History Speaker: Professor Susan Doran

On Tuesday afternoon, the Sixth Form historians were privileged to hear Professor Susan Doran, Senior Research Fellow at Jesus College & St Benet’s Hall, Oxford University, give a talk on the Tudor Reformation. Professor Doran provided a fascinating insight into the upheaval caused by Henry VIII’s break with Rome and the impact it had on English society. Her most interesting argument was that had Mary Tudor lived longer and had a son, England would have reverted to Catholicism, something that the A level students now need to consider more carefully in their studies.

Lauren S in Year 13 writes:
“Professor Doran gave an insightful and fascinating talk on the English Reformation, covering the mid-Tudor monarchs and change and continuity during the period. The talk was engaging and certainly gave us a chance to consider some of the key themes of the course, such as the Break with Rome and the religious turbulence during the late-Tudor period in England in more depth. It was incredible to hear from such a respected historian and we are very grateful for the opportunity to develop our knowledge beyond the A level curriculum.”

Lauren A in Year 12 writes:
“The lecture by Professor Doran provided a nuanced perspective on the reformations of the Church and its impact on society at the time and gave us a well-rounded and easy-to-understand lecture full of useful and relevant information.”