TRACKS THROUGH TIME

History Talk Topics 

 

Prehistoric topics

 

• Stonehenge – unravelling the mystery - a study of the role and purpose of Stonehenge. 

Celto Roman topics

 

• Roman Bath - the Gods are everywhere   - a study of the finds on display at the Roman Bath Museum.

 

Roman topics

 

• Mithras and the Romans – evidence for the mystery cult in Roman Britain - a study of the nature, meaning  and extent for the worship of Mithras and his link with Monmouthshire.

• Governor Agricola in Scotland – campaigns in the northern most  frontier of Roman Britain - an examination of his influence in paving the way towards linear defences.

• Hadrian’s Wall in Roman Britain – all you need to know - understanding the history, design and function of the primary linear defence system.

• Antonine Wall in Roman Britain – all you need to know -understanding the history, design and function of the secondary linear defence system.

• Usk Legionary Fortress and the Silures – the first Roman military campaigns in South Wales circa AD 50s and 60s -  a study of the role of the major supply base at Burrium, within its historical context in the subjugation of the Silurian tribes. 

• Roman Roads – the communication network in Herefordshire - an investigation into the extent of Roman road development in the vicinity of Herefordshire, with reference to an A-Z of Roman military and civilian settlements and associated finds as evidence. 

• The Romans and the Usk Valley – from Brecon (Y Gaer) to Caerleon (Isca) via Abergavenny (Gobannium)” - a study of some of the more significant finds associated within the vicinity of these Forts.

• Uncovering Abergavenny & Revealing Romans - the hidden history of buried Gobannium.  A consideration of what’s left buried in Gobannium & its role in the subjugation of the Silures tribe with reference to evidence, the finds & ancient sources

 

Norman & Medieval topics

 

• Journey Through Monmouthshire in 1188 - Giraldus Cambrensis tour of South Wales and the Borders from Hereford to Newport - a focus on the history and heritage of specific sites along the Welsh Borders, which were associated with Gerald of Wales, during his the 12th century visit

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• Gwents Great Citadels - the top ten Castles from Norman times to the Wars of the Roses - a chronological snapshot of the famous people & the key events which helped to shape Monmouthshire’s best known Castles

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• Legendary Bowmen of medieval Gwent & SE Wales and our noble men at arms…from Abergavenny in Norman times to Monmouth's Henry V’s and the battle of Agincourt in 1415    

  

17th Century topics

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• The Civil War years in South Wales  – Royalist & Parliamentarian links with the Historic Houses & Castles of Monmouthshire

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• Raglan Castle's  Royalist defence - the role, life and  times of Henry Somerset, the 1st Marquess of Worcester  

 

18th Century topics

 

• The 18th century Wye Tour – in the footsteps of William Gilpin from Ross on Wye to Chepstow, via the Piercefield Estate - a study of the Picturesque movement and the Wye Valley

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• Nelson was here and the Admirals too - a study of the great sea battles, their significance, links and connections with Monmouth in the 18th century.

• Monmouthshire Canals - evolution, decline & revival in the eyes of an 18th Century Canal Engineer, Thomas Dadford Jnr.

 

19th Century topics

 

• Monmouthshire's Magnificent Mansions, lost, in ruin &/or under threat – the culture and character, the context and the setting, the links and elite associations, of each of the unique buildings, throughout their history and situated within Gwent and the Usk Valley

• Wales & the Zulu War in the late 18th century - a day in the life of Welsh Soldiers fighting beneath the foothills of Isandlwana and defending the border post of Rorke's Drift against all odds - I read the news today, oh boy!  The impact made, the sacrifices offered & the legacy left behind, by the 24th British Regiment of Foot (oka the South Wales Borderers) on the 22 January 1879

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20th Century topics

 

• Hereford's Heroes of the Great War - memories of a Major serving on the Western Front (1914-1918) - reenactment in words and pictures - sharing the WW1 experience & its impact on the home front, the western front & beyond  

• The Great War Heroes of Gwent & South Wales (1914-1918)  - recollections of a Monmouthshire Colonel 100 years on  - reenactment in words, pictures & images - tracing the development of WW1 & its impact on the Welsh Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice 

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