Historian Richard Marks invites you on a railway journey through Victorian Berkshire on the Great Western Railway. In this talk we will explore the arrival of the Great Western into Berkshire and what it meant to the people who lived and worked there. Why did Brunel choose to build his masterpiece through the county ? What were the first railway stations in Berkshire and why were they built where they were. How did the GWR change life in rural Berkshire ? Find out more in this talk
Views: 415 | Enquiries: 0I am a freelance historian based in Berkshire with publications on industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. I am currently researching the industrial development in the Victorian era, the evolution of the railway and canal systems in Britain in the second half of the 19th century, and the history of British industry. I hold a PhD in economic history from the University of Reading, which I obtained in 2024. I have also taught courses on various historical topics as a tutor with the WEA.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous 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."
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