An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure

Region:

South East

Notice Period:

Short (maybe less than one month's notice)

Type:

Professional

Fee:

Paid: £50 plus travel @45p per mile up to 30 miles from Reading

Category:

History

Updated:

20^th September 2021

Tagged:

Victorian Entertainment | Victorian History

The nineteenth century saw everyone work less and play more. In this talk we will investigate what this meant. We will see how theatre and music hall became popular among all classes. Discover the new Victorian pastimes which included everything from collecting cigarette cards and trainspotting to botany and science. Join me as we promenade through Victorian Britain.

I am a published historian based in Berkshire who specialises in industrial and railway history and the history of science. My current areas of research are the aircraft and systems of the RAF, industrial development in the Victorian period, and the development of the railway and canal systems in Britain in the mid to late 19th Century. I am currently researching a PhD in economic history and am a tutor with the WEA.

My talks appeal to a broad range of audiences and sizes of groups. I’m happy to adapt the length and format for your requirements. My aim is to educate and entertain, leaving the audience with a new perspective and wanting to learn more.

A 20 year career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies has given me a unique perspective as an historian.

Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."

"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."

Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Richard Marks

• More than Spitfires; Behind the Battle of Britain
• The Arrival of the Railways in Reading
• Bomber's Moon: The Equipment and Tactics of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two
• Iron Dragons: British Tanks in the First World War
• Barbers to Surgeons: Medicine in Victorian Times
• Stephenson's Horses: The Victorian Railways
• Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories
• Berkshire and the Industrial Revolution
• Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War