Hoskins Day – June 2026.
Saturday 27th June 2026, 12:00AM – 4:30PM, University of Leicester, Room 101, Attenborough Building.
Book at: shorturl.at/EBDVw.
Doors open from 12:00. You can catch up with friends old and new whilst enjoying a buffet lunch (available until 13:50).
You are also invited to visit the University Archives at the David Wilson Library for a special viewing of material from the recently re-indexed W. G. Hoskins’ archive.
The afternoon lectures commence with our Spotlight on Centre research with Carole Gurnham talking about her research on how landscape patterns such as ridge and furrow may provide a ‘Window into the Neolithic’ and Julie Chamberlain taking us into the early modern period with her research on ‘The utensils of my trade’, women’s paid work and businesses in Warwickshire towns 1660-1740.
‘Shall we fight them on the beaches?’
Our keynote speaker Professor Robert Liddiard from the University of East Anglia, will speak on a topic close to the heart of the Centre’s local and community history and landscape studies. In a talk entitled ‘Shall we fight them on the beaches?’ Rob will talk about communities, contestation and the coastline in the Second World War.
He will explore how the building of extensive anti-invasion defences along the coastline changed not only the physical landscape but also shaped the lives and experience of local communities who suddenly found themselves on Britain’s front line.
By taking a local and regional and landscape-driven approach, it is possible to gain new insights into a subject normally the preserve of military archaeologists.
This is a free event open to all. Free parking is available on campus outside the Danielle Brown Sports Centre – enter via Gate A (nearest to Welford Road). The event takes place in the Attenborough Tower Seminar Block. There is level access and a lift to all floors.
If you have special dietary needs, please inform Mary Bryceland, Secretary, secretary@englishlocalhistory.org
If you have any questions please contact: Karen Donegani, Treasurer and Membership Secretary, treasurer@englishlocalhistory.org.
