Current Talks
I update my list of talks on a regular basis and produce new ones for significant historical anniversaries and events.
​If you would like a talk on a specific topic, or in a certain area, please get in touch and I will be happy to write one.
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Scroll down or click on a title to learn more about my talks.
‘America is lost!’
On the 250th anniversary of its declaration, American independence from the British perspective
In 1776, Britain faced an unprecedented crisis. Thirteen of its American colonies had banded together and declared independence. While the story of the American Revolution is familiar, few consider it from the British perspective. Why was Britain implementing the policies that enraged the colonists? What were British attitudes towards American resistance? How did losing the Thirteen Colonies affect Britain's economy, trade, and politics at home? What became of the tens of thousands of loyalists in America that opposed independence?
As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this talk explores how the American Revolution affected Britain politically, economically, and its standing internationally. It explains how the loss influenced Britain's subsequent colonial policy, leading to greater focus on India, Africa, and the Caribbean – ultimately redefining Britain's global role.
'No tolerance of undeserving rank and splendour':
The wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act I
The comedy and music of the Savoy Operas has ensured they remain popular to this day. Discover the witty commentary on contemporary Victorian society woven into the libretti. Uncover the thinly veiled satire of some of the plots, what motivated Gilbert to write certain operas, and unmask the characters which were deliberate parodies of specific Victorian politicians and notables.
The talk not only provides context to the operas, but also gives an insight into British society, culture, and world view in the Victorian era. If you enjoy Gilbert & Sullivan or are interested in British Nineteenth Century history – this talk and its second part are for you.
'I’ve got a little list of society offenders':
The wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act II
It is impossible to cover the wealth of satire and parody in the works of Gilbert & Sullivan in a single one-hour talk.
This is the second part of the exploration of the works of Gilbert & Sullivan, where the ’topsy-turvy’ world is a mirror reflecting Victorian society. In an era marked by rapid social and political change, Gilbert gave theatre-going Victorians topical themes and references, targeted the most revered institutions of British society, and lampooned well-known figures.
Learn more about late Nineteenth Century British history and the context to the Savoy Operas, including their smash hit The Mikado with ‘Act II’, which goes beyond ‘Act I’ – but has just as much humour and as many musical interludes.
From Domesday Book to listening in for doomsday:
Caversham Park’s 930 years at the centre of history
First recorded in the post-Norman invasion Domesday Book, Caversham Park has played a surprisingly central role in English, British and international history for nearly a millennium.
It was the seat of the so-called ‘best knight whoever lived’, who was related to the man who brought about the English conquest of Ireland. The Manor of Caversham was embroiled in the Reformation, was owned by cousins of Elizabeth I – who not only gave their name to current streets in Reading – but guarded Mary, Queen of Scots. Caversham Park both entertained the first two Stuart Kings and became a prison for Charles I. Learn about its role in the Glorious Revolution, and its connexions to the American War of Independence.
The estate became a refuge in the First World War, and was taken over by the BBC during the Second. Hear how it became a centre for intelligence throughout the Second World War, the Cold War and the ‘War on Terror’. This talk reveals how an estate on the north bank of the Thames was a surprising tour de force in global events from the Norman Conquest to the threat of Soviet annihilation.
A Study in Sherlock:
The Secrets Behind the World’s Most Famous Detective
This talk delves into the fascinating world of Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective and the real-life influences that shaped his creation. Doyle, a trained physician who served in the Boer War and had a keen interest in spiritualism, drew from his experiences and the tumultuous events of his time to craft the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
Today, Sherlock Holmes endures as a cultural icon, inspiring countless films, television series, and stage adaptations. With a global fanbase and numerous societies dedicated to preserving his legacy, Holmes continues to captivate audiences. A Study in Sherlock uncovers the mysteries behind the character’s creation, Doyle’s life, and the historic events that brought the world’s most famous detective to life.
The Titanic and her times
When news broke that RMS Titanic – the supposedly unsinkable ship – had sunk with the loss of 1,500 lives there was shock across the world. While there have been larger maritime disasters since, the tragedy of the then most luxurious liner ever to be built has been remembered in a way few other shipwrecks have.
This talk provides an insight into Britain and the international situation in the ‘Belle Époque’ before the First World War. It tells the story of the conception, construction, and fate of Titanic and her two sister ships. Developed and built in Belfast, learn about the fraught and violent political situation in what was then one of the most important industrial cities in the world.
The impact of the sinking (as well as the conspiracy theories that emerged) are discussed, and the clandestine Cold War reasons for the ship’s discovery revealed. I add stories of my family connexions to Titanic and the Belfast shipyards to explore her history and why over a century later Titanic is still claiming lives.
​​The Secret history:
Britain and the Cold War
This talk looks at the contribution and response of the UK to the Cold War. Starting in 1945 and continuing to Britain’s significant role in the collapse of the Soviet empire, it covers some of the most intense moments of the conflict.
Revealing the impact that global tension had on the UK as a whole, it takes the international conflict down to the local level; how would where you live have fared? Was your town or city on the Soviet target list?
The talk reveals how the various elements across society responded. Amongst other revelations it discloses clandestine arrangements, plans for secret bunkers, and how Britain was on the frontline of the global struggle between East and West. This talk covers the untold story of the local impact of the Cold War and HM Government’s plans for a post-apocalyptic Britain.
Opulence, Innovation, and Intrigue:
The history of the Orient Express​​
The Orient Express: Europe’s legendary luxury train whose very name evokes a world of glamour, espionage, and timeless intrigue. Conceived in 1883 by a Belgian engineer, this celebrated service quickly became the preferred route for Europe’s elite, transporting royalty, diplomats, adventurers, and spies across the continent.
Hear the remarkable true stories of passengers such as King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who insisted on driving the train himself; and the Orient Express’s role in the end of the First World War. Learn how intelligence services carefully monitored passengers on what became known as the Spies Express. Delve into how popular fiction, most famously Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, further embellished the train's mystique, creating an enduring blend of historical fact and captivating legend. This talk is an enthralling journey into the glamorous yet shadowy history of a train that defined an era.
'This is the room from which I will direct the war':
Churchill and the Cabinet War Rooms
In 1938 Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain gave the go ahead for the creation of ‘Central War Rooms’ – a top secret bunker from which the Government could safely fight another war should it come. On a tour of the bunker shortly after becoming Prime Minister, Winston Churchill stepped into the War Cabinet’s meeting room and said, 'this is the room from which I will direct the war'.
Hear how a collection of basement rooms under the Treasury building served as the centre of Britain’s war effort. What came to be known as the Cabinet War Rooms was occupied by leading government ministers, military strategists and Churchill. The talk takes you around the top-secret corridors of the War Rooms and provides an insight into what life was like in the bunker, the vital work carried out there, and Churchill – the man and war-time leader.
Cliveden House:
Power, politics, and Profumo
Explore the fascinating history of Cliveden, an elegant house designed by the architect of the Houses of Parliament, that has played a central role in British political and social life for centuries.
From the Duke of Buckingham to a Prince of Wales, it was at the centre of social life and political discourse in the 18th century. In the early 20th century, the estate gained further prominence through its association with the Astor family – notably Nancy, Lady Astor, the first female MP to sit in Parliament. Under the Astors, Cliveden became known as the meeting place of the ‘Cliveden Set’, an influential and controversial group of politicians, intellectuals, and aristocrats who were accused of pushing to accommodate Nazi Germany. The intrigue continued into the 1960s, with the notorious Profumo Affair – Britain's most infamous political scandal, involving glamorous socialites, espionage and prostitution allegations, it brought down the British Government.
From Partition to Protocol:
The history of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland was the sticking point over a negotiated deal to leave the EU. Teresa May’s government was dependent on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party – who objected to and helped bring down her exit deal. This talk explains why there is a ‘Northern Ireland’, its history, and why it was such a bone of contention for London and Brussels as the UK attempted to untangle itself from the EU.
To say the history of Northern Ireland is complicated would be an understatement. The talk covers the political developments producing Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists, the Troubles, the Peace Process, and Good Friday Agreement. Most relevantly, it explains the ‘Back-stop’, ‘Protocol’, and ‘Windsor Framework’: what they meant for the UK, why they have been problematic, and where we are today. Understanding the historical background is essential to grasping the complexities of the Northern Ireland issue as the UK and the EU seek a workable relationship and try to move forward.
The war that no one wanted:
The origins of the First World War
We have now marked the centenary of the outbreak and conclusion of one of the most shattering conflicts of the Twentieth Century.
This talk outlines the international developments that resulted in the First World War. It covers the unification of both Italy and Germany, the domestic situations in the great powers and key European players, the impact of empire-building and the situation in the Balkans. The intricacies of international relations in the period are explained for an understanding of why Europe was plunged into such a devastating war. Weaving these considerations together, it will put the First World War in context and explain why a dispute in south-eastern Europe was so quickly transformed into a fight to the death for the Continent’s great empires and powers.
‘This is not a peace. It is an armistice for 20 years’:
The origins of the Second World War
Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch accepted the German surrender in November 1918. The peace terms he advocated were so punitive that German would not have posed a threat to France again. According to Churchill, when he heard the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Foch responded: ‘this is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years’. He was proved right.
This talk covers the international and domestic chaos into which the once Great Powers were thrown by the First World War. It addresses the grievances of the defeated powers which led to the rise of extreme left and right-wing regimes. It outlines the political state of the victorious nations in the inter-war period, the impact of the Great Depression, the failure of the League of Nations, as well as the origins and effect of appeasement.
The Great War was supposed to be the war to end all wars. This talk explains why the most devastating conflict the world has ever known occurred a mere two decades later.
‘A terrible foe has been cast on the ground’:
The path to victory and VE Day 80 years on
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, this talk addresses not only the triumph but the struggles that led to 8th May 1945. VE Day was the culmination of months of brutal military campaigns, high-stakes diplomacy, and fraught political calculations.
Tracing the military momentum that led to Nazi Germany’s defeat – from the Allied landings in Normandy to the Soviet advance towards Berlin – this talk examines the key moments that led to the fractured and chaotic end of the Third Reich, as German commanders sought to surrender to the western Allies while resisting capture by the Soviets.
Yet, VE Day was not just the end of the Second World War, it was the start of a contested peace. Behind the scenes, Allied leaders clashed over the future of Europe – even as they stood united in victory. From the uneasy bargains at the Yalta Conference to the dual German surrenders at Reims and Berlin, the seeds of division were already being sown. In the immediate aftermath, planners in London secretly explored a possible future war against the Soviet Union.
This talk offers a perspective on VE Day as both an end and a beginning: a moment of jubilation, but also the prelude to the Cold War.
Hidden Heroines: women partisans and resistance fighters in the World Wars
From occupied Belgium to the forests of Yugoslavia, women risked everything in both World Wars. This talk uncovers their hidden stories – from couriers and saboteurs in the First World War to agents, partisans, and spies in the Second. It reveals how ordinary women made extraordinary contributions.
We meet Louise de Bettignies, whose intelligence network under German occupation saved countless lives, and Edith Cavell, the British nurse executed for helping Allied soldiers escape Belgium. The story of Mata Hari exposes the murky intersections of myth, espionage, and gender in a war. n the Second World War, resistance took on new scale and urgency. Josephine Baker used her fame and glamour as cover for clandestine work across Europe, while Violette Szabo and Krystyna Skarbek operated behind enemy lines as daring agents of the Special Operations Executive. In the Balkans, Lepa Radić, a teenage partisan, faced execution with defiance that inspired generations.
Through these remarkable women, this talk explores how resistance was fought not only with weapons, but with courage, intelligence, and conviction.
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