All talks are based on a powerpoint presentation and normally last 45 - 60 minutes (though they can be tailored to suit the occasion). Details of the talks are as follows:
This talk charts the history of the Crystal Palace from its construction for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park and its subsequent move to South London where it was used as the centrepiece of the first theme park. After 82 years it was destroyed in a huge fire that is still a mystery.
The Inns of Court are still quiet enclaves in central London. Established in the 14th century, these places have been used by lawyers ever since. The area is rich in legal history and has been home to many famous people.
In the 16th century, the population of London multiplied four times and many changes took place - new palaces, the dissolution of the monasteries, new housing. This talk charts the development of London as it erupted beyond the Roman wall and became a very prosperous city.
London expanded westwards in the 17th century and the population doubled over the 17th century. But the City was troubled by natural and political disasters - Civil War, plague, destruction in the Great Fire of 1666. However, this was also the time when a new London was built (following the fire) and new institutions developed - coffee houses etc.
In the 18th century, London was still like a small town, a pleasant place to live for a gentleman of means. This was the time of Dr Johnson, Boswell, Henry Fielding, and others. A new enthusiasm for classical architecture led to many fine buildings by new architects like John Nash, Robert Adam and Lord Burlington. There were however those who did not benefit from the rising wealth as foundlings were abandoned in the streets. This talk charts the events of 18th century London.
A review of the significant changes to London in the Victorian period
The Victorians made an enormous contribution in building our modern world. This included many of the recreational activities that we take for granted - the theatre, organised sport, going to the seaside, fairgrounds, music hall and much more. Take a trip back to the 19th century and the pleasures of Victorian England.
W G Grace is regarded as the father of modern cricket. He came from a cricket-mad family, became the best cricketer of his day, toured North America and Australia and captained Gloucestershire and England. Later in his career, he managed the cricket team at Crystal Palace and settled in South East London. This talk charts his life, his achievements and examples of his colourful character.
This is the story of how the son of a humble Welsh clothworker rose to become the first significant British architect who set the standards that his successors followed.(His masterpeice, the Queen's House at Greenwich, is above).
The story of the polymath who rebuilt London after the Great Fire of 1666 and contributed so much more to the scientific and artistic developments in late Stuart England.