The Public Face of a Victorian Christmas

William Bates


Organisation:
Fourshires History
Regions:
Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Unknown
Category:
History
Updated:
23rd September 2025

Stories of how Victorians celebrated Christmas in their homes are limited. Much can be gleaned, however, from newspaper reports of entertainments and produce sold in shops. This talk looks at a variety of options for celebrating Christmas, often based on a family's class or religious view.

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About William Bates

I'm based in Derby, and am happy to travel thirty miles or so. I speak mainly about aspects of history in an area to the south of Derby, including East Staffordshire and North West Leicestershire. You can learn more about me from my website: Four Shires History. On the home page, I've included a video which gives an idea of what I'm like as a speaker.

I have an MA in English Local History, but pitch my talks to a non-academic audience. They're fully illustrated, and I often include a video clip or relevant song. I tend to speak for forty minutes, and then encourage discussion or questions. I'm glad to work with others and adjust what I do to suit an occasion or audience.

Now retired, I enjoy research, writing, and getting to know a landscape. If I can find a good place for coffee and cake, I head straight to it.


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