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: 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:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

History: The Big Questions (Part 1)

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of ideas is learning how ideas have a life of their own, influencing society and culture through successive generations in different ways. In this 6-week course we’ll focus on a different important and influential question each week. We cover philosophy, literature, science and history. We’ll read and discuss selected extracts which will be circulated beforehand. The course covers a sweep of over 2000 years, from the ancient Greeks to modern times
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017266
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £72.00

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: 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

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For just £15 a year, you can:

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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

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:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

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 eight 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 14/11/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
8 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
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History: Byzantium, the Great Age

How did the Roman Empire survive the great challenges it faced during the later 8th century? We will examine how the later reign of Konstantine V and then his heirs not only oversaw an even stricter type of iconoclasm, but also how they brought about other key developments within mediaeval Roman society. We will also explore how the struggle against the Abbasid Caliphate continued to evolve. Finally, we will look at the emergence of Empress Eirene during the later years of the eighth century, and how she maintained her grip on power, despite much internal opposition.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00015932
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

History: What do you know about Spain; its history and what lies away from the tourist beaches?

To provide an overview of Spain's history, stretching from pre-historic times to the present day, with a look at the varied regions that comprise the Spanish peninsula.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 24/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
St John the Baptist Church Meeting Room
55 Main Road
Danbury
CM3 4NG
Tutor:
Derek Robinson
Course code:
Q00018514
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

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:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £96.00