Chester’s hidden histories to feature in national programme

Events led by the University of Chester uncovering the city and surrounding area’s hidden histories have been chosen to be part of an esteemed national centenary celebration.

The Institute of Historical Research (IHR), the UK's national centre for history, has announced that workshops, talks and tours planned by the Department of History and Archaeology, in collaboration with Cheshire Archives and Cheshire Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre, will feature in its nationwide events programme to mark a century since opening.

Dr Rebecca Andrew, University of Chester Lecturer in History said: “We are thrilled that our application to be part of the IHR’s #OurCentury celebrations has been successful following what they have described as a huge response to their open call.

“Our events aim to bring history at the margins of local consciousness to the fore. Through three strands of events, we plan to uncover little-known elements of Cheshire’s history, whether marginalised voices, under-represented histories, or challenging existing ideas.

“Alongside a diverse panel and workshop for local communities, focusing on stories of migration and refuge, we will highlight hidden histories of Chester through walking tours, and ensure these untold parts of our past are heard through online talks.”

Subjects to be highlighted through talks and tours include the Vikings, the witch-craze and the Beatles.

The events will take place in October 2021 and May 2022, with exact dates and details of how to book to be shared as soon as they are in place.

Professor Catherine Clarke from the IHR said: “Thank you to all those who submitted proposals for the #OurCentury events, and huge thanks and congratulations to everyone who will be leading an activity in this exciting programme.”

From Dover to Glasgow, the IHR #OurCentury programme aims to bring together universities, museums, archives, artists, musicians and volunteers to engage local and national communities with the discipline and practice of history. Events will run right across the IHR Centenary year, from July 2021 to May 2022.

For more information, please visit:

ttps://www.history.ac.uk/our-century/centenary-events/uncovering-hidden-histories-chester.

Pictured - University of Chester events chosen to be part of the Institute of Historical Research’s (IHR) centenary celebration will bring history at the margins of local consciousness to the fore.