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The Radical History School is an important part of our work. Open to all, it is a great chance to learn more about radical and trade union history.

The School runs every year alongside our annual Festival.

Check out the People’s History database of videos for talks on a wide range of key events in England’s radical history.

Catch up on all the past Radical History School webinars and lectures right here. 

Loveless in Hobart Town

October 4, 2022

George Loveless spent 879 days in Hobart Town. In this presentation Simon Cocker looks at the places, people and events from those days. New documents show that Governor Arthur was less than honest in his dealings with Loveless.

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The Ascott Martyrs

Sixteen women, some with babies in arms, were imprisoned in 1873 for supporting striking farm workers in the Oxfordshire village of Ascott Under Wychwood. The traumatic event led to nationwide press coverage and questions being asked in parliament.

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Valentine Ackland and Sylvia Townsend Walker

The two left-wing poets from Dorset have a fascinating story. The female poets were lifelong partners but became objects of intense state scrutiny by MI5 because of their supposedly ‘unconventional’ lives. We invite Frances Bingham, author of ‘Valentine Ackland: A Transgressive Life’ to explain more. 

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Margaret Bondfield

Professor Sue Milner from the University of Bath tells the controversial story of the shop worker from Chard who went on to become Britain’s first female cabinet member. A trade unionist and equal rights activist, this talk explores the life and times of the left’s Maggie.

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In conversation with… Sheila Rowbotham 

Daring to Hope.
Known internationally for her work on feminism and radical social history, author and historian Sheila Rowbotham joins the Radical History School to share stories of her life as a socialist activist and campaigner. Having helped start the Women’s Liberation Movement in Britain, Sheila has campaigned tirelessly for women, workers and progressive change throughout her life.

For this special event, we invite young historian Iris Kaye-Smith to delve into Sheila’s latest book ‘Daring to Hope’ which details her activism during the turbulent 1970s as well as explore Sheila’s contributions to the socialist and feminist movements.

Click here to watch