The following are high quality, entertaining, illustrated lectures by a NADFAS accredited lecturer and WEA Tutor and are available to groups anywhere in the the UK.
Please enquire for prices
Introduction to the History of York*
"The History of York is the History of England" so said George VI and he was undoubtedly right.
A lavishly illustrated overview of York’s history and architecture, from the Romans, through the high mediaeval period and the Age of Elegance to the present.
More specific areas can be covered, including:
- York Minster *
- The Construction of York Minster *
- The Monuments of York Minster *
- The Stained Glass of the Parish Churches of York *
- The Architecture of the Parish Churches of York *
- Roman; Anglo-Saxon & Viking; the Norman Conquest of York *
- Monastic York and the Dissolution
- York Mystery Plays *
- The Age of Elegance in York *
- Fairfax House*
Wharram Percy*
The famous deserted
mediaeval village on the Yorkshire Wolds.
A fascinating glimpse into
mediaeval life from the church and manor house to peasant
class, as revealed by archaeology, in which the lecturer
played a part.
Also a look at
the social history of the area from the Middle Ages to
the 19th C.
Social History of Railways*
Includes the changes in interior design, furnishing and fittings of carriages, and an amusing look at that perennial source of discontent - railway refreshments.
back to top
The Colleges of Cambridge
As a Cambridge graduate, well qualified to speak on the History and traditions of the Cambridge colleges. Beautifully illustrated with slides, including views of parts not normally open to the public
How did they do it? This study day or lecture will look at how the mediaeval builders and master masons built the great cathedrals and abbeys, which still excite us to wonder.
This will be illustrated with views of the buildings being constructed drawn from mediaeval manuscripts and modern sources. We shall see the work of modern Master Masons, mainly from York and Beverley Minsters, as they maintain and beautify these ancient buildings. Illustrated with slides, some taken from dizzying heights and inaccessible places.
A behind the scenes look at how royalty travelled by train, from Queen Adelaide and Queen Victoria up to the present Queen. This lecture includes exclusive interior views of the Royal Carriages, with their magnificent décor, furniture and fittings. A unique opportunity to sample what was only available to Royalty.
A fascinating Yuletide look at the life and legends of St Nicholas-the origin of Santa Claus.
St Nicholas was a 4th C Bishop of Myra in Turkey and became the centre of a major cult and the focus of many legends. In later centuries he became associated with Woden especially in Holland. From there he spread to the New World and back to Britain, his legends becoming more fanciful as they went, and became Santa Claus. This lecture looks at this transformation, illustrated by works of art from York Minster and Holland. An ideal Christmas lecture.
This is a new lecture looking at the work of the distinguished Yorkshire architect Walter Brierley, who designed a remarkable array of buildings mainly in the North. He worked very much in the Arts and Crafts tradition and his designs have been likened to the domestic work of Lutyens. His work is characterised by an attention to detail and sensitive use of materials. There are interior views of houses not open to the public including his own house in York.
The Abbeys of Yorkshire
Beverley Minster and St. Mary’s Parish Church
The Effect of the Reformation on English Churches
18thC and 19thC Developments in Church Architecture and Fittings
The Development of the Country House from the Castle
Ravenna and its dazzling Byzantine mosaics
The Civilisation of Constantinople and Venice
The Architecture of Rome
* STUDY DAYS AVAILABLE ON THESE TOPICS
