Anna Whitelock

BBC Radio 3- Sunday Feature: The Heritage Wars

Anna Whitelock — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:50:12 +0000

With four million members, The National Trust is more popular than ever and English Heritage has recently seen its membership boom. In this programme I explore the UK’s love affair with its past and examines how the heritage industry is battling for our money.

I talk to the leading figures in the heritage industry: Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust; Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery fund, with a funding purse of 340 million; and Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage.

I also visit popular heritage attractions to find out what their appeal is and why they are being successful during the recession. In order to increase profitability, families have postively been encouraged at heritage sites around the UK. Whilst there’s been much success with “the Waitrose families”, the industry is keen to attract “the Tesco families”.

In recent years, the ideas of historical interpretation have shifted. The accent is on making the visitor feel more immersed in a historical location – people are encouraged to dress up, the barriers have been removed in some houses and interative exhibits are children friendly. So when you visit Hampton Court Palace, you can bump into Henry VIII and his entourage but I ask how authentic these historical interpretations are.

BBC History Magazine: Podcast on Public History

Anna Whitelock — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:49:28 +0000

I have been talking about the importance of public history and the need for historians to reach audiences beyond the academy. Have a listen here http://www.historyextra.com/podcast/26th-april-2012

Tower of London Lecture – BBC History Magazine

Anna Whitelock — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:48:56 +0000

I will be speaking on Elizabeth I at the Tower of London on Thursday 14 June in a joint event with author Kate Williams who will be talking about Elizabeth II. For more information see http://www.historyextra.com/towerlecture

International Royal Body Conference

Anna Whitelock — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:17:23 +0000

The international Royal Body conference at RHUL proved hugely successful with 100 delegates from around the world covering a huge range of topics on royal bodies from the medieval period to today and considering issues such as health, sexuality, coronations, … Continue reading →

Cambridge Wordfest 12-14 April

Anna Whitelock — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:16:38 +0000

Cambridge Wordfest 12-14 April of which I am a trustee is is a hugely popular festival which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. This years programme is incredibly varied and well worth a look – www.cambridgewordfest.co.uk I shall be in conversation with Alexander Masters about his latest book The Genius in my Basement and will be chairing an event on the Titanic.

The Royal Body Conference at Royal Holloway, University of London

Anna Whitelock — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:54:13 +0000

The conference programme is now being finalised and preparations fully under way for the international conference on the Royal Body which is to be held at RHUL on 2-4 April. Speakers are coming from across the globe to talk on a whole range of topics. We also have a tie-in with Historic Royal Palaces who are offering a tour of the state apartments at Hampton Court. Do see the conference website www.royalbodyconference.com

Channel 4 Time Team, The Only Earl of Essex

Anna Whitelock — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:53:52 +0000

Catch me on Channel 4’s Time Team on Sunday 4 March as the historian advising on a dig at Earl’s Colne Priory in Essex and talking about the Earl of Oxford who some have claimed was Shakespeare!

BBC Radio 4 – The Art of Monarchy

Anna Whitelock — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:53:36 +0000

I am one of the contributors to this unique eight-part BBC Radio 4 series which examines objects in the Royal Collection which define the British Monarchy. It’s a great opportunity to hear about the importance of image, of ceremony and the necessary props of royal majesty. Do have a listen on Saturdays at 10.30am or listen again on the iplayer. www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/art-of-monarchy/
and a nice review of my contribution – www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/thom-tuck-goes-straight-to-dvd-radio-4-tuesdaythe-art-of-monarchy-radio-4-saturday-7166320.html

Public Lectures

Anna Whitelock — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:52:26 +0000

Lots of talks now in the diary for the next few months to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee at venues including the Tower of London and Hampton Court. Watch this space for more info.

Conversation with Simon Jenkins at Cambridge Wordfest this Sunday 27th 4.30pm – last tickets!

Anna Whitelock — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:48:28 +0000

Am in conversation with Simon Jenkins at Cambridge Wordfest this Sunday 27th 4.30pm, ADC Cambridge

A few tickets left – www.cambridgewordfest.co.uk

This weekend Cambridge plays host to Winter Wordfest. It’s a fantastic festival which also runs in the Spring and is popular with authors and readers alike. There’s a brilliant line up for Sunday and lots of opportunities to chat in the ADC bar between events. I shall be in conversation with National Trust Chairman Simon Jenkins, who has written A Short History of England but am also looking forward to hearing Claire Tomalin on Charles Dickens, Darian Leader on Madness, Ian Hislop on Private Eye.There’s always controversy, debate, food for thought and moments of literary brilliance. As a patron of Cambridge Wordfest I may be a little biased but this is one of the highlights of the literary year and is undoubtedly a festival with attitude.