History

history spelt with block letter

Our popular history courses offer the chance to delve into a moment in time and explore lots of interesting stories from the period.

You will find courses that explore Greek epics, the renaissance in Italy, 15th Century England, major world powers and women in the military.

Courses will investigate key events and the climate around them, look at some of the compelling characters and uncover some interesting stories from the period.

Our History courses and workshops are a window to some of the most amazing people and periods.

Courses 2024/25

An introduction to a Greek Epic: Homer's Odyssey (S10H)

Description: This course will introduce the learner to the story and context of Homer’s famous poem. Week by week we will uncover different aspects and themes of the work by looking at progressive extracts of the text so that we cover the whole intriguing story.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 24 Sep 2024 (Autumn) Times: Tue 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Last few Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

Florence and the dawn of the Renaissance (S22H)

Description: Why did the renaissance start in Florence? Florentine art and history at the time of artists Botticelli, Masaccio, Fra Angelico, Uccello and others.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 24 Sep 2024 (Autumn) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 2 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £32 (Concession: £20)

‘The Cousins’ War’ – 15th century English history (S15H)

Description: The story of the ‘Wars of the Roses’ and an introduction to some of the main characters involved

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 25 Sep 2024 (Autumn) Times: Wed 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

Major World Powers from Napoleon to Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1805-1914 (S19H)

Description: This course will cover national and international power between 1805 and 1914 and will cover the dynamic links between economic, political, social and military changes in the major world powers during this time period.

Tutor: Neil Harrison Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 26 Sep 2024 (Autumn) Times: Thu 13:00-15:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

‘No place for ladies’ – 19th century women and their military adventures (S16H)

Description: The lives of six extraordinary women whose fates were intertwined with early19th century wars.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 08 Oct 2024 (Autumn) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £96 (Concession: £58)

The Raft of the Medusa (S23H)

Description: The extraordinary story behind the famous painting by Gericault.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 16 Oct 2024 (Autumn) Times: Wed 13:00-15:00 Duration: 1 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £16 (Concession: £10)

Neoclassism: Art in the age of Napoleon and Jane Austen (S17H)

Description: What do the great neoclassical artists tell us about the world they lived in? The work of David, Gros, Ingres, Vigee le Brun and many others.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 26 Nov 2024 (Autumn) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 2 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £32 (Concession: £20)

Ancient Greek History - The Persian wars 490-479 BC (S12H)

Description: The extraordinary and entertaining story of how tiny Athens saved Europe from the aggressive Persian empire – packed full of colourful characters and intriguing tales.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 14 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 5 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £80 (Concession: £42)

The French revolution & Napoleon (S24H)

Description: An overview of this exciting and dramatic period, looking at the main events and characters, as well as themes such as art and fashion.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 14 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

An introduction to a Greek Epic: Homer's Odyssey (S11H)

Description: This course will introduce the learner to the story and context of Homer’s famous poem. Week by week we will uncover different aspects and themes of the work by looking at progressive extracts of the text so that we cover the whole intriguing story.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 15 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Wed 19:00-21:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

The early Stuarts – a history of England 1603-49 (S18H)

Description: A study of the key events and people from the reign of James I to the death of Charles I

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 15 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Wed 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

Major World Powers from Lenin to Hitler, 1914-1939 (S25H)

Description: This course will cover national and international power between 1914 and 1939 and will cover the dynamic links between economic, political, social and military changes in the major world powers during this time period.

Tutor: Neil Harrison Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 16 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Thu 13:00-15:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

Daily life in ancient Rome (S13H)

Description: A glimpse of life in this famous ancient city ranging from education to gladiators, uncovering some interesting and not-so-familiar information on the way.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 25 Feb 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 1 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £16 (Concession: £10)

Ancient Greek History – The Successors (S14H)

Description: The Greek world from Alexander to the rise of Rome.

Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 04 Mar 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 4 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £64 (Concession: £40)

Major World Powers from Churchill to Gorbachev, 1939-1991 (S26H)

Description: This course will cover national and international power between 1939 and 1991 and will cover the dynamic links between economic, political, social and military changes in the major world powers during this time period.

Tutor: Neil Harrison Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)

Start Date: 24 Apr 2025 (Summer) Times: Thu 13:00-15:00 Duration: 10 week(s)

Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)

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