History East Wight Group

Group Leader - Lionel Alexander (852688) and Wendy Williams (872276)

Location - Ryde

We are a friendly group with over 20 members who meet fortnightly at 2.30pm in the comfortable surroundings of 'The Farriers', at the corner of Pitts Lane, Binstead.

Our studies are informal but we generally decide on a book as the basis for a series of our meetings. One of the Group Leaders provides the groundwork for each meeting. However we do like variety and welcome comments and contributions from other members.

We have just finished our study of Alison Weir's book Eleanor of Aquitaine - By the Wrath of God, Queen of England. Eleanor (c.1122-1204), Queen Consort of Louis VII and then of Henry II of England, lived at a time when women as individuals had few significant rights yet she was a key political figure in the twelfth century.

At the age of twenty-five she set out for the Holy Land as a Crusader. Later in her life she was imprisoned (1174 -1189) for supporting the rebellion of her sons. Two became kings as Richard I (in 1189) and John (in 1199).

We have now moved on 600 years to the time of the French Revolution. The book we have chosen for our study is The French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert. One reviewer says that the book is an ideal starting point for those unfamiliar with the period 1789-1799. The author makes understanding the shifting political groupings easy. Another reviewer said his description of the bloodlust of the mob and leaders alike is terrifying, the humiliation and the cruelty shown towards opponents is truly shocking and the lack of compassion and mercy is chilling. Reading this book made me shiver more than once and will haunt me long after I put it down. No doubt the book will provoke some heated discussions among the members of our group.

The group is currently full, but you are welcome to join our waiting list.

Last updated - 20 October 2011