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A Regency Tale of High Spending Aristocrats

William Bates


Organisation:
Four Shires History
Regions:
Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Hobby, but with professional qualifications
Fee:
Expensed
Category:
History
Updated:
25th September 2026

Sir Roger Gresley and his mother were big spenders on the arts, entertainments and politics. This talk tracks their progress through a large fortune. The action takes place across England but finds a focus in their South Derbyshire estate and London homes. In particular, it illustrates the change in local politics created by the 1832 Reform Act.

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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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