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: Silence in court - Five famous trials from British History

Every famous trial is a snapshot of history in the making. We see the cast of characters strutting on the stage that is the court room, acting out their roles against the backdrop of forces that are often beyond their control - the letter of the law, the power of the state, the force of prejudice, the facts of the case. Their focus is the outcome of 'their' trial, but ours is more than that; why is this trial famous, how did it change things, what lessons does it teach us? Join Peter Blood to study the people, issues and outcomes in five famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St Paul's Church Hall (Chichester)
Churchside
Chichester
PO19 6FT
Tutor:
Peter Blood
Course code:
Q00009430
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Antisemitism from the birth of Christianity to the Final Solution

We will study the mutating virus of anti-semitism, through an exploration of the ancient template shaped by Christianity and examine key explosions of anti-Jewish violence and prejudice which Hitler was able to exploit, tragically culminating in the Final Solution. Through discussion and debate we will also spend time as a group examining contemporary Holocaust denial, distortion and conspiracy theories. Finally we will look at the current antisemitism accusations within the Labour party and its impact
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Halliwell
Course code:
Q00016180
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor

Explore the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte and the complicated legacy he still holds: villain to some, hero to others, and architect of the French state. This course takes you on a journey through Napoleon’s rapid rise to power, his dramatic military campaigns, and the changes he brought to Europe. We’ll look at his leadership, his impact on society, and the lasting effects of his rule. By examining different perspectives and historical evidence, you’ll get a balanced view of one of history’s most fascinating and controversial figures.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Barking Enterprise Centre CIC (Barking)
50 Cambridge Road
Barking
IG11 8FG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017264
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: Fascism and the Troubled 1930s

The course will examine the origins of Fascism and National Socialism against the backdrop of post war turmoil in Italy and Germany. We will see how the emergence of Stalin as supreme leader in the USSR led to a radicalisation of the economy and political terror. We will consider the effects of the economic crisis in the democratic countries, USA, Britain and France. Finally, we will consider how the radicalisation of economies and politics impacted on international relations culminating in the outbreak of a second European war in 1939.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 21/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St Francis de Sales (Hampton)
16 Wellington Road
Hampton
TW12 1JR
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00017425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Archaeology: Highlights of Saxon & Viking Archaeology

Why was Britain's genetic make-up radically changed between 500 and 800 AD/CE? Were the newcomers environmental refugees, pagan plunderers, invaders or missionaries? Who were these new arrivals and what were they doing over here? This course will use recent information on sites, finds and their interpretation to shed new light on Anglo-Saxon Age archaeology in Britain. How and why the migrations took place will be illustrated using new (since 1980) excavation evidence, metal detecting finds, scientific analysis and aerial remote sensing data.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 21/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Grimsby Central Hall & Arts Community Ce
Duncombe Street
Grimsby
DN32 7EG
Tutor:
Simon Tomson
Course code:
Q00018158
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: London in the 20th century: A social and cultural history

London has been many things in its history - a world city, a financial capital, a centre of empire, a microcosm of the world, a city rebuilt, a port city, a migrant city, a changing city The course will chart some of these changes during the twentieth century, changes to London’s built environment, its culture and its people, from the West End to the East End, from the City to the suburbs, from Camden Town and Brixton to Southall and Soho. Topics covered will be industry and the workplace, transport, housing, health, education, media, fashion and leisure
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 20/09/2024 -
Fri 15/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
George O'Reilly
Course code:
Q00017265
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £96.00

History: British History through the lives of 10 women

This 10-week course 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017272
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: History Walks

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Many distinct places lie within its boundaries. There are many unusual corners, unexpected history, remarkable buildings, and fascinating characters which illustrate the city’s development both socially and culturally. These six autumn walks will reveal contrasting parts of London and show how Londoners lived and worked, how they were entertained, how they travelled, how they constructed bridges. We shall meet novelists, con men, rock stars, minor royalty, politicians, a whole panoply of London life. In addition, these walks for two hours long will bring the benefit of healthy exercise!
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Meeting at: Paddington Station Info Desk
Overground Station
Praed Street
London
W2 1HU
Tutor:
Guy Rowston
Course code:
Q00017442
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: The House of Lancaster

The emergence of the House of Lancaster could have led to a major decline of the English realm, yet it achieved its greatest success against the old enemy of France. A consideration of the later reign of Richard II will be made, and what particular factors ultimately led to his overthrow. We will then go on to provide a major analysis of the reign of Henry IV, dealing with the various problems and rebellions faced by the English and how he in turn was able to contain those problems. This course will analyse the course of those events.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00018320
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: The English Renaissance

This course will introduce a fascinating period of English history, during which poetry, prose and the arts produced some of the touchstones of British culture. We will explore a range of poetry including Thomas Wyatt’s, love poetry, Ralegh’s verse, Edmund Spenser’s homage to Elizabeth I, John Donne’s astonishing poems of love and divinity, and Milton’s early poems; playwrights, Shakespeare and Marlowe, and prose writers such as Tyndale and his translations from the Bible, Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer and extracts from the King James’ Bible. Additional context for the period will be provided from paintings, contemporary documents and letters. All texts will be provided on Canvas.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017453
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00