In ‘A History of India before the British‘ Alan Freeland tells us  that  in the next few of years India’s likely to become the world’s third largest economy.  To benefit from this we’ll need to understand India a lot more than we do today as we are very ignorant of our history in India.

The talk focuses on India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Alan uses the word India when referring to the three countries that are referred to as South Asia. Roughly speaking, if you take Russia out of Europe, then Europe and South Asia are about the same physical size, but the population is three times that of Europe.

It’s the size of India’s population that has always been its greatest strength and asset.

Although Buddhism starts in India, it is no longer dominant, apart from in Sri Lanka. It is one of India’s cultural exports to those countries who today have a significant Buddhist population.

The section on the origins of the Indian culture looks at the Indus Valley civilisation and the Vedic period. This is a time critical in forming the Indian culture and philosophy. The philosophy lives on today.

For a millennium and a half, from about 250 BCE to 1280, India confidently exports its diverse civilisation. It creates a vast body of ideas where its influence is predominant. The rest of Asia willingly receives this mass transfer of Indian soft power, art, religions, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics and mythology.

The first manuscripts, recording personal history, date from the arrival of the Muslims.  Prior to this historians mostly have to rely on inscriptions, on temples, for example.

Indian history can be characterised by a multitude of independent kingdoms and empires with occasionally interruptions by short-lived large empires. The exact opposite of China.

Listen to Alan tell us the full story of religions, castes, empires, the coming of the Europeans and intrigue.

Unfortunately many of the images used in the original presentation are subject to copyright and therefore cannot be published alongside this podcast.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

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In the ‘1832 Reform Bill – did it avoid a revolution‘ Robert Sykes tells us  that whilst the parliamentary system in Britain is genuinely old, real democracy is arguably under a hundred years old.

The first significant reform of the parliamentary system results in the Bill of 1832. Robert spends some time on the system before the Bill. He explains  why it needs change. We hear of  the growth of the reform movement and the people who want to change the way Parliament is set up.

This talk is mostly about England. Before 1832 each county has two Members of Parliament irrespective of the size of the population. That’s rather like the US Senate. This means that Yorkshire with 20,000 voters has the same number of members as Rutland with less than a thousand voters. Although this isn’t an ideal situation it gives representation to different parts of the country.

There are also 203 boroughs. These are are determined by different approaches, many historical, across the country.

Whilst, in the Middle Ages a number of boroughs have quite a large number of voters, by the 1830s many have changed.

In these every male head of household with a hearth large enough to boil a pot has the vote. An example is Preston in Lancashire.

There is corruption to get the votes. The Times tells of two candidates. One extols the virtue of the system saying ‘How wonderful it is that all people can have the vote in this way, that you can act independently’.

The other says ‘Never mind him, I’ll give you something to put in your pot.’ An open bribe for his vote.

There is no secret ballot and voting is visible to everyone.

There are many so-called rotten boroughs. These date from the middle ages and have changed significantly.

Dunwich in Suffolk becomes parliamentary constituency in 1296 when it has a thriving port rivalling London. It then falls into the sea as erosion takes place. In 1831 there are only 44 houses there. It still elects two Members of Parliament.

One is the Downing family who chose an MP from their relations and the other is in the gift of the Duke of Newcastle. He sells the  right to be an MP for a thousand pounds.

A system in need of change:

There is much political wrangling. Those who appear to favour change may be holding it back whilst others who are against change risk revolution and a run on the banks.

Listen to Robert tell us the full story which is full of intrigue and possible double dealing.

Unfortunately the images used in the original presentation are subject to copyright and therefore cannot be published alongside this podcast.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

The post TH2024 Ep07 1832 Reform Bill appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

In ‘17th Century Dissenters and the World Turned Upside Down‘ Judith Edge tells us about dissent in the 17th Century and compares the situation with today.

It is clear what a dissenter is. In the 17th century, it is to do with religion. Baptists, Quakers and others offering new religious solutions. Others ask sceptical questions about the institution and beliefs of society, such as the Seekers, the Ranters, the Diggers and more.

Some of the groups, such as the Baptists and Quakers, survive today. Most of the others have disappeared.

In the 17th Century, particularly during the Civil War, there was a great questioning and revaluing of everything in England. Old institutions, old beliefs, old values all coming into question.

At this time religious dissent rules, with different views on religion being the driving force. Today other factors are in play with the climate activists, anti-vaxxers and others.

This is nothing new, some of our parents may have despaired at our ‘make love not war’ views 60 years ago.

Where do we fit in today:

We all have beliefs and comfort zones. Do we like the status quo or we want change and revolution? Do we keep the old traditions, or seek something new? Are our ideas conventional or radical? Do we seek a quiet life or one on the edge?

It might be worth reflecting on yourself and where you honestly see yourself

Listen to Judith tell us the full story.

Unfortunately the images used in the original presentation are subject to copyright and therefore cannot be published alongside this podcast.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

The post TH2024 Ep05 17th Century Dissenters appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

In ‘Mike Hawthorn‘ Simon Barber tells us about one of his heroes, Britain’s first Formula 1 World Champion.

Mike Hawthorn is born in Mexborough to Leslie and Winifred Hawthorn in 1929. His father moves to Farnham and buys the Tourist Trophy Garage.

Mike goes to prep school in Farnham and then to Ardingly College .

The Tourist Trophy Garage is franchised to supply and service several high performance brands, including Jaguar and Ferrari. His father races motorcycles and supports his son’s racing career until his death in a road accident in 1954.

Mike Hawthorn first races on 2 September 1950 in his 1934 Riley Ulster Imp, and wins the 1,100 cc sports car class at the Brighton Speed Trials.

In 1952 he switches to single-seaters and wins his first race in a Formula Two Cooper-Bristol T20 at Goodwood. Further successes follow which bring him to the attention of Enzo Ferrari, who offers him a works drive.

He makes his Formula One debut at the 1952 Grote Prijs van Belgie at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and finishes in fourth place. That year he has his first podium, with a third place at the RAC British Grand Prix .

In January 1955 he joins the Jaguar racing team, replacing Stirling Moss, who had left for Mercedes. He wins the 1955 les 24 Heures du Mans following an inspired drive. He sets a lap record of 4 minutes and 6.6 seconds during a three-hour duel with Fangio in the early stages.

Sadly the race is marred by the worst disaster in motor racing history. A crash kills 83 spectators and Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh.

The official inquiry into the accident rules that it is a racing incident. The death of so many spectators is blamed on inadequate safety standards.

Hawthorn rejoins Ferrari in 1957, and soon becomes friends with Peter Collins, a fellow Englishman and Ferrari team driver.

Hawthorn wins the 1958 Formula One Championship despite achieving only one win. The win is the 1958 French Grand Prix at Reims.

Retirement:

After winning the title he retires from Formula One.

He begins a series of books for children featuring not only the wholly fictional Carlotti but also himself and other drivers of the day.

A few months later he dies in a road accident.

Listen to Simon tell us the full story.

Unfortunately the images used in the original presentation are subject to copyright and therefore cannot be published alongside this podcast.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

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In ‘How Science is helping people our past‘ Pam Taylor tells us that we don’t often have talks about archaeology. She also says it’s not all about grubbing around in the dirt.

Pam’s interest began in the 1970s with an evening class at Farnborough Tech. She then moves on  to the Royal Aircraft Establishment Archaeological Society, active in digging at local sites.

She admits that there is a lot of grubbing around in the dirt, but says that she doesn’t do it. Her interest is in looking at the results of grubbing around in the dirt.

Archaeology has developed over the last few centuries, going from antiquarian interest to involving many scientific techniques today.

In the 1970s the use of science was limited to Carbon 14 dating; at the time very expensive for a local society. This gives a date for organic material such as plants, trees, people and animals.

X ray techniques were sometimes used, for example, on Egyptian mummies.

Prior to this, dating used stratification. The depth of an object and the  sequence leading to it. This means finding undisturbed layers in the soil and is not always accurate.

As time passes other techniques, such as MRI and CT scanning come into use along with DNA analysis.

Tracing peoples’ movements:

These scientific techniques all lead to a greater understanding of how the distribution and mixing of different genetic traits took place across the world.

Listen to Pam tell us the full story.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

The post TH2024 Ep03 How Science is helping appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

In ‘Mother Teresa’ Graham Meade tells us the history of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

This is the third in a series of short talks given to the members of the Farnham u3a World History group.

There are a number of famous people from history staying in the ‘burning house’. Each speaker pleads for their subject to be saved.

I was born Agnes Gonj Bojadjou on 26th of August 1910 the youngest of three children. By blood I’m Albanian, by citizenship an Indian, by faith a Catholic nun. My name translates to Mary Teresa.

My mother raises us after my father dies when I am 8. It is a devoutly Catholic family and my mother is always very kind to those less fortunate than us.

One of its priests at our church introduces me to the missionary work being undertaken in the wider world, particularly in India.

By the age of 12 I want to dedicate my life to God. I leave our family home at 18 to join the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Sisters of Loreto. They are an Irish community of nuns who send missionaries to India.

First steps in Kolkata:

My first missionary post is at St Mary’s High School in Calcutta. I teach young children history and geography. We have no supplies or equipment, so I teach by writing in the mud with wooden sticks and making use of what little other resources I can find. During this early period as a missionary, I have no income and little access to food.

Listen to Graham tell us how from these early beginnings the ministry grows.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

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In ‘Mr Punch’ Diana Butler tells us the history of Mr Punch who is far from being just a seaside puppet show.

Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk.

This is the second in a series of short talks given to the members of the Farnham u3a World History group.

There are a number of famous people from history staying in the ‘burning house’. Each speaker pleads for their subject to be saved.

Mr. Punch has his origins in Italy. We can trace the harlequin or pantaloon back to the burlesque mime characters of ancient Rome. Herculaneum has a statue with features of Mr. Punch. The showman’s sounds come from the whistles the Romans used.

Early days in Britain:

Religious dramas, political satire and opera are a feature of Middle Ages England. Over the years the clergy find that the puppets, with their humorous dialogues and popular songs, are not suitable for illustrating Bible stories .

In 1677 Edward Ravenscroft, at the Theatre Royal, has Punch on stage in a Restoration comedy.

In 1660, Samuel Pepys observes a marionette show featuring an early version of Mr. Punch in Covent Garden. Pepys describes the event in his diary as an Italian puppet play.

Listen to Diana tell us the story of this puppet whose history goes back many centuries.

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

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In ‘Xerxes I’ Michael A’Bear  tells us that, as a 21 year old, he catches a bus from Victoria Coach Station to India.

On that journey Michael encounters Xerxes and Darius, his father, many times

Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk.

This is the first in a series of short talks given to the members of the Farnham u3a World History group.

There are a number of famous people from history staying in the ‘burning house’. Each speaker pleads for their subject to be saved.

Xerxes the Great is the son of Darius I, the king emperor of Persia. The empire stretches from the Indus Valley in India, in the east, to the Balkans in the west. It also includes Egypt and the Black Sea area.

When Darius dies in 486 BCE, Xerxes comes to the throne at the age of 35.

Achievements:

Xerxes is a Zoroastrian, but he is very tolerant of other religions, permitting his subjects to follow other religions.

He establishes standardised weights and measures, runs a very successful postal service, develops the concept of money and banking, and builds innumerable roads.

Michael tells us that he is an absolute monarch, and is an absolute terror as well. He leads by fear with his well organised army of over two million men.

Listen to Michael tell us the story .

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

The post TH2024 02.1 Xerxes I appeared first on The MrT Podcast Studio.

In ‘Alexander the Great’ David Simpson and Alan Freeland tell us about this legend from ancient time.

We hear about his life, his military genius, his political skills and also the effect that he has had on culture through the ages.

Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk.

Alan Freeland writes:

The inspiration for  this topic comes from the British Library Exhibition ‘Alexander The Great – the Making of a Myth‘.

The exhibition shows me that Alexander the Great is both an historical figure and a  myth. If you measure influence by the number of cultures he impacts and  the duration of that influence, then he is a strong contender for the most influential person in all history. His ‘competitors’ would be those religious leaders who have given the inspiration to their followers to create durable world religions.

Alternatively if you are looking for a hero that has inspired more political  and military leaders than any other then again he is a strong contender.

To find out more about the (now closed) exhibition please click here.

David gives the first half of the talk. He focuses on the historic Alexander and Alexander  the man. His part of the talk also touches on Alexander the myth and his legacy – especially from a European perspective.

Alexander – the legacy:

Alan, in his preparation for his part of the talk, finds references to Alexander for every century up to the modern day.

Alexander’s legacy extends beyond the countries he visited so we also hear about his legacy in the  Roman Empire, The Caucuses, his impact on religions and  other examples of his legacy in the West.

Listen to David and Alan tell the full story .

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

Unfortunately it has not been possible to publish some of the illustrations from the original talk because they are copyright.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2025

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In ‘Franco’s Spain’ Peter Duffy tells us about the Spanish dictator who controlled Spain from 1939 to 1975.

Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk.

After he passes out from Toledo, Franco is posted to Morocco where he remains until the late 1920s.

He comes a lieutenant in 1912, a captain in 1915, a major in 1917, a colonel in 1925, and a general in 1926, making him the youngest general in both the Spanish army and across Europe.

His military achievements and bravery in battle drive both his promotions and also 13 medals and decorations. His key roles in North Africa are in the Spanish Foreign Legion. He becomes commander when his predecessor dies in battle.

From 1928 to 1931 he is director of the military academy and responsible for the training of the officer corps of the army. However in 1932 he is effectively sidelined with a posting by the new Republican government. Franco becomes military commander in La Coruña, a minor post in northwest Spain.

After this period in the wilderness he is restored to grace. From 1933 to 1934 he is commander in chief of the Spanish forces in Morocco. Then from 1935 to six he becomes chief of the general staff.

In 1936 another sideways move to Captain General of the Canary Islands.

Marriage and religion:

During his posting to La Coruña he marries Doña Carmen, a very pious woman. She influences his personal beliefs. His religious faith and Catholicism become part of his identity when he makes religion and the Catholic Church principal supports of his regime.

For Franco, his Catholic faith and Spanish nationalism are inseparable. At a personal level Franco believes that he has a personal mission to save Spain from liberalism and communism.

Listen to Peter tell the full story .

This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern  Group.

This podcast is also available through Amazon Music,  Apple Podcasts,  Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.

AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.

© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2024

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