Talks Archive
Programme 2023 - 2024
The Battle of Britain – Close call for Europe!
by Sir Christopher Coville
Date: Thursday 26 September 2024
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.
1918: The Last Hundred Days, How Some Devon Newspapers Re-ported Events
by Robert Hesketh
Date: Thursday 10 October 2024
This talk shows how Devon newspapers reported the dramatic events of the Great War’s final phase day by day.
Byzantium and the fall of Constantinople.
by Professor Jonathan Harris
Date: Thursday 24 October 2024
The last days of Byzantium as its impregnable capital city was besieged by the Ottoman Sultan in May 1453.
FETING THE FINNS
by CHRISTOPHER MASSY-BERESFORD
Date: Thursday 7 November 2024
1918-2018 – 100 YEARS OF INTREPID INDEPENDENCE
Brunel – Father, Son & Grandson
by Bill McNaught
Date: Thursday 21 November 2024
The talk explores the lives of three generations of one of the greatest Victorian engineering families, and their remarkable achievements.
How can we know the personality of a medieval king: the case of Henry III (1216-1272)
by David Carpenter
Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
The talk shows how unique source material enables us to come very close to the personality of a medieval king.
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.
Resistance to Slavery in Western Mali
by Dr Marie Rodet
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.
Prison for the Poor - Gainsborough House, Dorset’s old bridewell
by Barry Brock
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.
William Wilberforce: Myths and Reality
by Dr Mark Smith
Date: Thursday 29 February 2024
An introduction to the real William Wilberforce as revealed in his manuscript diaries and journals.
The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis examined.
by Mr. Ian Fraser
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.
