While carrying out research for the book on Farndon during the First World War, it was discovered that a local man, Henry Bowen, was a stoker (fireman) on the Lusitania. Not only that, he was on the final voyage of the vessel when she was hit by a torpedo and sank in 1915. This talk covers both his life and the vessel in the context of the period; the race for the Blue Riband between the magnificent liners of both Cunard and White Star Line, plus the final voyage. Fully illustrated throughout.
Views: 61 | Enquiries: 0I have been a teacher and lecturer for over 30 years after studying History and Archaeology and the University of Liverpool. I have also lectured for many years in Local History on Adult Education Degree courses in University of Liverpool Centre for Continuing Education.
I have broad research interests and have written about various aspects of History for over thirty-five years and book publications include;
Merseyside at War 1939-45 / A-Z of Chester (People, places, events) / Wirral at War / Chester at War / Tales from the ‘Pool – a collection of Liverpool Stories / Tracing Your Liverpool Ancestors /
Pioneers and Perseverance: A History of the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool 1791-1991.
I have also contributed entries to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and numerous Historical Academic Journals.
Many of my articles can be freely accessed on my websites under www.roydenhistory.co.uk
I've made various appearances on TV and Radio, including BBC Radio 4’s Making History, Heir Hunters, Who Do You Think You Are?, and recent programmes on the Blitz.
I'm also vice-chair of Everton FC Heritage Society. I run the website and write history articles for the matchday programme and compiled the Remembrance booklet for the Club on all players lost in both wars. I am also involved in making documentary films about the history of the club.
A book on the Liverpool shipbuilding firm of Thomas Royden & Sons is due for publication.
I have been giving lectures to Societies and Conferences since the early 1980s. All lectures are fully illustrated.
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