Category: Group – History Talks

In the early 16th century Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors defeated the great Aztec Empire, built a new city for colonists from Spain and took control of vast lands stretching from today’s south-western U.S. down through most of Central America. In this presentation Angela will outline a story not often told, in that one of…

In this presentation Keith explores the life and expeditions of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, placing his achievements and ultimate fate within the context of Britain’s imperial age. Born in 1868, Scott grew up when Britain dominated global trade and ruled the largest empire in history. Chosen by the Royal Geographical Society to lead the Discovery…

Football against the Nazis. The Death Match of Kyiv 1942. Presented by Keith Smith  Football is often described as more than a game, but few stories illustrate that idea more powerfully than the “Death Match” of Kyiv in 1942. During the dark days of Nazi occupation, a team of players from a Kyiv bakery defeated…

Elihu Yale may have given his name to one of the world’s great universities, but he saved his most memorable flourish for his unfortunate wife, Catherine, whom he immortalised in his will with the deliciously vague insult “my wicked wife”—and then left a dramatic blank space for good measure. Yet Catherine was hardly the cardboard…

We’re thrilled to welcome back Cheda as a regular speaker—someone who’s never short on fascinating stories and fresh insights. You might remember Cheda’s impressive run for many years as Group Leader of the History Group, plus a lineup of unforgettable presentations. This time, Cheda is diving into the curious world of STRANGE LONDON MONUMENTS What…