Talks
Mike offers a wide range of illustrated, PowerPoint based talks on a variety of subjects. Please see below. Please contact for prices and availability. * can also be done as a two part talk, the second part being a tour.
All talks are now available via Zoom
Please note that many of our medieval talks include Peterborough as it was once part of Northamptonshire
And don't forget the Medieval Northampton, Civil War Northampton and Victorian Northampton walks too (see the tours page for details).
NEW FOR 2020
Becket
2020 is the 850th anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury. His trial held at Northampton Castle in October 1164 was one of the most controversial and infamous trials in medieval English history. Not only that, but the leader of his murderers came from Northamptonshire. Our talk looks at Becket's connections to the town, the story of his trial and his grizzly death at Canterbury.
The American Connection
2020 is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s pioneering voyage to America. The majority of those who sailed from Plymouth on 16th September 1620 were known as Brownists after the founder of the first 'separatists,' Robert Browne. Today he is known as 'The Father of the Pilgrims' and 'The Grandfather of the Nation' in the USA. Browne spent his last years in Northamptonshire and died in the town gaol aged 83. Our talk looks at his story and the counties many other connections with the founding fathers including four presidents!
Victorian Northampton
Our talk looks at the story of Northampton in the Victorian era, its massive expansion, the shoe trade, religion and politics and its notable buildings, as well as a couple of notable firsts.
The Hotter sort of Protestants
This talk looks at the story of Protestant and Puritan Northamptonshire from the reign of Henry VIII and through the civil war.
To coincide with the publication of my book "Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth" I am pleased to announce two new talks.
"The French Connection: Richard III, Henry Tudor and the Battle of Bosworth". This talk discusses the relationship between Richard III and France and how the intrigues of Louis XI and his daughter Anne shaped the final outcome at the battle of Bosworth leading to Henry VII taking the crown.
"The Campaign of Bosworth". This has an introduction to the French involvement but focuses on the campaign and battle of Bosworth. Also, how the Stanley's were complicit from the start, and shows how the Tudors rewrote the story of the battle in its aftermath.*
All talks are now available via Zoom
Please note that many of our medieval talks include Peterborough as it was once part of Northamptonshire
And don't forget the Medieval Northampton, Civil War Northampton and Victorian Northampton walks too (see the tours page for details).
NEW FOR 2020
Becket
2020 is the 850th anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury. His trial held at Northampton Castle in October 1164 was one of the most controversial and infamous trials in medieval English history. Not only that, but the leader of his murderers came from Northamptonshire. Our talk looks at Becket's connections to the town, the story of his trial and his grizzly death at Canterbury.
The American Connection
2020 is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s pioneering voyage to America. The majority of those who sailed from Plymouth on 16th September 1620 were known as Brownists after the founder of the first 'separatists,' Robert Browne. Today he is known as 'The Father of the Pilgrims' and 'The Grandfather of the Nation' in the USA. Browne spent his last years in Northamptonshire and died in the town gaol aged 83. Our talk looks at his story and the counties many other connections with the founding fathers including four presidents!
Victorian Northampton
Our talk looks at the story of Northampton in the Victorian era, its massive expansion, the shoe trade, religion and politics and its notable buildings, as well as a couple of notable firsts.
The Hotter sort of Protestants
This talk looks at the story of Protestant and Puritan Northamptonshire from the reign of Henry VIII and through the civil war.
To coincide with the publication of my book "Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth" I am pleased to announce two new talks.
"The French Connection: Richard III, Henry Tudor and the Battle of Bosworth". This talk discusses the relationship between Richard III and France and how the intrigues of Louis XI and his daughter Anne shaped the final outcome at the battle of Bosworth leading to Henry VII taking the crown.
"The Campaign of Bosworth". This has an introduction to the French involvement but focuses on the campaign and battle of Bosworth. Also, how the Stanley's were complicit from the start, and shows how the Tudors rewrote the story of the battle in its aftermath.*
Local HistoryBrothers in Arms (new for 2019) This talk looks at the careers of two of Leicestershire's most prominent members during the English Civil War, Sir Arthur Haselrig of Noseley Hall and Northampton and Thomas Grey, Lord Grey of Groby.
Northamptonshire and the Wars of the Roses Northamptonshire played a key part in the story of the Wars of the Roses. It was the birthplace of a king and a queen, as well as the site for two key battles. Our talk looks at the people, places and events that helped shape England. Fotheringhay – Home of the House of York* (New for 2016) The now sleepy village of Fotheringhay in the north of Northamptonshire has witnessed many important events in its history. This highly illustrated talk examines its past, its famous inhabitants and what remains of its past that can be seen today. Medieval Northampton: A centre for learning; a centre for religion (new for 2016) This talk focuses on Northampton as a centre for religion with its eight churches and two abbeys, numerous priories and hospitals, plus its importance as a studium (fledgling university) predating Cambridge and why it disappeared. The Battle of Northampton 1460* The battle of Northampton was the first major engagement in the Wars of the Roses. This talks looks at the battle and where it took place The Battle of Northampton 1264* The 1264 battle of Northampton was the first battle in what is now known as the Second Baron’s War between Henry III and Simon de Montfort. This talk tells the story of the battle and explains why Northampton did not have a University for another 700 years. The Battle of Edgecote 1469* Fought near Banbury, this battle was the beginning of Warwick’s rebellion during the Wars of the Roses. It was not only where he earned his reputation as the ‘Kingmaker’ but also saw the deaths of most of the Welsh nobility. King John’s scythe - Falkes De Breauté, Sheriff of Northampton De Breauté was one of King John’s favourites and was probably the model for Robin Hood’s evil Sherriff of Nottingham. This talk looks at his rise and fall. King John, the Barons, and Northamptonshire Northampton and its county was one of King John’s favourites. He stayed at the castle many times. As a consequence, the county became frequently embroiled in events, including being central to the sealing of the Magna Carta as well as the war that followed. Medieval Northampton Throughout the middle ages, Northampton was one of the most important towns in England. This talk looks at its story. The Campaign of Naseby 1645* The battle of Naseby was probably the most important battle in English history after Hastings and resulted in the birth of democracy as we know it today. This talk looks why such an important battle takes in the middle of quiet Northamptonshire countryside and how the battle itself unfolded. The Northamptonshire Regiment The Northamptonshire Regiment had in its long illustrious history a number of important firsts and lasts from being the first regiment to set foot in America to the last regiment to carry colours into battle. This talk looks at their story from beginnings to the start of the 20th Century. The Lollards in Northamptonshire This talk looks at the Lollards, the first ‘protestants’ in England, and who they were during the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV. It also looks at their rebellions and close associations to Northamptonshire including John Oldcastle, Shakespeare’s Falstaff. Treason, Gunpowder and plot During the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, many of the Northamptonshire gentry were at the centre of a number of Catholic conspiracies culminating in the infamous Gunpowder Plot led by Robert Catesby from Ashby St. Ledgers in Northamptonshire. This talk looks at the story of the Northants recusants, the Jesuit priests they hid, and how they came close to blowing up a king and Parliament. |
General SubjectsThe Organisation of a late medieval army (New for 2019)
This talk looks at how a late medieval European army was organised and deployed in battle from divisions to small units and militia. Were the English any different? John of Gaunt - Architect of the Wars of the Roses Gaunt was a younger son of King Edward III overshadowed by his brothers the Black Prince and Lionel but soon became the most powerful man in England. Unable to claim the throne for himself, he ensures that his son Henry usurps the throne from the rightful king, Richard II.This talk looks at the man and the real "Game of Thrones" The Moldwarpe and the Mummet. This talk can either be a second part to the above or in its own right and looks at the rebellions during the reigns of Henry IV and Henry V, including those involving the Second Duke of York to put a Mortimer on the throne of England and asks was this period the real start of the Wars of the Roses? Overmighty Subjects. This talk looks at the numerous rivalries and private wars before and at the beginning of the Wars of the Roses especially the Nevilles and Percies, Nevilles and Woodvilles, Courtneys and Bonvilles, Berkleys and Lisles. Including the real 'red wedding', the Siege of Taunton and the Battle of Nibley Green. Law and Order in Medieval England This talks looks at the development, use and misuse of the law in the middle ages from trial by ordeal to appropriate punishments with real examples of crimes recorded during the period. Religion in medieval England This illustrated talk looks at the medieval English church, the various religious orders, the abbeys and its importance to medieval society. Heath and Hygiene in Medieval England This talk illustrated with contemporary images examines the theories of illness that combined religion, astrology and ancient Greek and Roman texts. It also looks at the treatments and cures for illness and injury including herbs and magic Introduction to the Wars of the Roses We look at the story of the Wars of the Roses from beginning to end. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Lord of the North This talk looks at the life of Richard III before he became king from his birth at Fotheringhay to his close associations with the north of England. Richard III – Laid bare Looks at the story of Richard III and asks the question does he live up to Shakespeare’s image of him? The Magna Carta and the First Barons War 2015 was the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta. This talk looks at the events that led to the sealing of this important document that limited of the power of the king and was the beginning of civil liberties in England and beyond. It also looks at the war that followed and when, for a short while, a French Prince sat on the throne of England. A Brief Introduction to the English Civil War This talk looks at the story of the English Civil war with reference to events, people and places in Northamptonshire. Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales This talk is an introduction to the life and world of Geoffrey Chaucer and his most famous yet unfinished work - The Canterbury Tales. |
For more details and to book
Tel: 0773 8908808
or email MikeIngram2000@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 0773 8908808
or email MikeIngram2000@yahoo.co.uk
