The Origins of the First World War: Trinity Methodist Church, Chelmsford, Saturday 25 October 2014

Historical Association, Essex Branch

Meeting on Saturday 25 October 2014, 2.30pm, at Trinity Methodist Church , Chelmsford CM1 2XB (near train and bus stations)

Visitors and prospective members warmly welcome - a £2 donation is requested.

For information, email essexha1@btinternet.com or phone 07914 910612.

As this is talk is part of the Chelmsford Ideas Festival, non-members are advised to book at www.changingchelmsford.org/2014 or phone 07970571375 to give an idea of possible numbers.  However, as places can't be reserved, it's advisable to arrive in good time.

Dr. Seán Lang

Senior Lecturer in History, Anglia Ruskin University

The Origins of the First World War

Dr. Seán Lang studied history at Oxford and worked for many years in schools and colleges in Cambridge , then for four years as Lecturer in Education at Exeter University .  He now teaches history at Anglia Ruskin University , Cambridge , specialising in the history of the British Empire , especially the social history of empire, imperialism in popular and children’s literature, and decolonisation.  He is developing his research interests in the development of British constitutional identity from the sixteenth century onwards, and has published on 19th-century British political history.  A former Honorary Secretary of the Historical Association, Seán has also acted as adviser to Government and Opposition, as well as the Council of Europe, on issues related to history and history education.  He has written three works of popular history in the ‘for Dummies’ series, the most recent being First World War For Dummies, written in association with Imperial War Museums.  His latest book, Why the First World War Broke Out, is being published this year.  Sean believes passionately in the importance of communicating the joy of history to the widest audience possible.  He regularly speaks on matters relating to history on Radio 5 Live and on local radio.  He is also an award-winning playwright and has had a number of one-act plays performed and published.