The Samanids, rulers of Central Asia: Art and culture
by Dr Katherine Hughes
Date: Tuesday 22 November 2016
This illustrated talk will introduce the dynasty of the Samanids, rulers of an Early Islamic empire (819-1005 AD) covering modern-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and parts of Iran.
Historical Pageants: from Sherborne 1905 to Olympic Stadium 2012
by Professor Paul Readman
Date: Tuesday 6 December 2016
Members’ Christmas Evening
Twentieth century historical pageantry, from its origins in Sherborne to the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony.
The First World War and the Church of England in Oxfordshire
by Dr Mark Smith
Date: Thursday 12 January 2017
A new interpretation of the local impact of war on the Church as seen through the eyes of the clergy
Better than Church: the history of pubs and brewing in Sherborne
by Barry Brock
Date: Thursday 26 January 2017
This illustrated talk traces a vital theme in the economic and social history of our town.
Ernest Bevin: from Devon Farm Boy to Foreign Secretary
by Professor Andrew Thorpe
Date: Thursday 9 February 2017
From humble south-west origins, Ernest Bevin rose to become a minister in Churchill’s war cabinet and Labour Foreign Secretary 1945-51
Russian Apocalypse: the tragedy of the last Romanovs
by Peter Warwick
Date: Thursday 23 February 2017
The momentous events in Russia 100 years ago are retold by one of our most popular speakers
Tudor Women in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
by Dr Roberta Anderson
Date: Thursday 9 March 2017
What John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells us about commemorating religious persecution under Mary I and Tudor women and religion
Lady Margaret Beaufort, the 'Red Queen'
by Dr Mark Nicholls
Date: Thursday 23 March 2017
Margaret Beaufort (1443-1509), unofficial ‘Queen Mother' for her son Henry VII, was an eminent background figure in the Wars of the Roses and a great educational benefactress to Cambridge and Wimborne.
