Battle talks move from dinner table to coffee table (From Evesham Journal)
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Battle talks move from dinner table to coffee table
10:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Mike Pryce
BOOK: Historian Professor Ronald Hutton with a copy of the new collection of writings on the Battle of Worcester.
A REMARKABLE collection of writings on the Battle of Worcester by prominent UK historians has been published for the first time.
Stretching to 179 pages, the coffee-table-sized book combines nine essays from writers including Professor Ronald Hutton and Professor Ann Hughes, with full colour photography, illustrations, maps, portraiture and additional material from local archives and local authors.
Each essay has been taken from a talk given at the Battle of Worcester Dinners, which have become a tradition over the last decade, with expert historians from all over the UK invited to each event to give a specially prepared talk, each one illuminating a new aspect of the Battle of Worcester, its impact on 17th-century Worcester and its continual relevance to life today.
The essays are billed as a unique reference for students of the 17th century and for all those interested in local history.
Vaughan Wiltshire, a former Batle of Worcester Dinners chairman and one of the organisers of the 2012 dinners, said: “In 1994 a group of local amateur historians, recognising the importance of the 1651 battle in both local and national history, promoted the idea of a series of lectures from distinguished academics.
“Dinners were held in the Commandery, the Bishop’s Palace, Worcester Royal Porcelain Museum, College Hall, the Guildhall and Worcestershire County Cricket Club. “More than a thousand local people have supported these events over the years. This new book captures both the enthralling lectures and the entertainment and education of the dinner guests.
“This is a superb publication providing enjoyable reading for a wide audience – ideal for Christmas presents.”
l The Battle of Worcester – A Collection of Essays on the History of the Battle of Worcester 1651, published by the Battle of Worcester Society on behalf of the 2012 Battle of Worcester Dinner Committee, costs £15 plus £2.50 postage and packing from Vaughan Wiltshire on 01905 775919 or wiltshireford@btconnect.com.
