Delve into history

Explore the events of the past, and how they’ve shaped the world we live in today. Immerse yourself in different eras, marvel at historic achievements, and examine how different things could have been.  

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All of our courses are designed to help develop your skills in historical research and analysis, encouraging you to look beyond the surface of key historical moments. From the history of King Arthur to World War I and II, you’ll develop a better understanding of key historic customs, beliefs, and ways of life.   

Whether you consider yourself a history buff with decades of experience, or someone just starting out that wants to learn more, you can choose from a wide selection of topics.   

Attend a WEA history course near you  

A variety of our history courses are taught in-person or are delivered online - it all depends on what suits your needs best. From the comfort of your own home to a space in your local community. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is vastly experienced.   

The support you’ll receive on our history courses  

They'll help you develop an understanding that goes beyond just what's on the surface, all within a friendly and encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with many of those attending our courses going on to achieve incredible things. You’ll learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you too, with a friendly supportive tutor on hand to answer any questions you might have. 

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History: History of the Old Bailey

This three hour lecture offers an in-depth examination of the rich history of the Old Bailey in London. It delves into the architectural evolution of the building itself, tracing its development from its early days to its current form. Additionally, the lecture explores the Old Bailey's significant role in the British legal system, highlighting its function in upholding and administering the law throughout the centuries. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this iconic courthouse has shaped and been shaped by the legal landscape, reflecting broader societal changes and the pursuit of justice in London and beyond.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00017273
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Humanities: Day School: What is a ‘Free and Fair’ Election?

In 2024, over 70 countries, including the UK, will hold national elections. This course examines what constitutes a democratic election, delving into franchise, electoral systems, and election delivery. While focusing on the UK, it also uses international examples to illustrate the concepts of 'free' and 'fair' elections. Students will engage critically with contemporary debates about election quality and integrity worldwide.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
Sonali Campion
Course code:
Q00017667
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Rediscovering the Great War’s Christmas Truce

The Christmas Truce is one of the most mythologised and celebrated events of the First World War, which has featured in film, song and fiction. In this one-off session, we will attempt to uncover the actual story behind the event, exploring the truce or truces through letters, reports, photographs and retrospective accounts. The course will be interesting to those with an interest in the Great War, and the manner in which that conflict has been interpreted in the century since its ending, but the course will also appeal to those with an interest in how societies shape and define themselves by their myths.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00019614
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

History: St. George - The Man and the Legend

Who was St George? Was he real, or just a character in a legend about a dragon and a princess? Was the dragon real - or perhaps symbolic of something else? If George existed, was he even English? When and where did he live? Given that he was made a saint, what is the connection between the man, the legend and the Christian Church? Is the legend just another way to look at the resolution of conflict – the light versus the dark, the triumph of good over evil? In this two-hour session, we will examine some of the evidence about the existence of the man and any basis to the legend with Medievalist Terry Bloxham.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018060
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Intermediate History: The Cross & the Crescent - The Crusades

The term will focus on the consolidation of the various Principalities of Outremer in the aftermath of the first crusade. A particularly closer examination will be made of how such embattled regions managed to survive their first precarious years, despite pressure from neighbouring Muslim states. We will also pay close attention to the development and growth of the various governments in those regions, and their ongoing relationships with neighbouring states both Muslim and Christian. Finally, we will consider the circumstances of the Second Crusade and why it failed in its primary objectives, as well as the consequences of its failure.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016034
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: The History of the World in Ceramics with Terry Bloxham

The History of the World in 100 Objects? Terry Bloxham, former curator in the Ceramics & Glass Department of the Victoria & Albert Museum will teach us how it is possible to gain a knowledge of global history from our shared heritage of ceramics by considering the different clay types that have been used in their manufacture, and where these clay types occur naturally in the world, along with the different decorations which adorn the finished ceramics. She will also discuss the ways in which ceramics became shared globally.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 06/01/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018329
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Archaeology: Archaeology of Monasteries in Northern England

Uncover the history and significance of medieval monasteries in Northern England with this archaeological course. Ideal for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts alike.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 03/02/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Nevell
Course code:
Q00016679
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Brexit - A history of our relationship with the EU

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017660
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History: Intermediate History

In this term, we begin by considering the challenges faced by young King Aethelred at the beginning of his reign, particularly his difficulties with the growing Viking threat. We will also look at the rise of a unified Kingdom of Denmark, and examine the motives and factors which created it. We will then analyse the successive policies by which Aethelred attempted to curb the Viking threat, ultimately only to result in his own overthrow. After that, we will then go on to analyse the emergence of King Cnut and his maritime empire, and the nature of Cnut’s rule in England.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016036
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: British History Through the Lives of 10 Women

This 10-week course is a re - run of the Autumn course and offers a unique exploration of British history by examining the lives and contributions of ten remarkable women who left indelible marks on society, culture, and politics. From ancient warriors to pioneering scientists and influential writers, each woman represents a distinct era in British history, shedding light on the struggles, achievements, and societal changes of their times. Throughout the course, we will delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, analysing their impact on British society and their enduring legacies. By studying their stories, learners will gain a deeper understanding of key historical events, social movements, and cultural shifts that have shaped the fabric of Britain.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00019208
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00