Gladstone's Library Community News

History and literature enthusiasts are invited to a talk about a radical writer at Gladstone's Library.

Author and historian Robert Poole will discuss the life and writings of Samuel Bamford, a weaver and poet who witnessed the Peterloo massacre and who was tried for sedition after the event.  
Professor Poole will speak at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden on the evening of April 5.  

He said: “Samuel Bamford is surely one of the most interesting nineteenth-century figures you’ve (maybe) never heard of. A Lancashire weaver, warehouseman, and witness to some of the century’s most significant political events, Bamford’s Passages in the Life of a Radical details his trial for sedition after the Peterloo massacre of 1819.” 

Prof Poole is author of Peterloo: the English Uprising, an acclaimed account of one of the UK’s most significant historical events.  

Peter Francis, warden of the library, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Robert to stay with us as one of our Political Writers in Residence. 
“We are very much looking forward to the talk, which should provide a fascinating insight into a figure who, as a working man, offers a very different perspective on historic events to other contemporary writers.” 

Tickets are available now from:

www.gladstoneslibrary.org.

It is possible to view the talk online or attend in person. The talk starts at 7pm.  

Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden is a unique institution. It is Britain's finest residential library and its only Prime Ministerial library. It was founded by the Victorian statesman William Ewart Gladstone and houses thousands of books including his personal collection and contemporary literature. The current building, opened in 1902, was funded by public subscription. In addition to the Reading Rooms, which are accessible to registered Readers, it offers overnight stays and in-house catering to guests and visitors. It is free to sign up as a Reader.   
 
Gladstone's Library is located in Flintshire, near the Cheshire border. It is 20 minutes from Mold and 25 minutes from Chester.

Pictured - The exterior of Gladstone's Library, Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire, CH5 3DF.