It’s hard to sum up Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) succinctly other than as a polymath or perhaps a female Lawrence of Arabia. She was an archaeologist, spy, Arabist, explorer, linguist, author, poet, photographer, mountaineer and nation builder, playing a major role in the formation of Iraq after the First World War.

She was raised in Redcar and has many other associations with places in Yorkshire, not least East Rounton near Northallerton and Mount Grace Priory where her grandfather and father lived.

Launched in the centenary of her death, my two-part talk explores these places and describes Gertrude's achievements. Depending on availability, I may be accompanied by an actor colleague who will read from Gertrude's diaries and letters.