Our courses are wide ranging covering ancient, modern and local history. Previous topics have included From the First Settlers to the First Farmers in the North; Household and Family 1500-1850; War and Social Change in 20th Century Europe; Maritime Northumberland; Newcastle and its Buildings, and the influence of prominent Northumbrians on British History and Politics.
Cnut’s Invasion of 1015-16 – The Viking Perspective: Weds, 21 Oct 2026 at 7.30, Guildhall, Berwick upon Tweed.
This lecture by Dr. Tim Bolton is organised in association with Berwick History Society. Timothy Bolton is a leading medieval historian, with two successful biographies of Cnut and numerous other writing and broadcasting credits to his name. He is an honorary fellow of both Cardiff and Aberdeen Universities.
Cnut, or Canute, is a seminal figure in English history. The English accounts of Cnut’s invasion come primarily from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and later historians such as John of Worcester, Henry of Huntingdon and William of Malmesbury.
But what about the Viking perspective? How do the contemporary Viking sources portray the English during Cnut’s invasion of 1015-16, and what can we learn from this? Dr Bolton will present completely new material, examining the tactics and esprit de corps of the Viking armies and offering a fresh impression of the English and their leaders.
This event is free to members of the Berwick History Society and the Berwick Civic Society. General admission £6.
You can learn more about the Berwick History Society programme of lectures here and how to join here.
The Bayeux Tapestry: Explore the controversial origins, complicated history and the coverage of the Bayeux Tapestry. Mon 23 Nov, 10-12noon, William Elder Building, Berwick upon Tweed.
This lecture by Dr. June Neilson is being given to complement the current exhibition of The Bayeux Tapestry in the British Museum, which runs from 10th September 2026 – 11th July 2027.
The Bayeux Tapestry is full of contradictions. It is not a tapestry but an embroidery and it does seem as though it was made in England and not in Bayeux. This lecture will attempt to answer such questions as what is the Tapestry, who was responsible for its origins and execution, as well as trying to establish when, where and why it was made. We will then look at its lengthy and complicated history and examine the contents of the Tapestry. Tickets £6.
No previous knowledge is assumed for any of our courses and all are welcome.