Guest speaker

Engaging audiences with stories from the past

As a public historian and researcher, I bring history to life through engaging talks and presentations. Whether addressing academic audiences, community groups, or public events, I aim to make history accessible, thought-provoking, and relevant to today’s world.

What I offer

Speaking Topics

I offer a range of topics tailored to different audiences, including:

  • The darker side of early Quakerism
  • The commendable life and noble death of early Quaker, Humphrey Smith.
  • The emotional trauma of the British Civil Wars and their impact on the radical religion
  • The polemical writing of Herefordshire Quaker, Morgan Watkins
  • Quakers and the printing press
  • Tudor wills in Wales and what they tell us about family, politics, and religion
  • Memorial testimony writing in the 17th and 18th century
  • And more! Just ask!

Why Invite Me?

  • Expertise: With a strong foundation in Quaker history, I provide well-researched and insightful perspectives.
  • Engagement: My presentations are crafted to captivate and inspire audiences, blending storytelling with historical analysis.
  • Flexibility: I can tailor my talks to suit your event’s focus, whether it’s a lecture, panel discussion, or interactive workshop.

Past engagements

  • Newport Writers Circle, Shropshire: ‘Magic in the Archives’
  • Witney Masonic Hall, Oxfordshire, UK: ‘Finding the Hidden World of Early Quakers’ with Dr. Isabella Rosner
  • Conference of Quaker Historians and Archivists, Lancaster University, UK: ‘War and Renewal: The Civil Wars, Trauma, and Quakers’
  • Conference of Quaker Historians and Archivists, University of Massachusetts, Amherst: ‘Our dear Friend has departed this life’: Testimony writing in the long eighteenth century’ with Dr. Robynne Rogers Healey
  • Conference of Quaker Historians and Archivists, Birmingham, England: ‘Eulogising a Seventeenth Century Friend’: The Commendable Life and Noble Death of Humphrey Smith
  • Friends House Library History Group, London: ‘‘A worthy Souldier and Follower of the Lamb’: Humphrey Smith (c.1624 – 1663), the Civil Wars, his missionary activity, and publications
  • Conference of Quaker Historians and Archivists, Westtown, Pennsylvania: ‘Lamentation Over England’: Morgan Watkins (c.1684), Polemics and Restoration Quakerism on the English Borders
  • University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Conference of Religious History: ‘Morgan Watkins (-c.1684), A Quaker Voice on the English Borders.’
  • Brecknock Society, Brecon, Wales: ‘In the Name of God Amen: Tudor Wills in Breconshire’

Book Me as a Speaker

If you’re looking for a speaker who can connect the past to the present and inspire your audience, I’d love to hear from you!