Discover the extraordinary lives of Tudor women and what life was like for women in Tudor times. Followed by Q&A.

What was it really like to be a woman in Tudor England? In this fascinating talk, Prof Diane Purkiss introduces us to two learned Janes: two girls called Jane, both given the best education available and both experts in Greek, but with very different fates. Then meet two ruling queens: sisters at odds over religion, yet oddly alike in their childlessness and loneliness. Finally, discover two outsiders: a woman prophet who broke into a secret garden to tell Henry VIII what she thought of him, and the wife of a butcher who was crushed to death in an attempt to save her family.

Through their stories, Prof Purkiss explores the possibilities, dangers and constraints that shaped women's lives in Tudor England – and brings six women out of the shadows of history.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Speaker Bio:

Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble College. She has published on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England's biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMdb entry and a Wikipedia page… She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.

Testimonials from our guests

⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P

⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J

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