It is always an impressive experience to drive up the wide avenue towards Blenheim Palace in anticipation of our Autumn Lecture. Over one hundred members gathered on the 9th November to enjoy drinks and a tasty buffet supper in the Orangery, followed by the lecture in the Marlborough Room. Our speaker this year was Professor Michael Wood, Professor of Public History at Manchester University, and a well known television historian, broadcaster and author.
Michael Wood spoke about “Why the Anglo-Saxons Matter?”, giving us a fascinating overview of the period, from the early culture influenced by Rome, through the disruptive period of the Viking invasions, to the work of King Alfred in the ninth century and King Athelstan in the tenth century, who gave us the beginnings of the civil society and constitutional settlement we enjoy today.
Michael illustrated his lecture with some splendid images, showing the richness and sophistication of Anglo-Saxon culture, and brought the period vividly to life through well chosen stories and his infectious enthusiasm. Once again we are very grateful to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough for allowing us to use the Palace, and to the staff there for looking after us so well.