Catherine Clarke’s new book A History of England in 25 Poems (Penguin Allen Lane, 2025) tells the history of England through twenty-five poems written between the eighth century and today – each one opening a portal into a moment in this country’s past. In this talk, Catherine will explore some of the Hampshire and Solent connections in her book, taking us from William the Conqueror’s New Forest, to the poet Edward Thomas convalescing at home near Petersfield (where he composed ‘Adlestrop’), to the Isle of Wight and the gardens of Osborne House, where Victoria found consolation in poetry after the death of Albert.

Speaker: 

Catherine Clarke is a Professor at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, where she is also Director of the Victoria County History of England. She was previously Professor of English Literature at the University of Southampton, where she remains a Visiting Professor. A History of England in 25 Poems has been a Times Book of the Week and a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.

Details

https://hampshirearchivestrust.co.uk/events/a-history-of-england-in-25-poems-hampshire-stories