Available talks by Christopher Simmons
The History of the Knights Hospitaller
The 1000 year story of how a group of medieval monks running a hospital in Jerusalem grew to be an international military force and, ultimately, an independent state in its own right. It’s a story of crusades, epic sieges, piracy, and a continuing medical mission that survives to the present day.
Empress Matilda - The First Queen England Never Had
In the mid-1100s Matilda, daughter of Henry I, was named heir to the English throne. But she was never to become Queen. This talk looks at Matilda's life, her claim to the crown and the devastating civil war she fought against her cousin, Stephen, in pursuit of her birthright.
The Thirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War (1618-48) was Europe's most destructive conflict until World War One, involving almost all the continent's Great Powers. This talk unravels the origins of the war in Germany, the reasons for its spread, and the motivations of some of the key figures in the conflict.
The Life of Sir Francis Younghusband
Victorian explorer, soldier and spy - Francis Younghusband was all these things ...... and much more besides! His early life resembles a 'Boy's Own' adventure story, but his later career would take an unexpected turn, revealing a very different side to this fearless, complex man.
Bolivar, the liberator!
In a 20-year struggle (1810-1830), Símon Bolívar freed much of South America from Spanish colonial rule, creating six independent nations. His story epitomises the saying ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’. Sadly, it also proves the observation that ‘All political careers end in failure’!
Climate change - a geological perspective
Human activity is warming our planet, adding a new influence to the geological and astronomical processes that have always controlled the Earth’s climate. This talk examines these processes and their complex interactions and provides insights into the possible future of human-induced climate change.