Our popular history courses offer the chance to delve into a moment in time and explore lots of interesting stories from the period.
You will find courses that explore Greek epics, the renaissance in Italy, 15th Century England, major world powers and women in the military.
Courses will investigate key events and the climate around them, look at some of the compelling characters and uncover some interesting stories from the period.
Our History courses and workshops are a window to some of the most amazing people and periods.
Courses 2024/25
Historiography of the Bible: Myths, Facts, and Interpretations, Part 1 (S27H)
Description: Dive into the fascinating history of one of the world’s most influential texts. Explore the historiography of the Bible, focusing on the stories of Esther, Exodus, and the cultural context of the Ancient Near East. Discuss how these stories were recorded, interpreted, and their impact on society.
Tutor: Siena Dexter Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 13 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Mon 10:00-12:00 Duration: 5 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £80 (Concession: £48)
Find Out MoreAncient Greek History - The Persian wars 490-479 BC (S12H)
Description: The extraordinary and entertaining story of how tiny Athens saved Europe from the aggressive Persian empire – packed full of colourful characters and intriguing tales.
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 14 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 5 week(s)
Availability: Last few Fee: £80 (Concession: £42)
Find Out MoreThe French revolution & Napoleon (S24H)
Description: An overview of this exciting and dramatic period, looking at the main events and characters, as well as themes such as art and fashion.
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 14 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Last few Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
Find Out MoreAn introduction to a Greek Epic: Homer's Odyssey (S11H)
Description: This course will introduce the learner to the story and context of Homer’s famous poem. Week by week we will uncover different aspects and themes of the work by looking at progressive extracts of the text so that we cover the whole intriguing story.
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 15 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Wed 19:00-21:00 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
Find Out MoreThe Early Stuarts – a history of England 1603-49 (S18H)
Description: A study of the key events and people from the reign of James I to the death of Charles I
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 15 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Wed 10:00-12:00 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Last few Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
Find Out MoreMajor World Powers from Lenin to Hitler, 1914-1939 (S25H)
Description: This course will cover national and international power between 1914 and 1939 and will cover the dynamic links between economic, political, social and military changes in the major world powers during this time period.
Tutor: Neil Harrison Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 16 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Thu 13:00-15:00 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Fully booked Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
Find Out MoreSpanish History: The Spanish Civil War, Franco's dictatorship and the transition to democracy (L48S)
Description: The first half of the course will examine the origins and consequences of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The second part of the course aims to explore and understand the nature of Franco’s dictatorship and how the transition to democracy in Spain evolved.
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 17 Jan 2025 (Spring) Times: Fri 12:45-14:45 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
Find Out MoreHistoriography of the Bible: Myths, Facts, and Interpretations, Part 2 (S28H)
Description: Dive into the fascinating history of the world’s most influential texts. You will explore the historiography of the Bible, focusing on Esther, Exodus, and the cultural context of the Ancient Near East. We'll discuss how these stories were recorded, interpreted, and their impact on society.
Tutor: Siena Dexter Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Feb 2025 (Spring) Times: Mon 10:00-12:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £96 (Concession: £58)
Find Out MoreQueens and Warriors: Women Who changed the World, Part 1 (S29H)
Description: From Queen Nefertiti’s Egypt to Joan of Arc’s France, history has been shaped by powerful women who defied expectations and ruled their worlds. This course explores the lives of remarkable figures like Eleonora de Toledo and others who led with courage, intellect, and strength.
Tutor: Siena Dexter Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Feb 2025 (Spring) Times: Mon 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £96 (Concession: £58)
Find Out MoreDaily life in ancient Rome (S13H)
Description: A glimpse of life in this famous ancient city ranging from education to gladiators, uncovering some interesting and not-so-familiar information on the way.
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 25 Feb 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £16 (Concession: £10)
Find Out MoreAncient Greek History – The Successors (S14H)
Description: The Greek world from Alexander to the rise of Rome.
Tutor: Richard Stride Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 04 Mar 2025 (Spring) Times: Tue 13:00-15:00 Duration: 4 week(s)
Availability: Last few Fee: £64 (Concession: £40)
Find Out MoreMajor World Powers from Churchill to Gorbachev, 1939-1991 (S26H)
Description: This course will cover national and international power between 1939 and 1991 and will cover the dynamic links between economic, political, social and military changes in the major world powers during this time period.
Tutor: Neil Harrison Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Apr 2025 (Summer) Times: Thu 13:00-15:00 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £160 (Concession: £96)
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