Journey with us into a world of Imperial glory and power, family rivalry, wars, intrigue and alliances. Bear witness to the story of Russia’s revolutionaries, spies and terrorists. These events reverberate to the present day and much of what happened when the Romanovs ruled Russia continues to set the pattern for the current relationship between the two countries.

ALL PROFITS FROM THE NIGHT’S TALK WILL BE DONATED TO MAD-AID IN AID OF UKRAINIAN REFUGEES.

The Middleham Jewel was found in the 1980s by a metal detectorist and acquired by the Yorkshire Museum in the early 1990s.

Since then, further discoveries and analysis have shed light on its possible meanings as a late medieval jewel with a complex biography which raises intriguing questions about its commission, ownership, use and loss. Kate Giles will share her thoughts, invite further reflections and discuss its potential links to Richard III and his household.

On 22 August 1485, Henry Tudor emerged from the Battle of Bosworth victorious. His disparate army vanquished the forces of Richard III, and yet, all was not well… Nathen Amin looks at the myriad of shadowy conspiracies and murky plots which sought to depose the Tudor usurper early in his reign. Just how close did the Tudors come to overthrow long before the myth of their greatness had taken hold on our public consciousness?

1922 and 1923 were tumultuous years in British politics. Lloyd George was thrown out, and the Conservatives settled into power with a large Commons majority. Baldwin inherited that majority as Prime Minister in May 1923, but then lost it in a snap election later in the year. Some thought that that would be the end of him. In fact, it was the beginning of a long period in which Baldwin dominated the political scene with a clear, beautifully articulated Tory philosophy. In his talk, Alistair Lexden will review the events of 1922-23, and show how Baldwin made the inter-war years a Tory era.

1922 and 1923 were tumultuous years in British politics. Lloyd George was thrown out, and the Conservatives settled into power with a large Commons majority. Baldwin inherited that majority as Prime Minister in May 1923, but then lost it in a snap election later in the year. Some thought that that would be the end of him. In fact, it was the beginning of a long period in which Baldwin dominated the political scene with a clear, beautifully articulated Tory philosophy. In his talk, Alistair Lexden will review the events of 1922-23, and show how Baldwin made the inter-war years a Tory era.

Join us at Holy Trinity Church in Ripon for an evening with one of the few true outdoor legends. For over 30 years Ray Mears has shared his knowledge with those who have sought to learn more about our unique world. The woodsman, author and television presenter has spent the majority of his life learning to be at home in places others describe as hostile. He has met and learnt from Indigenous communities around the world. He also champions the art of Bushcraft in the UK, where he is credited with its revival as a thriving craft. Join us for an evening of stories and film.