History: Voyages of Discovery: Britain in the Age of Enlightenment

When William Wordsworth wrote the words ‘a mind forever voyaging through strong seas of thought’ he was referring to the mathematician, Isaac Newton. Many others also voyaged to forge new ways of thinking, in politics and philosophy, and to make new discoveries in science, astronomy, chemistry, botany and geology. Some voyaged literally to find new lands and sea routes. From Canada’s Arctic coast to Timbuctoo, British ships and geographers were mapping countries and coastlines, experiencing hardship, danger and astonishing adventures.

The course will examine the work of some of these men and women, the thinkers, writers and explorers who contributed to this flowering of knowledge, from Joseph Banks to Joseph Priestley, from William Smith to William Parry, from Mary Anning to Mary Wollstonecraft.

The course will also look at how these new Enlightenment ideas were disseminated through a variety of media - the Royal Society and other learned societies, the press, museums, salons, masonic lodges, and the universities

This age of astonishing and exciting discovery soon became the age of wonder

The structure of the course involves two hour classes with a short break for tea/coffee. Classes are interactive with plenty of discussion. Reading and research beyond the class room is encouraged and research which is written up can be shared with class members via the Canvas programme