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: Forgotten Queens of Medieval England; a short course for International Women's Day 2025

A short two-hour course that focuses on the forgotten Queens of medieval England and the role they played in shaping the past, to celebrate International Women's Day 2025

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 11/03/2025 -
Tue 11/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020168
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Architecture: Architecture in the USA

Taking some important examples to give a flavour of the sheer energy of US architecture, we will see how Thomas Jefferson brought Palladio’s ideas to the architecture of US government, Chicago propelled high rise building in the 1890s, Frank Lloyd Wright re-invented himself in a long career, and contemporary architects like Frank Gehry are continuing to exert international influence.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 13/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00018048
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: The People of Berkhamsted Castle 1066 - 1547

This is a course about people and their relationship to the Motte and Bailey castle in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Some of them have names, and their stories are well documented; others are anonymous and left no mark on the written record on the fortress that was Berkhamsted Castle, but their legacy lives on the physical remains of the castle. It is the story of five centuries of powerful men and women: Kings, Queens, and members of the Blood Royal. There is rivalry, controversy, tragedy, brutal murder, destruction, invasion and tender affection. The constant is Berkhamsted Castle, the stone motte and bailey structure dating from a time after the Norman Conquest that has been the witness to these events that shaped our national past

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017702
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

History: Politics, Culture and Football in the Cold War

Football in the Soviet Union and Football in Soviet Hungary.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Jubilee Hall Loddon (Loddon)
George Lane
Loddon
NR14 6NB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00020843
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: The Wars of the Roses: an introduction

An introduction to the violent conflict that dominated the middle years of the 15th century and shaped the future of England for generations to come.A period that Shakespeare described as a time of political intrigue, personal ambition, and moral corruption.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/03/2025 -
Wed 30/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020103
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: 350th Anniversary of the Royal Observatory

This Saturday Lecture traces the creation and development of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich through its long and eventful existence. We consider why the Observatory came into existence, what contributions it has made both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the history of our island nation and why it continues to hold a fascination for people. We will explore the advances in navigation, cartography and timekeeping made under the Observatory’s direction and consider some of the great personalities associated with it, John Flamsteed and John Harrison among them. Finally, we will consider the Observatory as it appears in Cultural History and reflect on its current incarnation.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017696
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Women, Queenship and Power in Medieval England

In this talk, we will explore attitudes towards women in the Middle Ages, especially to women as rulers. In the Middle Ages, just one woman – the Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I – inherited a claim to the English throne. Yet, on her father’s death, her cousin, Stephen, seized control of England, so that Matilda was never crowned as queen. For many medieval people, the idea of a woman ruling in her own right was foreign to contemporary minds. We will look at why this was and why queens consort, such as Matilda of Boulogne, King Stephen’s wife, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Henry II’s wife, represented more acceptable (if still occasionally controversial) figures of female political power.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017922
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

History: History of Ideas: The Big Questions Part 2

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017976
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00

History: Journey along The Silk Road – a 6-week history of Exploration, Trade, Culture and Exchange

This course is re-run of the Spring term course: Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 6-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most significant trade routes in history, tracing its origins, evolution, and enduring legacy. From the bustling marketplaces of ancient cities to the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped empires, we will delve into the rich tapestry of cultures, economies, and ideas that flourished along this ancient network of trade routes. This course will offer a rich interdisciplinary exploration of the Silk Road, drawing on historical texts, archaeological evidence, visual media, and discussion to deepen understanding of its pivotal influence in world history.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018509
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £48.00

History: When Peace broke out-the austerity years 1945-1951

From the viewpoint of 80 years after the end of the second world war this six -week course will allow learners to revisit the immediate post war world. We will examine the transformation of Britain from May 1945 through to 1951. The course will cover the pivotal 1945 general election, the extensive social changes, (including the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state) and the economic challenges faced by the country during the austerity years. Through a combination of secondary and primary source analysis, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the immediate post-war period shaped modern Britain. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00019815
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40