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: Henry VI, Joan of Arc and the Origins of the Wars of the Roses

This course is an exploration of the period of history in England and France during the first half of the fifteenth century. The death of King Henry V in 1422 left a nine-month-old infant as King Henry VI of England. A few months later, the death of the King of France left that infant as King of France as too. The war with the French, the Hundred Years War, was ongoing, and since Agincourt, going England's way. The appearance of an illiterate peasant girl who believed God had chosen her to lead France to victory in its long-running war with England changed everything. Joan of Arc led the French to an overwhelming and unexpected victory and began the process whereby England would lose most of its continental possessions. These are the years of Henry VI and Joan of Arc, the precursor to the Wars of the Roses. No previous knowledge of fifteenth-century history is necessary. Everyone is welcome to join this fascinating course!
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/06/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00014315
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Homeland to Hamas: A guide to a greater understanding of the Middle East conflict

For many people the events in the Middle East are horrifying, worrying and confusing. It can be difficult to navigate the often bewildering complexities of the conflict and its historical context. This course is for anyone interested in broadening their understanding of this troubled area. We will explore the claims to Palestine from both the Arab and Jewish perspectives, investigate the progression of the conflict from 1917 to 2011 covering the impact of both world wars, foreign involvement and the different wars and insurrections that have broken out over this period.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/06/2024 -
Mon 05/08/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Halliwell
Course code:
Q00014370
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £66.60

History: Aphra Behn: Poet, Playwright, Prisoner, Spy. Her Life & Times

Join tutor Michael Long on this fascinating one-off session, presented as part of Women's month, looking at the life of Aphra Behn. Aphra Behn was a playwright, poet, translator and royal spy. She was a woman in a world of men, a staunch Royalist, a spy, and condemned as a scarlet woman with loose morals. She was also the first woman in England to identify herself as a professional writer. She wrote to suit the occasion, and she wrote to make money. This is a brief look at her life and times rather than a focus on her literary achievements.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 14/06/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00015617
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

History: History of the Post Box

Discover the history of the British Post Box, an icon of our postal system. Apart from being an icon, the Post Box is in daily operational use as an essential public service, something that we are all familiar with, but may know little about its history. Come and discover the fascinating development of the design and its manufacture, as well as its place in our social history. This course is suitable for those with both little and some knowledge of the subject. To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/06/2024 -
Tue 02/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00014313
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.65

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For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

History: Mythology of the Summer Sky

Ever looked up at the night sky, or the signs of the zodiac, and wondered how the constellations got their names? Why anyone would think those random dots were “obviously” a picture of some strange creature? Or what the stories are behind them? This one-session course picks out some of them that are appropriate to the time of year, and shows why they were important, what their myths are, and how the stories fit together. This is the time when the Perseid meteor shower is at its best, so we’ll look at the story behind Perseus, and his family: Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, and a few less well-known. Then we go on to the Summer Triangle of the Swan, the Eagle, and the Lyre. There’s also Capricorn, the half-fish, half-goat, and many more. (57)
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00014312
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55