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: Oh No, not another election!' - A history of struggle for votes for all

Many of us are unenthusiastic in the run up and aftermath of a General Election and a sizeable minority of us do not vote at all. But at the beginning of the 19th century only a tiny majority of men had the right to vote. Our liberties as they stand were not handed down benevolently by the government, but were hard won by individuals and groups of people like the Chartists, Individual and group protesters, Trade Unionists and Suffragists/Suffragettes. What was the impact of these protests and the reaction of the authorities? Join us to find out more
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017450
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: American War of Independence

Knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of its inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become aliens to this kingdom,’ declared King George III of Britain. Britain’s ministers - particularly George III - have often been blamed for the loss of the thirteen American colonies. But how fair is this or was France primarily responsible for American independence? Covering the main causes and most important clashes of the conflict, the course reviews how the war developed, its controversies and the immediate consequences for America, Britain and France
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Nottingham Mechanics (Nottingham)
3 North Sherwood Street
Nottingham
NG1 4EZ
Tutor:
Mark Barnard
Course code:
Q00016045
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

History: What if (the road not travelled)

This virtual history course delves into the fascinating realm of counterfactual history, exploring pivotal moments in history and imagining alternate outcomes. Through looking at what happened in situations where the outcome was not at all clear cut, we will analyse the factors that shaped historical events and speculate on how different choices could have led to alternate trajectories. Through discussion and speculation on everything from medieval battles to modern political decisions, this course offers a unique perspective on the "what ifs" of history. How might the world be different today if the outcome had been different? Join the class to find out.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017277
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: The Ottoman Empire

On this lecture style course, we will learn about The Ottoman Empire from its formation at the end of the 13th century right through to the 20th century; the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the countries and areas involved - Southeast Europe, parts of Central Europe, Western Asia, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. In the early 20th century, the empire allied with Germany on the side of the Central Powers in WWI. The Empire's defeat and the occupation of part of its territory by the Allied Powers resulted in its partitioning and the loss of its Middle Eastern territories, but the successful Turkish War of Independence against the occupying Allies led to the emergence of the Republic of Turkey in the Anatolian heartland and the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 30/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Aubrey Newman
Course code:
Q00018339
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £38.85

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: 10 Political Classics that Changed the World

This 10-week course delves into ten seminal classic texts that have profoundly shaped political thought and governance across the world. From ancient philosophical treatises starting with Plato’s Republic to modern declarations of rights and treaties, each document represents a milestone in the development of political ideas. We will explore the historical context, core arguments, and lasting impacts of these influential works. Delving into questions which are just as relevant today, such as ‘what is the role of the state?’ or ‘is democracy the ideal form of government?’ to gain a deeper understanding of these works contributions to political theory and practice.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018505
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Chelmsford in the second world war

In this course guest tutor Tony Tuckwell describes how Chelmsford with its important industries; Marconi, Hoffman’s ball bearings and Crompton Parkinson’s electrical works, were vulnerable to Luftwaffe air attacks and later, random rocket attacks from V1s and V2s. Yet some of the most damaging events came from lone bombers and chance jettisoning of bombs from damaged aircraft on returning to the continent. The town was also in receipt of evacuees from the docklands of East London (and from the less well known coastal towns invasion loomed`0 which presented its own educational and social challenges
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 12/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
British Legion Hall (Felsted)
Bury Chase
Felsted
CM6 3HA
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

History: Who will rid me of this troublesome priest? Henry II, Eleanor Aquitaine and Thomas Beckett

Thomas Becket and Henry II— The struggle for supremacy between two powerful, stubborn men, Archbishop and King. This course explores the relationship between Becket and Henry and sets it in its historical context. Rivalries between father and sons, brother against brother, wife against husband. The course will consider the critical role played by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who history has blamed for the rebellion of her sons against their father, the King. In addition, we will consider the part played by Henry and Eleanor’s sons, Henry the Young King, Richard, Geoffrey and John.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 21/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017705
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: Beginners History

The term will begin with an analysis of Eastern Europe and the Near East at the beginning of the 11th century, exploring the steps towards a climate that would produce the first crusade. In particular, we will examine the condition and policies of the Byzantine Empire and why its position would be so critical in the events which unfolded later, along with the conquests and upheavals of the Seljuk Turks, leading to the critical battle of Manzikert. Thereafter, we will look at how developments in Western Europe would then lead to the circumstances and outcomes of the first crusade.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00015927
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: Discovering Ukraine Through Its Culture

This is an introductory course to the country of Ukraine through its Arts, Literature, and Music, led by the experienced university lecturer, who used to visit Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the world has admired the Ukrainian people, wondering what the sources of their valour and resilience are. This course will help you understand Ukraine and its people, put their culture in a historical perspective and provide some background to the current conflict in the region. The course is suitable for people of all abilities.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
URC Lounge, Brookmans Park
Oaklands Avenue
Brookmans Park
AL9 7UW
Tutor:
Marina Burrell
Course code:
Q00019158
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: The Anglo-Saxons in the South

A consideration of life and events in Anglo-Saxon Sussex and Hampshire. This course uses contemporary chronicles, art, archaeological, building evidence, place-names and even local legend to build a picture of events from the arrival of the Saxons to the Norman Conquest. A picture that includes the spread of Christianity, the fight against the Danes, art, literature and even family relationships as a nation is forged. – who owned the ground beneath our feet All are welcome to join this captivating course which is designed for adults and requires no previous experience. It will be delivered at Billingshurst Community Centre, over ten weeks through a series of presentations and discussions.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Billingshurst Community and Conference C
Roman Way
Billingshurst
RH14 9QW
Tutor:
Jennifer Goldsmith
Course code:
Q00018722
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00