Some of the talks, online and/or in person that might be of interest:
York Festival of Ideas
The Next Chapter
11-24 June 2022
York Festival of Ideas 2022 has a wide range of fascinating events to attend and engage with, both in person and online. A sample of the history events in this year’s programme is outlined below. More history events can be viewed here.
The full Festival programme can be explored at yorkfestivalofideas.com.
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The Last Witches of England: A tragedy of sorcery and superstition, Saturday 11 June, 12 noon to 1pm (in person)
Join author and historian John Callow as he explores the remarkable tale of the Bideford Witches and its lasting impact.
This Mortal Coil: A history of death, Saturday 11 June, 4pm to 5pm (in person)
Biochemist Andrew Doig provides an eye-opening portrait of death throughout history, looking at particular causes, who they affected and how they were overcome.
(Re)telling Stories at York Theatre Royal with Mary Bly/Eloisa James, Sunday 12 June, 1pm to 1.45pm (in person)
Shakespeare professor and bestselling novelist Mary Bly – who writes as Eloisa James – discusses the power and appeal of Regency romance fiction in the 21st century with historian and film, TV and theatre consultant Hannah Greig.
Crown & Sceptre: The British monarchy from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II, Sunday 12 June, 2pm to 3pm (in person)
Explore the history and evolution of the British monarchy from 1066 to the present day with historian and author Tracy Borman.
Mudlark’d: Hidden histories from the River Thames, Sunday 12 June, 4pm to 5pm (in person)
Mudlarker Malcolm Russell uncovers the hidden (hi)stories of ordinary people in Britain from prehistory to today, based on 200 rare objects discovered on the foreshore of the River Thames.
The First Ghosts, Sunday 12 June, 6pm to 7pm (in person)
Embark upon an ancient ghost hunt as you explore the origins, power and meaning of ghosts and ghost stories with British Museum curator Irving Finkel.
York’s Forgotten People of Print, Tuesday 14 June, 12 noon to 1pm (in person)
Enjoy a series of short, engaging talks about the remarkable lives of the lesser-known figures involved in Yorkshire’s 18th-century print trade.
The History and Future of Tattoos, Wednesday 15 June, 8pm to 9pm (online)
Join tattoo artist researcher and historian Allison Hawn to learn about tattoo artistry’s colourful past and discover its bold future.
Persians: The age of the great kings, Thursday 16 June, 6pm to 7pm (online)
Join ancient history expert Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones as he unveils the authentic, definitive new history of the Persian Empire, the world’s first superpower.
Fallen Idols: Twelve statues that made history, Saturday 18 June, 4pm to 5pm (in person)
Join historian, screenwriter and broadcaster Alex von Tunzelmann to learn about one of the most visible and controversial forms of historical storytelling, and why history is not erased but made when statues are pulled down.
On Consolation: Finding solace in dark times, Saturday 18 June, 4.15pm to 5.15pm (in person and online)
Internationally renowned historian and Booker Prize finalist Michael Ignatieff shows how people facing tragedies and crises have looked to each other across time to recover hope and resilience.
William Dalrymple in Conversation, Saturday 18 June, 5.30pm to 6.45pm (in person)
Join acclaimed historian, writer and broadcaster William Dalrymple as he reflects upon over three decades of scholarship on India, and its relationship with the East India Company and the Mughals.
Elizabeth of York: The Last White Rose, Sunday 19 June, 2.30pm to 3.30pm (in person)
Hear the spellbinding story of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen, as told by bestselling author and historian Alison Weir.
Titter Ye Not: The Frankie Howerd Archive, Tuesday 21 June, 8pm to 9pm (online)
Join leading film and TV writer Graham McCann to learn more about the life and career of one of Britain’s best loved entertainers, York-born comedy legend Frankie Howerd.
Accidental Gods: On men unwittingly turned divine, Wednesday 22 June, 1pm to 2pm (online)
Join writer, critic and scholar Anna Della Subin to learn about man-gods and the persistent impulse towards deification.