HISTORY COURSES
Welcome to our History section! We offer a wide range of classes for you to explore and learn from. Take a look at our selection and find the perfect fit for your interests and schedule.
We can't wait to see you in class!
Join Dr.Mark Barnard for his insight into the American Revolution
As General Cornwallis and his British redcoats went into captivity after surrending to the American colonists at Yorktown on 19th October 1781, British bands played the popular tune at the time ‘The World Turned Upside Down.’
Precursor to one of the world’s most formative events whose legacy is still being felt today, its ideals enshrined with the 1776 Declaration of Independence have served as hope, inspiration and disappointment for millions since. But why did such a significant event occur and how did France shape events? Was king George III really an incompetent tyrant as the Americans often potrayed him? Could Britain have prevented the breaking away of the colonies? Did the world really ‘turn upside down’ for Britain?
From the first shots at Lexington to the surrender at Yorktown, the course covers the main causes, controversies and consequences of the conflict for America, Britain and France.
Redcoats & Rebels:
How Britain ‘Lost’ America
The Archaeology of the Vikings
in the Midlands
Come along and join Olga for this brand-new course exploring the Viking Age through state-of-the-art archaeological research.
Discover the world of the Danelaw and examine what the trowel and spade have revealed over the past century. Step by step, we will explore a series of themes and place them within a clear historical timeline, helping to build a fresh picture of Viking Age England.
The main focus will be on the changes that took place when the Vikings chose to settle in the Midlands, becoming part of local communities as immigrants, farmers, craftspeople and traders.
Drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries and scientific techniques, the course will also consider contemporary written sources, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the lives of saints.
From the burials of great warriors at Repton and an ordinary Viking woman at Adwick-le-Street, to the objects discarded by farmers and craftspeople at Cottam, we will uncover the everyday lives of those who lived in the region.
We will also explore the Viking response to Christianity at Bakewell and examine the development of important settlements at Torksey, Aldwark and Viking Lincoln.
Together, these discoveries will help reveal the real world of the Vikings in the Midlands.
Despite the revolutions, political upheavals and social unrest that seemed to erupt throughout the 19th century, along with the humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, France remained at the forefront of artistic, cultural and technological innovation.
This was the France that gave the world the first photograph, Impressionism, the first public cinema screening, Bizet’s Carmen, Art Nouveau and, of course, the cancan—a dance that evolved from the lively working-class dance halls of Paris into an enduring symbol of the Belle Époque and the “Naughty Nineties”.
The course also explores Baron Haussmann’s dramatic transformation of Paris, the glamorous and often scandalous world of the great courtesans, and the political tensions surrounding the infamous Dreyfus Affair.
Illustrated throughout with paintings, satirical cartoons, film clips and musical extracts, this engaging course offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most colourful and influential periods in French history.
France 1815 - 1915
The Gunpowder Plot
Treason, Terror and Bonfire Night
Remember, remember the Fifth of November
The Gunpowder Plot: Treason, Terror and Bonfire Night
Remember, remember the Fifth of November...
Join us as we uncover the dramatic story of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, one of the most famous conspiracies in British history. A group of Catholic plotters sought to assassinate the Protestant King James I and destroy Parliament, intending to place his nine-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth, on the throne and raise her as a Catholic queen.
We will explore the religious and political tensions that divided England and Europe, the succession of James I following the death of Elizabeth I, and the lives of the conspirators themselves—particularly the charismatic Thomas Catesby and the now legendary Guy Fawkes.
Discover how the plot was planned, why it failed, and how carelessness, betrayal and bad luck brought the conspirators to ruin. We will also follow the story beyond the discovery of the plot, examining the desperate actions of those who still believed their cause could succeed.
Finally, we will look at the origins of Bonfire Night and the traditions and commemorations that have kept the memory of the Gunpowder Plot alive for more than four centuries.
A fascinating tale of faith, politics, intrigue and rebellion that continues to capture the imagination today.
The Six Wives of Henry VII
We all know the names of Henry VIII's six wives—but how well do we really know the women behind the history?
Join Sandra as we explore the lives of these remarkable women from their own perspective. Were they simply victims of an ambitious king and the powerful men who surrounded him, or did they play a far greater role in shaping their own destinies than history has often suggested?
Throughout the course, we will examine their backgrounds, education, beliefs and family connections, while exploring the impact each had on the political, social and religious landscape of Tudor England. We will also consider how the dramatic changes of the 16th century influenced their lives and examine a range of primary and secondary sources to discover how their stories have been interpreted through history in literature, art, film and television.
Five hundred years after they lived, the six wives of Henry VIII continue to captivate audiences around the world. This fascinating course offers a fresh and thought-provoking look at the women behind one of history's most famous kings.
The Stars of Hollywood Musicals
Stars of the Hollywood Musical
Join David Price for a nostalgic journey through the golden age of the Hollywood musical, celebrating the stars who brought music, dance and glamour to cinema screens from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Discover the lives and careers of legendary performers including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson and Rita Hayworth, alongside some lesser-known talents whose contributions deserve to be remembered.
Featuring memorable film clips and television appearances from later in their careers, this entertaining course offers a fascinating insight into the personalities behind the performances and the films that captivated audiences around the world.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of movie musicals or simply enjoy the stars of Hollywood's golden age, this is a course not to be missed.
What impact did the Great War have on Nottinghamshire and its people?
This fascinating course explores how the First World War affected individuals, families and communities across both Nottinghamshire and the city of Nottingham. Using letters, diaries, official records, battlefield maps and other contemporary sources, we will uncover the personal stories behind a conflict that changed lives forever.
We will examine how local men and women experienced the war, both on the front line and at home, and consider the lasting impact of a conflict that touched almost every family and community.
Participants are encouraged to bring along any family records, photographs, letters or other memorabilia they may have, helping to create a richer picture of how this "war to end all wars", as H.G. Wells described it, left few untouched by tragedy.
An engaging and thought-provoking course that brings Nottinghamshire’s wartime history vividly to life.
Nottinghamshire & World War One
Piers, Bandstands and a Stroll
Along the Prom!
The British seaside has a long and colourful history. Join us for a nostalgic journey along the promenade as we explore how the seaside became one of Britain's best-loved institutions.
This entertaining course traces the development of the traditional seaside holiday, from humble fishing villages transformed into bustling resorts by the arrival of the railways, to the golden age of piers, promenades and pleasure gardens.
Discover how piers evolved into centres of entertainment, how bandstands, brass bands and floral pavilions became an essential part of the seaside experience, and why generations of holidaymakers flocked to the coast in search of relaxation, recreation and fresh sea air.
Packed with fascinating stories, historic images and seaside nostalgia, this course celebrates a treasured part of Britain's social history.
Join Dave as he takes you on a journey and focuses on the conflict in the Middle East through a study of the relationship between Arab and Jews in Palestine between 1917 to 1972.
During the course the following themes will be considered:
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Competing Claims to Palestine
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The secret diplomacy during WW1 and the Balfour Declaration
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The League of Nations Mandates in the Middle East
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British rule in Palestine 1919 -1939
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How WW2 and the Holocaust influened Zionism
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The creation of Israel and the 1948 war
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Arab - Israeli wars between 1956 -1967 and the spread of terrorism
The Establishment of the State of Israel
From Balfour to Black September
Day Talks and Courses
Jeanne Poisson, better known as the favoured and influential mistress of King Louis XV of France, Madame de Pompadour has become synonymous with mid 18th Century French decadence and extravagent backcombing hair-styles.
Drawing a deal of criticism, Frederick the Great of Prussia, for instance, remarked she was little more than the ‘plaything’ of the king. But what was she also renowned for?
Did she have a detrimental or benign political and cultural influence? What was her alleged link with the RAF’s ‘dam-buster’ 617 squadron?
Join Dr Mark Barnard to hear the full legacy of the ‘beautiful and adored commoner’ who became the King’s ‘minister of pleasure’.
Madame de Pompadour: More than a Mistress??
A Christmas Carol and the Reinvention of Christmas
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol remains one of the most beloved and heart-warming festive stories ever written. A timeless tale of redemption, generosity and goodwill, it has delighted readers for generations and inspired countless adaptations for film, television, theatre, musicals and even ballet.
In this enjoyable and thought-provoking course, we will explore A Christmas Carol in the context of Dickens’ wider Christmas writings and examine why the story has retained such an enduring appeal. We will also discover how Dickens helped transform Christmas from a largely rural celebration into a festival suited to the rapidly growing towns and cities of the Industrial Revolution.
Along the way, we will consider the social concerns that inspired the novel, the memorable characters that populate its pages, and the lasting influence Dickens has had on the way we celebrate Christmas today.
A perfect course for the festive season, combining literary appreciation, social history and plenty of Christmas spirit with one of Britain’s greatest novelists.
The Mary Celeste: Mystery on the High Seas
The story of the Mary Celeste is one of the greatest mysteries in maritime history, but the true story is even more fascinating than the many myths and legends that have grown around it.
Join Bob as he explores the remarkable history of the ship, from its unlucky early career to the mysterious voyage of November 1872 that made it world-famous. Discover what is known about the crew and passengers, the extraordinary circumstances in which the vessel was found abandoned, and the official investigation that followed.
Separating fact from fiction, this engaging talk examines the evidence, the theories and the most likely explanation for one of history's most enduring maritime mysteries.
Dick Turpin: The Man Behind the Myth
Few historical figures have been transformed by legend as completely as Dick Turpin. The real man was not the dashing, romantic highwayman of popular imagination, but a ruthless and often violent criminal whose enduring reputation was largely created long after his death.
Join us as we separate fact from fiction and discover the true story of one of Britain's most infamous outlaws. Explore Turpin's early life, his criminal career, and how Victorian writers and popular culture turned him into a heroic folk figure, complete with the legendary ride to York.
This fascinating talk reveals the history behind the myth and uncovers the real Dick Turpin—a far more complex and intriguing character than the legends would have us believe.
Jack Sheppard: Britain's First Celebrity Criminal
If Dick Turpin was Britain's greatest criminal myth, then Jack Sheppard was Britain's first celebrity criminal—perhaps the closest the 18th century had to Harry Houdini.
Join Bob Massey as he tells the remarkable story of a man whose fame came not from his crimes, which were relatively ordinary burglaries and thefts, but from his astonishing ability to escape from prison time and time again. His daring escapes captivated the public and turned him into one of the most famous figures in Georgian London.
Discover how Sheppard's exploits captured the imagination of the nation, why London became obsessed with him, and how he became Britain's first true media celebrity.
A fascinating one-day course exploring crime, celebrity and one of the greatest escapologists in British history.
Dick Whittington: The Man Behind the Legend
Join Bob Massey as we uncover the true story of Dick Whittington and discover how history and legend became intertwined over the centuries.
The real Dick Whittington was Richard Whittington (c.1354–1423), a wealthy medieval merchant, philanthropist and politician. Far from being the poor orphan boy of the famous tale, he was born into a prosperous Gloucestershire family before travelling to London to build an extraordinary career in trade.
Discover how Richard Whittington rose to become Lord Mayor of London not three times, as the legend suggests, but an astonishing four times, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.
This fascinating one-day course separates fact from fiction and reveals how, in many ways, the real Richard Whittington was even more remarkable than the legend.
Southampton: Gateway to Britain
From the Romans to Jane Austen and the Spitfire, Southampton has played a remarkable role in Britain's history.
For centuries, the city has been a gateway to the Continent in both peace and war. It served as a major port for the embarkation of troops during both World Wars and, in more peaceful times, became synonymous with the great ocean liners and modern cruise ships.
Yet Southampton's story is about far more than its port. It is also a city rich in history, heritage and legend, home to tales of the legendary Sir Bevis of Hampton and his giant companion, Ascupart, alongside centuries of commerce, culture and innovation.
Join Dr Mark Barnard as he explores the fascinating history of his university city and discovers why Southampton has remained at the forefront of Britain's story for nearly two thousand years.
Southampton
Chester- a Poor Mans York?
Deva Victrix or Chester is one of England’s oldest cities, boasting Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre. Today though it is perhaps more well-known for shopping within its Tudor two-level covered arcades known as The Rows and its race meetings. But it has a surprisingly varied past.
Why were the Romans interested in settling here and what are its Viking and Welsh connections? Who built the Castle and who were it’s prisoners? What are the alleged stories behind the ‘ladies of ill-repute’ in The Boot Inn and what happened here during the English Civil War?
Join Dr Barnard to hear why Chester is York’s historical and perhaps even aesthetic equal.
Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” — Albert Einstein