Students at Carlton le Willows delved into life in Tudor times with a little help from world-renowned TV historian David Starkey – who came to deliver a talk at the school following a plea from a pupil.
Dr Starkey agreed to deliver two talks at the Academy on Monday (January 14) after Year 13 history student Henry Beal got in touch with him.
During the visit he said that he was moved to accept Henry’s request due to ‘the sheer nerve and ingenuity of the teenager’.
Henry said he was delighted the historian answered his call to appear at the school to benefit their studies.
He said “I got in touch with his agent first and had to wait several weeks for a response, but once Dr Starkey was involved he responded very quickly. I just thought it would be amazing if we could hear him talk.
“He’s such a famous historian. It’s a real privilege that he accepted my invitation to Carlton le Willows. This was such an opportunity for all of us.”
Dr Starkey reduced his usual multi-figure appearance fee for Henry, enabling sixth form history students to listen to his talk on Henry Vlll and his transformation to tyrant for free.
He also agreed to put on an evening talk – about Henry Vlll and Brexit – with tickets sales for that funding his appearance.
The school’s head of history, Ryan Brooks, said: “This is a great opportunity for our students to meet such an eminent historian for the Tudors, in order to further their understanding of their course – as it is one thing to read about a historian’s views, but quite another to meet them in person.
“In addition, having the chance to listen to and meet an academic formerly of the University of Cambridge, has encouraged students to consider their own aspirations for the future.”
