Warwick Words History Festival: Hear from our historians

For over 20 years, the Warwick Words History Festival has celebrated local literature and history annually, showcasing the rich history of Warwick and its surrounding areas with a series of talks, projects and workshops staged in historical buildings throughout the town. This year, the event will run for a week from 5 – 11 October, and features a number of public lectures from University of Warwick Historians.

On Monday 5 October, Professor Michael ScottLink opens in a new window uncovers the drama of Themistocles’ rise and fall and offers a vivid insight into the turbulent world of ancient Athens. His talk will take place at Castle Hill Baptist Church.

Professor Elizabeth GoldringLink opens in a new window takes to the same stage on Thursday 8 October, with an illustrated talk introducing her new biography of Hans Holbein, the artist who fixed the appearances of Henry VIII, his wives, would-be wives and leading courtiers in the eyes of his contemporaries and of posterity.

On Saturday 10 October, Professor Penny RobertsLink opens in a new window will be speaking in the Unitarian Chapel. Her talk “Letters Hidden in a Basket of Cheese” uncovers a clandestine European network dating back to the 1500s, shedding light on the experience of exile and how communication networks were maintained through correspondence smuggled across borders.

Our final talk comes from Dr Tara MortonLink opens in a new window, also at the Unitarian Chapel on Sunday 11 October. Tara’s research brings to life women’s struggle for the vote in Warwickshire and Coventry, and she will share a selection of diverse and inspirational local stories: those who campaigned, their sacrifices and their legacies.

Find out more and book via the Warwick Words website.