Not many people have ever heard of the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the Seventeenth century – These were three wars between England and the United Provinces (you’ll know them today as the Netherlands) between 1652 and 1674, fought for money, prestige and political rivalries in England. The Anglo-Dutch wars saw battles of over a hundred ships per side off the coast of England, dramatically affecting towns in England (including Colchester and Medway). Michael will answer questions such as, who was England’s greatest ever admiral? Why did the Dutch and English fight? Who won? He will also point out England’s worst naval defeat in its history and show how it transformed British naval warfare. Through the Anglo-Dutch Wars we will find how England came to rule the waves and how it shaped British history. But Michael will also ask an important question; if it was so important, then why did we forget them?
Up Next in Season 1
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History Through Statues: The Early Am...
In the second talk of a three part series, Steven Bishop will pick up where we left off last time at the Declaration of Independence to examine the first decades of the newly formed United States. How did George Washington rise to become the first President and a national hero? How were the Bill ...
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Athens: Birthplace of Democracy
Percy talks about Athens in the period 600 to 338 BCE. He discusses topics such as Pericles of Athens and the birth of democracy. He looks broadly at the City described as ‘The City of the Gods’. Athena, the goddess of Athens was the goddess of wisdom and war. Wisdom was particularly apposite as ...
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Colchester: Britain's First City
Colchester has a rich and vibrant history, often claimed to be Britain’s oldest city. This talk will take you on a journey through Colchester’s history – from the Ancient world of Boudicca to the modern day, seeing how this town changed and developed through time. Michael will focus in on Colches...
