Our speaker this month was Brian Groom, a retired journalist/author, who whirled us through 900,000 years of British history in one hour! ‘These Isles’ was the title of the presentation and of one of his books which is, ‘A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales’.
Brian began by stating that many factors have shaped and reshaped our lands over time and for the most part involve people. There was a very brief section involving some geological facts, the arrival of humans, the 350 years of Roman occupation and then information regarding the Anglo Saxons and the Vikings.
Christianity was, Brian pointed out, of worldwide significance. He talked about St. Patrick, a fifth-century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He was known as the ‘Apostle of Ireland’. When he was sixteen, he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. He lived there for six years as a herder, before escaping and returning to his family. After studying for many years, he returned to spread Christianity in Ireland.
Monarchs played a part in the presentation and Brian talked about Gruffudd, the first King of Wales, Macbeth, possibly the grandson of Malcolm of Scotland, Edward I (also known as ‘Longshanks’), Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, James VI of Scotland, I of England and James II.
Other historical figures also featured in his talk: William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Margaret Thatcher, Mary Robinson, Nicola Sturgeon and several other politicians.
Topics touched upon included the first Archbishop of Canterbury, the Reformation, the Gunpowder Plot, the British Empire, the Jacobite rebellions, Methodism, the Industrial Revolution, shipbuilding, the Great Famine of 1845, the Napoleonic Wars, popular culture, the Irish Free State, the Great Depression and the 2 World Wars.
This was a whistlestop tour through history and Brian even managed to include some local Northwich facts throughout. It was interesting to hear him read from his books and members very much enjoyed the presentation.
Reports of monthly meetings and information of upcoming events and activity groups can be found on our website - https://www.northwich.u3asite.uk Come and join us for the meeting on Wednesday 21st October, 2pm at Owley Wood Recreation Club, Weaverham. This will be our AGM followed by ‘More Songs and Humour’ from Rob Mason.