Laurie Johnston

Laurie has been fascinated by history since childhood, when R.J. Unstead’s ‘Cavemen to Vikings’ first sparked a lifelong passion. With a BA in History and an MA in Historical Studies from the University of Leicester, Laurie spent 30 years as a secondary school teacher in Northamptonshire and South London, helping students to explore the past.

Now a WEA tutor, Laurie loves navigating history’s complexities with learners—whether in classrooms, online, or on historical walks. Laurie particularly enjoys uncovering fresh sources, debating interpretations, and asking how the past shapes our world today. A member of the Historical Association, Laurie believes that in an age of information overload, understanding history and seeking out the truth has never been more vital—or more rewarding.