Tales of Youth

Reflections on the Big History Night In

On Saturday night, I had the great honour of speaking in front of a packed Southwark Cathedral for the ‘Tales of Youth: The Big History Night In’ event. This was a sometimes poignant, often humorous, and unquestionably enlightening charity event arranged and consummately hosted by the exceptionally talented Dr Nicola Tallis, raising funds for Papyrus.

Papyrus were founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents and are dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Since suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under, we would all agree this is a valuable and worthy cause.

The event was a resounding success by every metric. Each speaker had 15 minutes to discuss a topic of their own choosing, and allowed for myriad subjects and time periods to be covered.

Dr Tracy Borman opened, discussing just how one raises a royal, followed by Dr Janina Ramirez who talked about her journey and work rediscovering women from the past and what lessons can be used to help shape our collective future. The inspirational Helen Carr ruminated over the importance of history in our modern day, whilst Lara Maiklem provided some fascinating insight into the tragic world of Victorian-era child mudlarks.

Eminent public historian and podcaster extraordinaire Greg Jenner brought much humour to the proceedings in his customary manner, seamlessly blending comedy and history, followed by Dr Jonathan Healey’s well-crafted if tongue-in-cheek exploration of how imperious youth may have been to blame for the seventeenth-century English revolution. The admired Dr Kate Williams presented an insightful discussion of Mary, Queen of Scots, followed by a hugely amusing turn from Dr Steve Cross, who whizzed through thousands of years of history in his inimitable style, accompanied by only a view crudely-drawn props!

Closing out the three-hour extravaganza was Dr Joanne Paul’s charming account of the Dudley children, including the famed ‘Noble Imp’, the charismatic Gareth Russell on the monster of Glamis, and finally myself and number one frenemy Matthew Lewis sharing some opposing thoughts on the Princes in the Tower. Having debated the subject for more than six hours this past week, to do so in 15 minutes was a tall order, I can tell you!

Of course, the ever-present Hodge the Cat was doing the rounds, stealing attention from the speakers when he could, the little rascal!

On a personal note, it was thrilling to be invited to speak at an event with such a star-studded historical line up. As in any walk of life, there is always the element of looking up to the trailblazers who have paved a path of success for others to wander down afterwards. It was educating to speak to fellow historians in private, to learn from their preparation and to observe these maestras and maestros at work.

There is an element of performance and theatre when delivering a history talk, and sometimes there is crossover with other public-facing forms of entertainment like acting or stand-up comedy. We are always learning and hoping to get better with every performance. Public speaking, after all, doesn’t always come natural.

Limitless praise must go to Nicola Tallis for all her work in putting together this event. Thank you everyone who attended and for supporting this wonderful cause.

Photos courtesy of Steve Cross (@SteveCrossPhotos on Instagram).

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Papyrus provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide.  Thet can be contacted 24/7 through their helpline HOPELINE247.

To donate to Papyrus to allow them to continue their essential work, visit www.papyrus-uk.org/ways-to-donate/