Opulence, Innovation, and Intrigue: the history of the Orient Express
Stephen Goss
- Regions:
- South East, London, South West, Northern Ireland, East of England
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional historian
- Fee:
- Paid: £90.00
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 2nd April 2025
- Tagged:
- Railways | Railway History | Espionage | 20Th Century
The Orient Express: Europe’s legendary luxury train whose very name evokes a world of glamour, espionage, and timeless intrigue. Conceived in 1883 by a Belgian engineer, this celebrated service quickly became the preferred route for Europe’s elite, transporting royalty, diplomats, adventurers, and spies across the continent.
Hear the remarkable true stories of passengers such as King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who insisted on driving the train himself; and the Orient Express’s role in the end of the First World War. Learn how intelligence services carefully monitored passengers on what became known as the Spies Express. Delve into how popular fiction, most famously Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, further embellished the train's mystique, creating an enduring blend of historical fact and captivating legend. This talk is an enthralling journey into the glamorous yet shadowy history of a train that defined an era.
Views: 26 | Enquiries: 0About Stephen Goss
An academic historian published in peer-review journals who has been a popular speaker in local historical societies and community groups for 15 years.
With me you get history based on the highest standard of research and analysis - presented in an engaging, witty and enjoyable way. I tailor my talks to suit your audience; I guarantee you will be fascinated with the insights and hear humorous anecdotes which will stay with you.
I am also a multiple award-winning tour guide with 100% positive reviews on TripAdvisor. If you would like a walking tour, or a combined talk and walk, please contact me. Each of my talks are accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation. I can provide laptop, projector, and speaker if necessary.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Stephen Goss
- The war that no one wanted: the origins of the First World War
- The Secret history: Britain and the Cold War
- ‘This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years’: the origins of the Second World War
- From Domesday Book to listening in for doomsday: Caversham Park’s 930 years at the centre of history
- 'This is the room from which I will direct the war': Churchill and the Cabinet War Rooms
- From Partition to Protocol: the history of Northern Ireland
- No tolerance of undeserving rank and splendour: the wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act I
- 'I’ve got a little list of society offenders': the wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act II
- The Titanic and her times
- A Study in Sherlock: the Secrets Behind the World’s Most Famous Detective
- ‘A terrible foe has been cast on the ground’: the path to victory and VE Day 80 years on
- ‘America is lost!’ On the 250th anniversary, American independence from the British perspective
- Cliveden House: power, politics, and Profumo
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