The Gunpowder Plot: Exploding the Myths (Fri 25th July 4.00pm)
Join us for a captivating panel discussion chaired by festival host Jo Durrant as we delve into the shadowy world of the Gunpowder Plot with four leading historians: Professor Nadine Akkerman, Dr Pete Langman, Dr Elizabeth Norton, and Professor Stephen Alford.
What drove a group of men to plan an act of mass murder by attempting to blow up Parliament on 5th November 1605? What were their motives, and what fueled their anger to such an extreme? Our expert panel will explore these questions, shedding light on the conspirators, their ambitions, and the seismic aftermath of their actions.
Through lively discussion, we’ll examine the myths, motivations, and potential consequences if the plot had succeeded. Prepare to see the infamous story in a new light as we uncover the truth behind one of history’s most notorious acts of treason.
Prof Stephen Alford taught for fifteen years at Cambridge University and has been Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Leeds since 2012. He is the author of seven books on the Tudor period, including The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth I (Penguin, 2012) and most recently All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil (Penguin, 2024).
Dr. Elizabeth Norton is a well-known historian, broadcaster and author, famous for her work on the Queens of England, and especially Tudor Women. Amongst her achievements are the critically acclaimed books; The Lives of Tudor Women and the temptation of Elizabeth Tudor. Elizabeth’s new book will be out in September 2025 'The Women Who Ruled the World' - a history of reigning queens across the world.
For Prof Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman see 1.30 talk
Book signing available
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Join us for a captivating panel discussion chaired by festival host Jo Durrant as we delve into the shadowy world of the Gunpowder Plot with four leading historians: Professor Nadine Akkerman, Dr Pete Langman, Dr Elizabeth Norton, and Professor Stephen Alford.
What drove a group of men to plan an act of mass murder by attempting to blow up Parliament on 5th November 1605? What were their motives, and what fueled their anger to such an extreme? Our expert panel will explore these questions, shedding light on the conspirators, their ambitions, and the seismic aftermath of their actions.
Through lively discussion, we’ll examine the myths, motivations, and potential consequences if the plot had succeeded. Prepare to see the infamous story in a new light as we uncover the truth behind one of history’s most notorious acts of treason.
Prof Stephen Alford taught for fifteen years at Cambridge University and has been Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Leeds since 2012. He is the author of seven books on the Tudor period, including The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth I (Penguin, 2012) and most recently All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil (Penguin, 2024).
Dr. Elizabeth Norton is a well-known historian, broadcaster and author, famous for her work on the Queens of England, and especially Tudor Women. Amongst her achievements are the critically acclaimed books; The Lives of Tudor Women and the temptation of Elizabeth Tudor. Elizabeth’s new book will be out in September 2025 'The Women Who Ruled the World' - a history of reigning queens across the world.
For Prof Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman see 1.30 talk
Book signing available
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