Delve into the history of Cambridge at the 2015 Cambridge History Festival, running for two weeks starting 26 February and revealing the fascinating stories which have helped shape the city. The festival is in association with the Museum of Cambridge and there’s a range of events planned.
25 February
IN CONVERSATION WITH GREG JENNER
The author and historical consultant to Horrible Histories leads a humorous yet insightful discussion on hygiene, in conjunction with in his new book, A Million Years in a Day – in celebration of Hobson’s Conduit. At Heffers, 7.30pm. £7.50.
26 February
THE INAUGURAL ENID PORTER MEMORIAL LECTURE
‘1914-18 A Century On: Global War, Public Memory and Local History’. David Reynolds explores the way public memory of the Great War has altered over time. Castle Street Methodist Church, 7.30-8.30pm. £5-£7.50 (includes a drink)
27 February
THE MASTERS’ WIVES COVERLET OF 1892: A REAL DETECTIVE STORY
Carolyn Ferguson examines the iconography of a coverlet gifted to the museum in 1892 to identify why it was made and reveal more about the ladies who created it. Museum of Cambridge, 3-4pm. £3-£5 (includes a drink)
DEATH & DISEASE THROUGH THE AGES IN CAMBRIDGE
A tour for adults from See Cambridge Differently. Join a 1.5 hour guided walk taking in the gory parts of Cambridge’s history! Meet for mulled cider at The Mitre then finish at the Museum of Cambridge. Takes place 5.45-7.30pm. £10 (includes a drink)
THE IMPACT OF THE RAILWAYS IN CAMBRIDGE
Tony Kirby looks at the role of the railway in shaping Cambridge and explores the changing landscape of railways, from the days of steam through dieselisation to electrification. Castle Street Methodist Church, 7-8pm. £5-£7.50 (with a glass of wine)
CAMRA AT THE WHITE HORSE INN
Knock back some delicious beer from the Moonshine and Black Bar breweries while learning more about local brewing, includes a short tour of the inns – past and present – in the Castle Hill area. Museum of Cambridge, 7.30-9.30pm. £7.50 (includes a drink)
28 February
SINGING HISTORY
Join the children of the Singing History Choir as they sing about Thomas Hobson, Cambridge Tudor philanthropist, with music by Kirsty Martin and lyrics by Horrible Histories songwriter Dave Cohen. Museum of Cambridge, 2.30-4.30pm. Free with museum admission
CAMBRIDGE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS PRESENTS: 50S & 60S CAMBRIDGE
What was Cambridge like in the 1950s and 60s? Members of the 5,000-strong Facebook group ‘Cambridge in the Good Old Days’ share their memories and images of this vibrant time. Castle Street Methodist Church, 6.30-7.30pm. £5-£7.50 (includes a drink)
1 March
THE DAVID PARR HOUSE David Parr may have evaded the history books had it not been for the legacy he left in his house. Tamsin Wimhurst reveals the story of the development and survival of this hidden Cambridge gem. Museum of Cambridge, 6-7pm. £3-£5 (includes a drink)
2 March
OLIVER CROMWELL: HERO OR VILLAIN?
Dr David Smith explores Cromwell’s life and leadership through a selection of his letters and speeches, and considers why he still divides opinion. Castle Street Methodist Church, 7-8pm. £5-£7.50 (includes a drink)
4 March
FROM WORKHOUSE TO PLAYHOUSE: A HISTORY OF MILL ROAD
A Heritage Lottery-funded project plans to build a community archive for Mill Road. Hear what volunteers have discovered so far about this popular area of the city. Castle Street Methodist Church, 7-8pm. £5-£7.50 (includes a drink)