Join us at Southwark Cathedral as several historians chart the fascinating story of the children of loving parents and family heartbreak

Join us for a fascinating day of talks exploring the lives and legacies of the Stuart family and their children, this event promises to be a captivating journey into British history.

Immerse yourself in the stories of the Stuarts, a prominent royal dynasty that shaped the course of England and Scotland for over a century. Our expert speakers will delve into the lives, achievements, and controversies surrounding this influential family, shedding light on their political, cultural, and social impact.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain insights into the lives of the Stuarts and their children. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about this fascinating period, our day of talks is sure to engage and entertain.

Our Speakers

Melita Thomas presents Arbella Stuart

Melita is the co-founder, editor, and principal contributor to the online resource, Tudor Times, www.tudortimes.co.uk, the popular web site for all things Tudor and Stewart, 1485 - 1625. Writing for the website has entailed research across the whole period, and one of the saddest stories that she has researched is that of Arbella Stuart.

Melita has a Master’s in Historical Research from the Institute of Historical Research and is currently a doctoral candidate at University College London (UCL), working on the social and political networks of Mary I. She is the author of the non-fiction books, The King’s Pearl, and The House of Grey, and her latest work, 1000 Tudor People, will be published on 28 March 2024.

Steven Veerapen presents Anna of Denmark and Her Children

Pursuing an interest in sixteenth-century literature, Steven Veerapen was awarded a first-class Honours degree in English, with a thesis focussing on Renaissance literary depictions of Henry VIII’s six wives. He then received an MLitt in Renaissance Studies, with his Masters’ thesis examining depictions of Elizabeth I in early modern drama and chronicle histories. This was followed by a PhD from the University of Strathclyde, the focus of which was on Elizabethan slanderous and seditious material. He now lectures in English Studies at the University of Strathclyde. His research interests include early modern Anglo-Scottish relations and representations of authority and resistance in early modern drama.

Linda Porter presents The Forgotten Children of Charles I

Linda Porter was the winner of the 2004 Biographers Club/Daily Mail Prize, and her first two books, Mary Tudor: The First Queen and Katherine the Queen: the Remarkable Life of Katherine Parr were both published to great acclaim. She is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine and History Today

Breeze Barrington presents Mary of Modena

Dr Breeze Barrington a cultural historian specialising in the artistic cultures of the seventeenth century, with particular focus on women’s history and female artists. As an arts writer and critic, she has written for Apollo Magazine, The Art Newspaper, CNN Style, The Conversation, the Financial Times, and the Times Literary Supplement, and has appeared as a guest on podcasts including History Hack, Talking Tudors, the Colnaghi Foundation, and the TLS Podcast. She has also worked as a script consultant and literary/historical adviser for Working Title and Monumental Pictures.

Breeze is represented by PEW Literary Agency and her first book, The Graces, about Maria of Modena and the community of female learning she cultivated within the Jacobite court, is forthcoming with Bloomsbury.

This event is in-person only and won't be recorded or streamed. A ticket allows entry for the whole day and the talks will take place in the Cathedral library.

Doors open at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.