Archive

Gillian worked as an historical research consultant for Durham University. This cross-disciplinary project analyses Health inequalities amongst the children of Northern England during the Industrial Revolution between rural and urban areas.This exciting project studied the recent excavations of 18th-19th century skeletal assemblages from the rural site of Fewston, North Yorkshire (144 individuals, 51 children) and the urban site of Coach Lane, North Shields (245 individuals, 88 children).

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to work with Malton Museum to develop formal and informal learning resources. Gillian worked on a range of educational learning materials which are available on a new re-designed website. She has also worked on small brochures to market the education service as well as commissioning costumes for the museum service. Malton Museum is a small but very important Museum with a fantastic collection of Roman artefacts. You can find out more about Malton Museum here.

Gillian worked on the W.R. Mitchell Archive, a 12 month HLF project, she managed the recruitment and organisation of over 40 volunteers from a range of backgrounds, remotely and face-to-face, including students and senior citizens, as well as managing partnerships with Bradford University, local organisations and the local community.

She also planned the development of the on-line archive, promoted the oral history project through talks, worked with local schools on dialect workshops and created the content for the website. You can find out more at WR Mitchell Archive

Gillian worked with the Northern Film School at Leeds Metropolitan University, co-planning the creation of over 20 two-minute films for educational audiences at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds from 2008-11. These films helped students gain exceptional experience to add to their portfolios as well as creating engaging learning resources for KS2-5 visitors to the museum. Gillian's partnership work with the Northern Film School was short-listed for the BBC Achievement Award at Preston in March 2011.

See an outline of the project here http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk

To view the films, visit http://www.youtube.com

Gillian worked in partnership with Thomas Danby College, now Leeds City College to create a framework for live briefs for students studying Theatrical and Stage Make up. Students were empowered to research, design and create their own responses to Royal Armouries collections. The project focus covered Medieval weapons and wounds, Elizabeth I and World War II.

Gillian worked in partnership with Leeds Early Years service and the Royal Armouries to design and develop a three year Nurseries project from 2007-2010. Working closely with Early Years Practitioners Gillian co-designed a six-week rolling programme for children aged 3-4 years, their parents and carers from local Children's Centre communities. Each stage of the project was carefully evaluated to show the project was meeting the needs of the museum, teachers, children and parents. By the end of the six weeks, children were making their own decisions about which areas of the museum they wished to see, and confidently leading their parents around the museum. See here for a teacher evaluation http://www.peal.org.uk

Gillian was delighted to work again with Craven Museum Volunteers in January, as part of the museum's Oral History project. This half day training session focused on taking, recording and storing new oral history interviews to add to the museum's oral history collection. Craven Museum's display on oral history uses audio pods to make connections between the digital recordings and museum objects. Audio snippets from this exciting collection will soon be appearing on Craven Museum's website

Gillian worked with Museum Development Yorkshire on the Yorkshire and Humberside Museum Volunteer Pass scheme. The Pink Pass entitles volunteers to free entry (and additional benefits where advertised) at participating museums in the region. Gillian administered and evaluated the project during 2013-14.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to work with Craven Museum Volunteers in November, as part of the museum's Oral History project. This half day training session focused on collecting, cataloguing, digitising and transcribing their oral history collection and selecting segments to put on-line. Watch out for Craven Museum's new display on oral history which will use audio pods to make connections between the digital recordings and museum objects. Audio snippets from this exciting collection will soon be appearing on Craven Museum's website

Gillian was delighted to be invited back to the Northern Film School at Leeds Metropolitan University to talk about her experience in co-planning the creation of over 20 two-minute films for educational audiences at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds from 2008-11. These films helped students gain exceptional experience to add to their portfolios as well as creating engaging learning resources for KS2-5 visitors to the museum. Gillian's partnership work with the Northern Film School was short-listed for the BBC Achievement Award at Preston in March 2011.
See an outline of the project here http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk
To view the films, visit http://www.youtube.com

Gillian organised training sessions in collecting and transcribing the oral history tapes collected by Bill Mitchell, previously editor of The Dalesman, as part of her work on the W.R. Mitchell Archive. She worked with the North West Sound Archive, based in Clitheroe, and worked in partnership with Bradford University Special Collections and Leeds University Special Collections.

Gillian was delighted to work with Leeds Metropolitan University in 2011, having built a successful partnership with their BEd students from 2007-10, but this time on the Masters in Teaching and Learning course. She delivered a workshop to experienced practicing secondary teachers on Learning Outside the Classroom, as part of the conference, particularly focusing on using historic and heritage sites as an integrated part of subject based curricula, from Physics to Art. In 2010 Gillian also worked with teachers in Sheffield and Leeds as part of KS3 History training opportunities organised by Education Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University.

Gillian gained funding from the Museums Libraries and Archives Council to work in partnership with Leeds University Education Department on a pioneering PGCE project. Over 100 PGCE Primary students engaged in a series of workshops focused on the influence of interpretation, object handling and evaluation of resources in creating a learning environment. This inspiring project was rooted in the TDA Teaching Standards, particularly Aim to Deliver, Q14, Q24, and Q30. These included planning out of class work, embedding learning outside the classroom in programmes of study and how to orientate, navigate and focus pupils in out of school environments. Gillian planned and organised the three day placement and created a DVD to disseminate the project.
See http://research.mla.gov.uk and http://www.teachingoutsidetheclassroom.com

Gillian co-planned a series of CPD days for Gifted and Talented Co-ordinators in Leeds Primary Schools exploring how to identify primary historians in 2009-10. These days were linked to a student day for gifted and talented primary historians. Teachers from over 50 schools worked in partnership over two carefully structured days, selected no more than 5 ‘talented’ historians from a class group, and brought these children to the student day where they had the opportunity to view children’s historical skill-sets in a different environment. She has written an article in Primary History which can be found here.

Gillian worked with third year trainee teachers at Leeds Metropolitan University for over three years, 2007-2010 in a three-way partnership with the university's Education Faculty, Royal Armouries Museum plus Carr Manor Primary School in Leeds. This project helped the museum to reach out to new trainee teachers and gain an understanding of using national collections and museum visits in their teaching careers.

Gillian project managed and organised a one-day event bringing together educational professionals from the museum and archive sector and Initial Teacher Training Institutions in May 2010. This event was supported by the Museums Libraries and Archives Council and hosted at the Royal Armouries Museum. Led by speakers from Leeds Metropolitan University, York St. John's College and Trinity College Leeds the event examined the ways in which ITT Institutions and museums and archives have worked together, and shared three partnership models. The vigorous debate explored how the models were been built, and how these could be further developed to support trainee teachers.

Gillian worked with Jacky Haines, of Education Leeds, to create CPD activities for Art and History Primary and Secondary teachers in 2010. Over 50 teachers explored ways of using museums through practical hands-on activities and exploration of the Royal Armouries Museum.

Gillian worked with Museum Development Yorkshire on Ask the Expert- a series of Q & A on-line blogs for museums in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Gillian invited a range of museum experts to blog on-line about a variety of themes. Each month museum experts also answer questions on their particular field in a live Question and Answer session. Each month museum experts also answered questions on their particular field in a live Question and Answer session using an on-line blog hosted by York Museums Trust.

Gillian worked with Museum Development Yorkshire on Ask the Expert- a series of Q & A on-line blogs for museums in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Gillian invited a range of museum experts to blog on-line about a variety of themes. Each month museum experts also answer questions on their particular field in a live Question and Answer session.

You can post questions on twitter using #MDYask or post a question on the blog.

To see the discussions in 2013 click here for the blog.

The 2014-15 blogs include:

•Michael Turnpenny, Museum Development Manager at York Museums Trust for Yorkshire and the Humber, Developing legacy giving programmes for Museums.

Nicola Pullan, Social History Curator at Leeds Museums, The Leonora Cohen Collection

•Adam Parker, Roman Yorkshire

•Helen Walsh and Fiona Green- Top of the Pots! Discussing Ceramics

•Liz Denton, Museum Development Officer,the implications of the National Curriculum for museums.

•Naomi Korn, Copyright Consultant, Copyright for Museu

Gillian was delighted to work on the W.R. Mitchell Archive- an extensive Oral History collection of interview which Bill Mitchell collected during the course of his work at The Dalesman magazine. As part of her work she created a framework and prototype for the on-line searchable archive of interviews and transcripts which can be viewed at the W.R. Mitchell Archive.

Gillian worked with Museum Development Yorkshire on Ask the Expert- an exciting new series of Q & A on-line blogs for museums in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Gillian invited a range of museum experts to blog on-line about a variety of themes including Natural Sciences, Numismatics, World Cultures and World War One. Each month museum experts also answered questions on their particular field in a live Question and Answer session using an on-line blog hosted by York Museums Trust. To see the discussions in 2013 click here for the blog.

Gillian researched, designed and delivered an innovative and interactive 10 weeks online introduction to the history of York for York University, telling the stories of the people that have made this city the multi-faceted experience it is today. Starting with the historic Charter of 1212 this course unpicked the key stories of the city to give an over view of York's last 800 years, from medieval monasteries to the industrialisation of the nineteenth century and beyond.

Gillian researched, designed and project managed the creation of two on-line interactive games which were based on two key questions from family audiences visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds; ‘How did Henry VIII put his armour on?’ and ‘What was it like to joust?’. These two interactives explore the answers to these questions at http://www.royalarmouries.org/games

Gillian was pleased to have been invited to work on the National Museums Online Project - a three year project with nine National Museums including the V & A, Tate, NPG, The Wallace, Sir John Soane and British Museum that ran from 2006-9. This innovative project linked nine national museum’s digital collections on-line for formal and leisure learners. The project comprised two parts; on-line interactives, Webquests, linked to the curriculum, for teachers and students; and Creative Spaces.
See www.vam.ac.uk
and http://nmolp.iwm.org.uk/webquests/

Making sense of the English Civil wars is not easy, and making it engaging to KS3 students is even more challenging. By focusing on the story and life of one man, using digital images of his house, portraits and ephemera, Gillian created an accessible way to view the National story of the English Civil wars. Gillian researched, designed and project managed the Littlecote Interactive which can be seen at www.royalarmouries.org/learning/online-learning

Gillian is delighted to be invited to work again with Museum Development Yorkshire on the Yorkshire and Humberside Museum Volunteer Pass scheme. The Pink Pass entitles volunteers to free entry at participating museums in the region. Gillian is administering and evaluating the scheme.

Gillian is delighted to be invited to work again with Museum Development Yorkshire on the Yorkshire and Humberside Museum Volunteer Pass scheme. The Pink Pass entitles volunteers to free entry at participating museums in the region. Gillian is administering and evaluating the scheme.

As part of this project, which digitised a selection of 600 oral history tapes recorded by Bill Mitchell, formerly editor of The Dalesman, Gillian created an Outcomes focused evaluative framework and data collection tools to evaluate the impact of the project. She also collected quantitative and qualitative data for analysis.

Gillian gained funding from the MLA learning Links programme to work with Leeds Teaching Hospitals and project managed and evaluated the innovative project which built on a long-standing partnership with the Royal Armouries. Through outreach and co-planning with Leeds Hospital Educators we created engaging learning opportunities for children and their families in hospital and co-created flexible frameworks to complement children's personalised curricula. We also sourced a moveable ’museum trolley’ which was used by museum educators on outreach visits, and by hospital educators to reinforce the learning concepts. See here for a case study www.mla.gov.uk/

Gillian worked in a three way partnership with one of the Pathfinders on the Find Your Talent Programme in Leeds, Inner North West Leeds Extended Services Hub and the Royal Armouries. The projects allowed children aged 9-13 from many different primary and secondary schools in Leeds to work together across the transition stage from years 5-8. Each project was designed using art activities and historical contexts to create fun and creative family workshops. Evaluations showed that each of the three month projects achieved the aims of developing children’s confidence and self-esteem and building local communities, as well as promoting the museum.

This project was based on a traveling exhibition from the artist Penny Seiko's Slavery Quilt Series ‘Threads of Strength and Fortitude’ as part of an HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund) bid. Gillian project managed the activities and celebration event and evaluated the education project. These family workshops were developed in partnership with Leeds Extended Services and explored the theme's of peaceful resistance and how individuals such as Harriet Tubman and her underground railroad subverted oppressive regimes.

Gillian worked in a three way partnership with one of the Pathfinders on the Find Your Talent Programme in Leeds, Inner North West Leeds Extended Services Hub and the Royal Armouries. The projects allowed children aged 9-13 from many different primary and secondary schools in Leeds to work together across the transition stage from years 5-8. Each project was designed using art activities and historical contexts to create fun and creative family workshops. Evaluations showed that each of the three month projects achieved the aims of developing children’s confidence and self-esteem and building local communities, as well as promoting the museum.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, explored the mystery of Shakespeare's lost years and posed the question did Shakespeare ever visit York. Examining evidence the Guild Hall, York, which may indicate Shakespeare did visit the city we investigated Shakespeare's early life and his intriguing connections with the city of York and King’s Manor. We explored Shakespeare York including Margaret Clitherow, King James I’s visit to the city in 1603 and an intriguing case in 1609 where a performance of a Shakespearean play resulted in gentry closely associated with the city being imprisoned for treason!

This fourth day school explored the hidden history of place names. Whose name is commemorated in the town or village where you live, which peoples first named it and what language did they speak? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence tell a different story? This day school gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the people who lived here

Who first named Gargrave and what language did they speak? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence in the ancient kingdom of Craven tell a different story? Gillian Waters gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the peoples who lived in Gargrave.

Discover the story of the Siege of York in 1644! Using maps and contemporary accounts we will discover what it was like to live in a city under siege and how the walls were breached on 16 June, as well as the final submission of the city.

By the late 870s, Wessex was the last Anglo-Saxon kingdom standing, the rest having fallen to Danish armies. Alfred the Great retreated to the marshes of Somerset to lick his wounds and to prepare his strategy to reclaim England. This session examined the reputation of Alfred the Great and the origins of the myth that Alfred burnt the cakes.

Richard III- Yorkshire Hero or Shakespearian villain? An investigation of the career and reputation of our last Yorkist king. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good Lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This talk examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

The tenth century saw Danish raids and invasions, and by 1016 England had been conquered by Cnut, a prince of Denmark, whose dynasty ruled England for nearly 30 years. Was Cnut really a madman who thought he controlled the tides? Or was he a remarkable king who united the English and Danes and brought peace and prosperity? This session examined the reign of Cnut and how this has been interpreted by contemporaries and how his reputation has evolved through time.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the Friends of Craven Museum about the mystery of Shakespeare's lost years and whether he ever visited Yorkshire. She explored the possible connections with Yorkshire and an intriguing case in 1609 where a performance of a Shakespearean play resulted in Yorkshire gentry closely associated with the city being imprisoned for treason!

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Thornton Antiquarian Society about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

In 1066 William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, but this was only the beginning of the conquest of England. In 1069 Yorkshire was ravaged by invasions from Scandinavia and men from Gargrave joined the Northern Earls, Edwin and Morcar, in rebellion against the Normans. William the Conqueror retaliated viciously, Harrying the North, slaughtering livestock and burning seedcorn. He established the frontier Honour of Skipton to subdue Craven and push the Norman border into Lancashire. Gillian Waters explored the Norman conquest of Craven, the Harrying of the North and the impact of the conquest on Gargrave.

By the 1600s, the city of York had a Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Councils, it governed the Liberty of York and the Ainsty, and was considered a county in its own right - but when and how did this happen? Can we trace the origins of the city government of York back to 1066 or even earlier? How did York gain its liberties and what were they? This talk explored the origins of the Liberties of York and the intricate relationships between merchants, lawmen, guilds and mayors.

1066 was only the beginning of the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror took over 20 years to establish his control, yet the crown was
not secure. Squabbles amongst the Conqueror's three sons, civil war between Stephen and Matilda, Henry II's quarrel with Thomas a Beckett
and baronial rebellions under John and his son Henry III threatened to destabilise England. Yet this critical historical period also saw the
development of feudalism, the Magna Carta and the origins of Parliament. Using primary sources this module assesses the historical
impact of Anglo-Norman England.

In 1120, Henry I, third son of William the Conqueror, lost his only son in the White Ship which sank en route from Normandy to England. On Henry’s death in 1135, although he had nominated his only legitimate daughter, Matilda, as his heir, the throne was seized by his nephew, Stephen, and the scene was set for twenty years of vicious civil war. This 10 week course analysed the origins, course and consequences of this ‘anarchy’ and the impact on Yorkshire.

This second day school explored the origins of the liberties of York. By the 1600s, the city of York had a Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Councils, it governed the Liberty of York and the Ainsty, and was considered a county in its own right - but when and how did this happen? Can we trace the origins of the city government of York back to 1066 or even earlier? How did York gain its liberties and what were they? This day course explores the origins of the Liberties of York and the intricate relationships between merchants, lawmen, guilds and mayors.

By the 1600s, the city of York had a Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Councils, it governed the Liberty of York and the Ainsty, and was considered a county in its own right - but when and how did this happen? Can we trace the origins of the city government of York back to 1066 or even earlier? How did York gain its liberties and what were they? This day course explores the origins of the Liberties of York and the intricate relationships between merchants, lawmen, guilds and mayors.

The idea of a spin doctor is nothing new. Many Tudor and Stuart monarchs were adept at using the media channels they possessed to enforce their control and create a positive image. This day course explored the ways in which prophecy, propaganda and portraits were used by Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I, and how the people fought back with their own propaganda in the English Civil Wars.

This third day school explored the hidden history of place names. Whose name is commemorated in the town or village where you live, which peoples first named it and what language did they speak? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence tell a different story? This day school gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the people who lived here.

York, as the most important northern outpost of Medieval government was the military base for the Scottish Wars and the centre of the defence against the Scots. This day course examined the development of York's medieval defences, including the castle and town walls. What would it have been like inside a besieged medieval city and how were men mustered to defend the town? What roles did medieval women take to defend their hearths and homes? Using contemporary sources the day considered how to effectively attack a castle using siege machines, trebuchets etc.

A second day school examining who was Robin Hood and what was his connection with St Mary’s Abbey in York? Who was the ‘rich abbot’ and was he really grasping and greedy? Was Robin Hood a generous outlaw and if he visited St Mary's Abbey what would he have seen? This day school examined the evidence for an historical Robin Hood, the possible candidates and the links to St Mary's Abbey.

At the centre of the Aire Valley Gap through the Pennines, Gargrave has always been strategically important and perhaps once the centre of the ancient Celtic Brigantian kingdom of Craven. Three Roman roads converge on Kirk Sink, a Roman Villa built on the remains of a Brigantian tribal centre, and there is no doubt that the Romans used Gargrave to impose their rule on Craven. After the Romans left, Gargrave once more became the centre of the British Kingdom of Craven and was one of the last to fall to the invading Anglo-Saxons. Was Gargrave part of the lands of Old King Cole? Did an Arthur make his base in Gargrave to defend the vital pennine pass against the Anglo-Saxons?

This third day school uncovered the story behind Henry VIII's visit to York in 1541, the thwarted plans of the corporation to welcome Henry in elaborate style and how he humiliated the city. The visit was also the setting for illicit trysts between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper which led to her downfall and execution in 1542.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Skipton History Society about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

This second day school uncovered the story behind Henry VIII's visit to York in 1541, the thwarted plans of the corporation to welcome Henry in elaborate style and how he humiliated the city. The visit was also the setting for illicit trysts between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper which led to her downfall and execution in 1542.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Bradford Family History Society to talk about the trials and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, and also demonstrated the pitfalls that can bedevil medieval genealogy

Who did your ancestors think they were? This ten week course investigate the sources available to family historians including: the Census; parish records; trade directories; recusant records; poor law reforms; non- conformist registers, Tudor and Stuart records and an introduction to palaeography and medieval genealogy. We investigated the sources held in the Borthwick Institute and local archives to help you place your family histories in their contemporary contexts, adding colour to the bare genealogical bones, as well as considering how historians have interpreted the family unit and how that has changed over time.

This day school uncovered the story behind Henry VIII's visit to York in 1541, the thwarted plans of the corporation to welcome Henry in elaborate style and how he humiliated the city. The visit was also the setting for illicit trysts between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper which led to her downfall and execution in 1542.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to speak to volunteers at Fountains Abbey about William the Conqueror and the Harrying of the North. In 1066 William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, but this was only the beginning of the conquest of England. In 1069 Yorkshire was ravaged by invasions from Scandinavia and men from Nidderdale joined the Northern Earls, Edwin and Morcar, in rebellion against the Normans. William the Conqueror retaliated viciously, Harrying the North, slaughtering livestock and burning seedcorn. He established the frontier Honour of Skipton to subdue Craven and push the Norman border into Lancashire. Gillian Waters explored the Norman conquest of Craven, the Harrying of the North and the impact of the conquest on Nidderdale.

This second day school explored the hidden history of place names. Whose name is commemorated in the town or village where you live, which peoples first named it and what language did they speak? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence tell a different story? This day school gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the people who lived here.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to York Archaeological Trust volunteeers at Barley hall in York on the Wars of the Roses. She discussed the causes of this bloody civil war and the impact of local feuding between the Nevilles and Percies on Yorkfamilies. She also discussed the Towton campaign and whether Richard III was our last great Northern Lord.

This day school explored the hidden history of place names. Whose name is commemorated in the town or village where you live, which peoples first named it and what language did they speak? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence tell a different story? This day school gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the people who lived here.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Colne Masonic Lodge about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

Who was Robin Hood and what is his connection with St Mary’s Abbey in York? Who was the ‘rich abbot’ and was he really grasping and greedy? Was Robin Hood a generous outlaw and if he visited St Mary's Abbey what would he have seen? This day school examined the evidence for an historical Robin Hood, the possible candidates and the links to St Mary's Abbey.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Wharfedale FamilyHistory Society to talk about the the hidden history of place names, who first named places and the languages they spoke? Were we invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans – or does the place name evidence in the ancient kingdom of Craven tell a different story? Gillian Waters gave an overview of the changing nature of place names and what they tell us about the peoples who lived in the Craven area.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Cracoe Local History Group to talk about the Siege of Skipton Castle in the English Civil Wars. As the defender of the main pennine pass between Yorkshire and Lancashire, Skipton Castle was an essential part of the supply chain for the Royalists in Yorkshire. Skipton Castle managed to hold out after the city of York fell in 1644 and many men from York's garrison were given free travel to Skipton when York surrendered, but it was not long before Parliamentarian guns were trained on Skipton. Gillian examined the local rivalries and grievances that led to Civil War and focused on the siege of the castle.s.

In 1396 Richard II gave York the status of a county in its own right but three years later was usurped from the throne by his cousin Henry IV. The city of York did not forgive Henry easily and in 1405 over 9,000 citizens of York ‘almost all the citizens of York capable of bearing arms' followed Archbishop Scrope in rebellion. The consequences were severe and York lost all the privileges that they had won under King John in 1212. This day school examined the causes of the revolt and the consequences for the Mayors and Corporation of York.

The Battle of Bosworth marked the beginning of the end for the independence of the Northern Marcher Lords, the Nevilles and Percies. This 10 week course examined the impact of Tudor policies on local families in the North of England, and the rebellious nature of the North including the Pilgrimage of Grace, the involvement of Mary Queen of Scots in the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569 and later Tudor politics.

Why did a performance of Shakespeare's Richard II form the backdrop for rebellion in 1601? Did Richard III really have "legs of an unequal
size" and an arm that was "like a blasted sapling, wither'd up", or was Shakespeare making barbed comments about one of his
contemporaries? This ten week module explores Elizabethan and Jacobean England through the eyes of William Shakespeare and how his plays were shaped by the social, political and cultural history of the Tudor and early Stuart period in which he lived.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Eccleshill Retired Mens Forum to talk about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Gargrave Women's Institute to talk about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Wharfedale Family History Society to talk about the trials and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, and also demonstrated the pitfalls that can bedevil medieval genealogy

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Rochdale Family History Society to talk about the trials and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, and also demonstrated the pitfalls that can bedevil medieval genealogy

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Calderdale Family History Society to examine the impact of the changes in Tudor religion and royal control affected the Calderdale area. She discussed the economic, political and religious causes and impact of various rebellious movements from the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 to the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569 on the local area and how local families were involved

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Harrogate and District History Society on the Wars of the Roses in Nidderdale. She discussed the causes of this bloody civil war and the impact of local feuding between the Nevilles and Percies on Yorkshire families. She also discussed the Towton campaign and whether Richard III was our last great Northern Lord.

‌In 1066, William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, but this was only the beginning of the conquest of England. In 1069, York was ravaged by invasions from Scandinavia and rose in rebellion against the Normans. William the Conqueror retaliated viciously, harrying the North, slaughtering livestock and burning seedcorn, and built a second castle in the city of York. This course examined the Norman conquest of York, the Harrying of the North and the impact of the conquest on the city of York.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Thornton Antiquarian Society to talk about about the redoubtable Lady Anne Clifford and her battle to reclaim the estates that her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, had willed to his brother. With the support of her mother Anne Clifford fought legal battles, and even King James I himself, for over 40 years to regain her northern castles. Gillian also looked at the repairs to Skipton Castle that Lady Anne Clifford made in the 1650s.

The English Civil Wars were some of the most keenly-contested fought on our soil and York was the Northern prize. This course explored the pivotal role Yorkshire played in these wars and the impact on local families. How did local families decide which side to fight on? Where did people get their arms and armour from? What was the strategic importance of York, and what happened at the Battle of Marston Moor? Yorkshire and the North were significantly changed by the English Civil Wars and Gillian examined those changes in this 10 week course.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Earby and District Local History Society to talk about the English Civil Wars and the local Craven district. Gillian examined the local rivalries and grievances that led to Civil War and focused on the local area in the civil wars. See Earby and District Local History Society

‌In 1066, William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, but this was only the beginning of the conquest of England. In 1069, York was ravaged by invasions from Scandinavia and rose in rebellion against the Normans. William the Conqueror retaliated viciously, harrying the North, slaughtering livestock and burning seedcorn, and built a second castle in the city of York. This course examined the Norman conquest of York, the Harrying of the North and the impact of the conquest on the city. This course was fuly booked there is a second course on 9 May.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk about the Horner Families of the Dales to Wharfedale Family History Society in Threshfield. Gillian traced the earliest appearances of Horners in Yorkshire and focused on the Nidderdale and Craven Horners and their migration into York, Otley, Skipton and Coverdale. She may also have discovered the Yorkshire link with "Little Jack Horner"! See Wharfedale Family History Society

In 1396 Richard II gave York the status of a county in its own right, a sword of state and a cap of maintenance, as a reward for the city’s loyalty. Yet in 1380-1, York’s citizens had revolted against the king, ransacked church property and attacked Bootham Bar. This course examined the reasons why the city revolted in 1380-1, including the Black Death, the consequences of revolt, and how York regained the trust of Richard II. This Day School was fully booked but there was a second date on 21 March.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to South Craven Retired Men's Forum about the House of Clifford. She examined the intricacies of Medieval and Tudor politics from the viewpoint of one local northern family. How a minor set of gentry from the Welsh Marches made it to Skipton through winning renown in the Welsh and Scottish medieval campaigns of Edward I-III. She also examined how the Cliffords rose to prominence in the Tudor period after the attainder of the Shepherd Lord during the Wars of the Roses and the notorious career of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland. See South Craven Retired Men's Forum

In 1296 Edward I invaded Scotland intent on conquest, and two years later moved his centre of government to York in order to have a military base closer to Scotland. This course explores the causes and course of the Scottish Wars and the impact on the city of York and local families. How well defended was York and could it really withstand marauding bands of pillaging Scots? Did York men fight in these wars and did they fight willingly?

When the Romans left Britain did all the lights go out? This 10 week course aimed to throw light on the history of the North of England and show that the Dark Ages were not dark at all. Starting with the impact of the Anglo-Saxon invasions on Romano-Celtic “Yorkshire” we explored the emergence of the Saxon kingdoms using archaeology, chronicles, poetry and prose accounts.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Skipton History Society to talk about the Siege of Skipton Castle in the English Civil Wars. As the defender of the main pennine pass between Yorkshire and Lancashire, Skipton Castle was an essential part of the supply chain for the Royalists in Yorkshire. Skipton Castle managed to hold out after the city of York fell in 1644 and many men from York's garrison were given free travel to Skipton when York surrendered, but it was not long before Parliamentarian guns were trained on Skipton. Gillian examined the local rivalries and grievances that led to Civil War and focused on the siege of the castle.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Keighley and District Local History Society about the redoubtable Lady Anne Clifford and her battle to reclaim the estates that her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, had willed to his brother. With the support of her mother Anne Clifford fought legal battles, and even King James I himself, for over 40 years to regain her northern castles. Gillian also looked at the repairs to Skipton Castle that Lady Anne Clifford made in the 1650s. See Keighley and District Local History Society

This second Day School examined the career of Richard III. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This day school examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

Who was Arthur and did he really exist at all? Of the many 6th century Arthurs, which one is ‘The Arthur’? Where did the Round Table, Excalibur, and Lancelot come from? Who was the Green Knight and why did Gawain have to chop his head off? This course will examine the evidence for an historical Arthur, the different contenders, and how the story was transmitted and changed into a tale for all times.

This Day School examined the career of Richard III. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This day school examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk about the Horner Family of Craven and Nidderdale to the Upper Dales Family History Society in Fremington. Gillian traced the earliest appearances of Horners in Yorkshire and focused on the Nidderdale Horners and their migration into York, Otley, Skipton and Coverdale. She may also have discovered the Yorkshire link with "Little Jack Horner"! See Upper Dales Family History Society

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Earby Local History Society about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man? See Earby Local History Society

Gillian was delighted to talk about the Petyt family of Skipton to Wharfedale Family History Society in Threshfield. William Petyt and his brother Sylvester moved from Skipton to the Inns of Court in London and made their fortunes in the 1660s. William Petyt was Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London and his catalogues were used until the 19th century by many historians. This talk tracked their rise to prominence and their links to Petyt families in Kent and Cornwall.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to teach this 11 week accredited course at York University. The House of Tudor has endured as a topic of historical interest. This module will consider why British interest in the Tudors has been sustained like a long-running soap opera. The module covers the period from the victory of Henry Tudor at Bosworth to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. It will consider events such as the Reformations under Henry VIII and Edward VI, the reign of the Catholic Mary I and the Spanish Armada during the reign of Elizabeth I. It will also consider the changes in religious devotion in England after the Reformation and the cult of monarchy.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to teach this 10 week course at York University. The Wars of the Roses was fought on English soil for over forty years and resulted in the decimation of many Northern noble families. Starting with Henry IV and his usurpation of Richard II this ten week course examined whether these civil wars really the result of denied inheritance, or the escalation of local feuds between the Nevilles and Percies in the North of England. Were Edward IV and Richard III just pawns in a Neville web of power? Was Richard III really our last Northern King?

Gillian is delighted to be invited to return to Malhamdale Local History Society to talk about the Siege of Skipton Castle in the English Civil Wars. As the defender of the main pennine pass between Yorkshire and Lancashire, Skipton Castle was an essential part of the supply chain for the Royalists in Yorkshire. Skipton Castle managed to hold out after the city of York fell in 1644 and many men from York's garrison were given free travel to Skipton when York surrendered, but it was not long before Parliamentarian guns were trained on Skipton. Gillian examines the local rivalries and grievances that led to Civil War and focused on the siege of the castle. See Malhamdale Local History Group

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Arthritis Care Halifax about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to the Bradford Family History Society about breaking into medieval genealogy. Gillian showed it is possible to break through from Tudor and Stuart records, but also demonstrated the pitfalls using pedigrees and heraldic sources to demonstrate the "myths and lies" that can bedevil medieval genealogy. See Bradford Family History Society

In 1066 William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, but this was only the beginning of the conquest of England. In 1069 York was ravaged by invasions from Scandinavia and rose in rebellion against the Normans. William the Conqueror retaliated viciously, Harrying the North, slaughtering livestock and burning seed corn, and built a second castle in the city of York. This lecture examines the events leading up to the Harrying of the North and the impact of this event on the North of England.

The Battle of Bosworth marked the beginning of the end for the independence of the Northern Marcher Lords, the Nevilles and Percies. This 10 week course examined the impact of Tudor policies on local families in the North of England, and the rebellious nature of the North including the Pilgrimage of Grace, the involvement of Mary Queen of Scots in the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569 and later Tudor politics.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Barnoldswick History Society about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?. See Barnoldswick History Society

When the Romans left Britain did all the lights go out? How did the Roman departure from England affect Yorkshire? Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Thornton Antiquarian Society about the changes in Yorkshire in these early centuries.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to speak at the 2014 Lean Management Conference, hosted at the University of York. As a guest speaker at the Conference dinner, in the historic setting of Kings Manor, Gillian discussed the connections between the principles of Lean Management and Henry VIII who once visited Kings Manor.

On Sunday 15 October 1536 a large rebel army assembled at York's city gates, calling themselves 'pilgrims' in defiance of Henry VIII's religious changes and flying the banner of the five wounds of Christ. The next day 5,000 horsemen entered the city of York led by Robert Aske of Aughton. This ‘Pilgrimage of Grace’ was one of the largest rebellions of the Tudor regime with between 20-40,000 gentry and yeomen mustering against the crown and marching to Doncaster. Discover how and why these armies were raised, why the rebellion failed to achieve its aims and the dire consequences of rebellion against the early Tudor state. This public lecture was sold out

Richard III- Yorkshire Hero or Shakespearian villain? An investigation of the career and reputation of our last Yorkist king. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good Lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This talk examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to Addingham Active Retired Group about about the life and career of Guy Fawkes, his connections with Yorkshire and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he is one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a Yorkshire man?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Harrogate and District Family History Society about the trials and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, and also demonstrated the pitfalls that can bedevil medieval genealogy

How have the roles of local councilors developed and changed and what is the impact of the localism and governance agendas on the role of local government? We will examine the impact of government legislation on the role of local government participatory local governance, working with communities, citizen engagement and leadership styles. We will also examine the role of effective communication in local government including social media, delivering presentations and writing for a variety of audiences. This 11 week module will be supported by a range of online learning resources.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Ryburn Valley History Society on the troubled reign of Richard III. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Keighley and District Family History Society about the impact of the Tudors on the North of England and how their policies changed Yorkshire and ultimately conquered the independent north of England.

By Popular demand- this second Day School examined the career of Richard III. Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This day school examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

Gillian was delighted to talk about the Petyt family of Skipton to Skipton Local History Society. William Petyt and his brother Sylvester moved from Skipton to the Inns of Court in London and made their fortunes in the 1660s. William Petyt was Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London and his catalogues were used until the 19th century by many historians.

Was Richard III really a villainous hunchback, or is he a victim of Shakespearian exaggeration? Did Richard III really kill his nephews in cold blood to gain the throne, or was this simply Tudor propaganda? Was he a good lord and if so why did York alone mourn his passing at the Battle of Bosworth? This day school examines the career and reputation of Richard III and how his short reign has been interpreted.

George Clifford, third Earl of Cumberland, was one of the most flamboyant and extravagant courtiers at the court of Elizabeth I. As Queen’s Champion he organised and jousted in sumptuous tournaments held in her honour, and yet the cost of maintaining his courtly position nearly bankrupted his family. In an attempt to relieve the increasing pressures and costs of courtly life at a time of rampant inflation, George Clifford resorted to piracy and privateering, and in 1597 captured San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. This lecture focuses on the career of George Clifford, the “Privateering Earl” and examines the harsh realities of Tudor politics and courtly life from the viewpoint of one local northern family.

Gillian was delighted to speak to Anston History Group about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with Yorkshire. Why do we burn Guy Fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

Discover the story of Guy Fawkes and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What were Guy’s connections with the Warwickshire plotter, Robert Catesby, who masterminded the foiled attempt to blow up Parliament? Why do we only burn Guy Fawkes’ effigy on 5 November, when he one of thirteen conspirators? Is it because he was a York man – or were there other reasons?

Who were the Mayors of York and what did they do? This 10 week course, based in the historic settings of the Guildhall and Mansion House, will explore the hidden histories and treasures of the Mayors of York from the medieval period to the 20th century. Investigate the mystery of the sword of Richard II, discover the stories of royal visits, find out what daily life in the Mansion House was like and explore the intrigues of mayors like George Hudson. Each week will include an in-depth investigation of objects, portraits or ephemera from the civic collections.

The English Civil Wars were some of the most keenly-contested fought on our soil and York was the Northern prize. This course explores the pivotal role Yorkshire played in these wars and the impact on local families. How did local families decide which side to fight on? Where did people get their arms and armour from? What was the strategic importance of York, and what happened at the Battle of Marston Moor? Yorkshire and the North were significantly changed by the English Civil Wars and we examined those changes in this 10 week course.

Discover how the corporation of York addressed the issues of governing the city during the medieval, Tudor and Stuart period and how these powers and responsibilities changed over time as a consequence of war, political reform and changing attitudes to the role of local government. How did the Mayor and Corporation maintain the liberty of the city through times of crisis? And how does the Mansion House reflect the history of the mayors and aldermen who guided and governed the city? This 11 week course is supported by a range of online learning resources. The venue for the course is the award winning West Offices.

Who was Robin Hood and what is his connection with St Mary’s Abbey in York? Who was the ‘rich abbot’ and was he really grasping and greedy? Was Robin Hood a generous outlaw and if he visited St Mary's Abbey what would he have seen? This day school examined the evidence for an historical Robin Hood, the possible candidates and the links to St Mary's Abbey. The afternoon included a tour of the ruins of the medieval abbey and hospital.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to talk to the City of York and District Family History Society about breaking into medieval genealogy. Gillian showed how it is possible to break through from Tudor and Stuart records, but also demonstrated the pitfalls using pedigrees and heraldic sources to demonstrate the "myths and lies" that can bedevil medieval genealogy.

In 1396 Richard II gave York the status of a county in its own right but three years later was usurped from the throne by his cousin Henry IV. The city of York did not forgive Henry easily and in 1405 over 9,000 citizens of York ‘almost all the citizens of York capable of bearing arms' followed Archbishop Scrope in rebellion. The consequences were severe and York lost all the privileges that they had won under King John in 1212. This day school examined the causes of the revolt and the consequences for the Mayors and Corporation of York.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Doncaster Family History Society about the trials and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, but also demonstrated the pitfalls that can bedevil medieval genealogy.

The Guild Hall in York was the centre of the Medieval and Tudor city with close links to the Merchant Adventurers, the Gilds of York and the Mayors and City Corporation. This day school examined the stories behind the building of the Guild Hall and the disputes between the mayors and the guilds as they jostled for political control of the city. Tales of political intrigue and scandal at the heart of the city were discovered including embezzlement by one of the Masters of the Guild of St Christopher and George.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to return to Wharfedale Family History Society to talk about the Siege of Skipton Castle in the English Civil Wars. As the defender of the main pennine pass between Yorkshire and Lancashire, Skipton Castle was an essential part of the supply chain for the Royalists in Yorkshire. Skipton Castle managed to hold out after the city of York fell in 1644 and many men from York's garrison were given free travel to Skipton when York surrendered, but it was not long before Parliamentarian guns were trained on Skipton. Gillian examined the local rivalries and grievances that led to Civil War and focused on the siege of the castle.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the York and District Group of the Civil Service Pensioners Alliance about the English Civil Wars in Yorkshire. She examined the pivotal role that Yorkshire played in the English Civil Wars, from Charles I’s initial attempts to regain Hull in 1642, and his sojourn in York, to Prince Rupert’s decisive defeat at Marston Moor in 1644 and the rise of the Fairfaxes. She specifically focused on the role of York in the wars, the siege of York in 1644 and the impact of war on local families.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Weston, near Ilkley, by the Vavasour Society to talk about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his intimate connections with the Ilkley and Otley area of Yorkshire. Why do we burn Guy Fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Lancashire Family History Society in Colne about the redoubtable Lady Anne Clifford and her battle to reclaim the estates that her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, had willed to his brother. With the support of her mother Anne Clifford fought legal battles, and even King James I himself, for over 40 years to regain her northern castles.

The Wars of the Roses was fought on English soil for over forty years and resulted in the decimation of many Northern noble families. Starting with Henry IV and his usurpation of Richard II this ten week course examined whether these civil wars really the result of denied inheritance, or the escalation of local feuds between the Nevilles and Percies in the North of England. Were Edward IV and Richard III just pawns in a Neville web of power? Was Richard III really our last Northern King?

The Rebellion of the Northern Earls of Westmoreland and Northumberland in 1569 was the most serious rebellion of Elizabeth’s reign and resulted in the devastation of many northern families, particularly the Nortons of Norton Conyers, the Markenfields of Markenfield Hall, the Metcalfes of Nappa and the Dacres of Gilsland. In the aftermath of the rebellion some 600-700 rebels were subjected to martial law and hung in their own towns and villages, and many local gentry were executed for their part in the rebellion. The punishments imposed by Elizabeth including fines and confiscation of estates were the harshest of any Tudor monarch in the aftermath of a rebellion and ensured that the north could not rise again for many a generation.

Gillian Waters examined the causes, course and consequences of the rebellion, and the role of Mary Queen of Scots.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Kettlewell WI about the redoubtable Lady Anne Clifford and her battle to reclaim the estates that her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, had willed to his brother. With the support of her mother Anne Clifford fought legal battles, and even King James I himself, for over 40 years to regain her northern castles. Gillian also looked at the repairs to Skipton Castle that Lady Anne Clifford made in the 1650s.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Rossington Women's Institute to talk about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with Yorkshire. Why do we burn Guy Fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Hovingham to talk to Ryedale Family History Society about the English Civil Wars in Yorkshire. She examined the pivotal role that Yorkshire played in the English Civil Wars, from Charles I’s initial attempts to regain Hull in 1642, and his sojourn in York, to Prince Rupert’s decisive defeat at Marston Moor in 1644 and the rise of the Fairfaxes. She specifically focused on the role of Ryedale in the wars and the impact of war on local families.

York, the ancient capital of the North, was given a sword of State by Richard II in 1398. In the same year the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty died in his capital, Nanjing. This lecture explored the connections between York and Nanjing from the Ming Emperors to city walls, and the silks, chinosierie and ceramics that were traded with York's merchants.

The English Civil Wars were one of the nastiest wars fought on our soil and York was the Northern prize. The year 1644 was a significant turning point; the Siege of York and the Battle of Marston Moor won the North for Parliament and without the North the Royalists ultimate defeat became inevitable.

Gillian Waters examined the pivotal role that Yorkshire played in the English Civil Wars, from Charles I’s initial attempts to regain Hull in 1642, and his sojourn in York, to Prince Rupert’s decisive defeat at Marston Moor in 1644 and the rise of the Fairfaxes. Yorkshire and the North were significantly changed by the English Civil Wars, this lecture explored these changes by considering the impact of war on local families.

Gillian was delighted to be invited again to the Harrogate and District Family History Society to talk about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his intimate connections with local families in the Harrogate and Knaresborough Forest area. Why do we burn Guy fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

How many angels can you fit on the point of a needle? Did stones have souls? And what was the influence of the planets on every hour of the day? This day school explored Medieval and Elizabethan views of the world around them, looking at alchemy, astrology, poems, prose and chronicles to understand the period.

When the Romans left Britain did all the lights go out? This 10 week course aimed to throw light on the history of the North of England and show that the Dark Ages were not dark at all. Starting with the impact of the Anglo-Saxon invasions on Romano-Celtic “Yorkshire” we explored the emergence of the Saxon kingdoms using archaeology, chronicles, poetry and prose accounts.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the South Craven Retired Men's Forum in Sutton about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with the Yorkshire area. Why do we burn Guy fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

"We are interested in people not things" a young journalist named WR "Bill" Mitchell was told by his editor, Harry J Scott, when joining The Dalesman magazine in 1948. Whilst “tweed-clad, pipe-smoking” Scott donned his carpet slippers, Bill traveled the Yorkshire Dales interviewing Dales folk. Bill recorded hundreds of hours of interviews on cassette tape with the men and women of the Dales. These interviews formed the basis for his written work; over 190 books as well as numerous articles for magazines and local and regional newspapers.

This collection of over 400 taped interviews captures the stories of well-known Yorkshire personalities such as James Herriot, Hannah Hauxwell, Kit Calvert and Marie Hartley but also the tales of ordinary Yorkshire folk scraping a living against the odds in remote Dales communities. They also represent a unique archive of the different accents and dialects used over forty years ago, voices which are not often heard in the Dales today.

Gillian Waters explored the importance of local and oral history archives and their relevance in reconstructing a regional identity.

This Public Lecture, at York University, examined the significance of George Hudson in bringing the Railways to York and the impact on the city.

This day school was co-planned and co-delivered with Richard Keesing at York University as part of York800 celebrations. We uncovered the connection between Bishophill, York's Observatory, Queen Victoria and Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic in 1912 and got to grips with Scott’s Theodolite that helped him navigate the freezing conditions of the South Pole. Thomas Cooke and Sons, based in York, made some of the most sophisticated telescopes and scientific instruments of their time. This day school explored the stories of these objects using York University's fantastic collection of Thomas Cokes scientific instruments.

This day school uncovered the story of Guy Fawkes and how he became drawn into the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Why do we burn Guy Fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators - is it because he was a York man? Based on Gillian's research into the life of the man and his associations with York.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Yorkshire Archaeological Society in Leeds about breaking into medieval genealogy. Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, but also demonstrated the pitfalls using pedigrees and heraldic sources to demonstrate the "myths and lies" that can bedevil medieval genealogy.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to speak to the Calderdale Family History Society about the mechanics and impact of the Norman Conquest and the Harrying of the North on Calderdale.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to speak to the Upper Dales Family History Society in Leyburn about the role of Mary Queen of Scots in sparking the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the Wharfedale Family History Society in Threshfield about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with the Yorkshire area. Why do we burn Guy fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to speak to the Marie Stuart Society in Derbyshire about the role of Marie Stuart in sparking the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569.

Gillian co-planned this day school with Serena Dyer - a day of uncovering some of the secret histories of the city of York from the medieval period to the 20th century. The afternoon included a guided tour of the city, taking in the ruins of the medieval abbey and hospital, the Guildhall and Grape Lane.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the Malham Local History Society about the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536, where an army of nearly 40,000 men mustered and marched to Doncaster against Henry VIII. She focused on the role of the Malham area in the rebellion and the local grievances that led to the rebellion as well as the dire consequences to local families.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the Rotherham Family History Society about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with the Yorkshire area. Why do we burn Guy fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, uncovered the story behind Henry VIII's visit to York in 1541, the
thwarted plans of the corporation to welcome Henry in elaborate style and how he humiliated the city. The visit was also the setting for
illicit trysts between Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper which led to her downfall and execution in 1542. This day school also included a tour an afternoon’s stroll following the route of York's planned pageantry to welcome to the city.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to the East Yorkshire Local History Society about the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536, where an army of nearly 40,000 men mustered and marched to Doncaster against Henry VIII. She focused on the pivotal role of East Yorkshire and the Hull area in the rebellion and the local grievances that led to the rebellion as well as the dire consequences to local families.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, uncovered the story of the Siege of York in 1644. Using maps and
contemporary accounts we discovered what it was like to live in a city under siege and how the walls were breached on 16 June, as well
as the final submission of the city. This day school also included a tour of the city sites breached.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Ribble Valley History Society in Clitheroe examining the intricacies of Medieval and Tudor politics from the viewpoint of one local northern family. She discussed how a minor set of gentry from the Welsh Marches made it to Skipton through winning renown in the Welsh and Scottish medieval campaigns of Edward I-III. She also examined how the Cliffords rose to prominence in the Tudor period after the attainder of the Shepherd Lord during the Wars of the Roses and the notorious career of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, explored the mystery of Shakespeare's lost years and posed the question did Shakespeare ever visit York. Examining evidence the Guild Hall, York, which may indicate Shakespeare did visit the city we investigated Shakespeare's early life and his intriguing connections with the city of York and King’s Manor. We explored Shakespeare York including Margaret Clitherow, King James I’s visit to the city in 1603 and an intriguing case in 1609 where a performance of a Shakespearean play resulted in gentry closely associated with the city being imprisoned for treason!

York, as the most important northern outpost of Medieval government was the military base for the Scottish Wars and the centre of the defence against the Scots. This day course examined the development of York's medieval defences, including the castle and town walls. What would it have been like inside a besieged medieval city and how were men mustered to defend the town? What roles did medieval women take to defend their hearths and homes? Using contemporary sources the day considered how to effectively attack a castle using siege machines, trebuchets etc., how the city of York withstood sieges and why it eventually fell to Royalists and Parliamentarians in the English Civil Wars.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to The Friends of Craven Museum in Skipton examining the intricacies of Medieval and Tudor politics from the viewpoint of one local northern family. She discussed how a minor set of gentry from the Welsh Marches made it to Skipton through winning renown in the Welsh and Scottish medieval campaigns of Edward I-III. She also examined how the Cliffords rose to prominence in the Tudor period after the attainder of the Shepherd Lord during the Wars of the Roses and the notorious career of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland.

This day school gave an overview of the variety of sources and resources that are available to start researching your family history.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, explored the ways that knighthood meant different things to different people at different times in the Medieval and Early Modern period. From the Feudal Knight of the Norman Conquest, the Godly Knight of the Crusades and the Courtly Knight of the twelfth century, local examples, contemporary accounts, stories and literature, were used to analyse the similarities and differences. With increasing social mobility after the Black Death of 1348 later the day also examined changing representations of knighthood, Henry IV's breaking of the rules of chivalry at Agincourt in 1415, and the rise of the ‘Man at Arms’.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Wakefield Family History Society about the trails and tribulations of proving a medieval pedigree for family historians. Tracking a local family back through agricultural labourers and factory workers, in the 17th to 19th centuries, Gillian showed how it is possible to break into medieval genealogy, but also demonstrated the pitfalls using pedigrees and heraldic sources to demonstrate the "myths and lies" that can bedevil medieval genealogy.

This ten week course was an introduction to family history and the history of the family beginning by considering the history of the family, how historians have interpreted the family and how the family has changed over time. The sources available to family historians and how to use them to reconstruct a family history were examined. Individual topics included: an introduction to demography; constructing a family history; sources for the study of family history - parish records, wills, the Census; trade directories; recusant records; poor law reforms; non-conformist registers; dating old photographs to name a few.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, examined Medieval and Tudor armour in the context of civilian fashions and styles, using local northern evidence from church brasses, contemporary written accounts, and Medieval and Tudor imagery. She covered the practicalities of mail shirts, how hem-lines went down and up in the eleventh to fourteenth centuries, the different fashions and styles of plate armour from Agincourt to the Armada and what knights wore underneath! And answers were found to that critical question- did knights wear socks?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Wharfedale Family History Society in Threshfield to examine the impact of the changes in Tudor religion and royal control affected the Wharfedale area. She discussed the economic, political and religious causes and impact of various rebellious movements from the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 to the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569 on the local area and how local families were involved.

The name Horner is an occupational name, and by the 1400s there were many different Horner families in the Harrogate and Nidderdale area. Many Horners originated from Nidderdale, and moved to Otley, Ripon, York and Harrogate, but there were Horners in Clint and Cayton in the 14th century and in Harrogate by the 18th century. After briefly looking at the spread of early Horner families in this area this talk explores the stories of the Cayton Horners, and their links to the nursery rhyme “Little Jack Horner”, and the Birtswith Horners and their links to Haverah Park in the sixteenth century. Finally Gillian explored the story of one family of Harrogate Horners, Ben and Joseph Horner, who were involved in the 19th century Methodist and Congregational movements in Harrogate and built parts of the Royal Bath Hospital.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Keighley and District Family History Society in Keighley in January 2012, examining the intricacies of Medieval and Tudor politics from the viewpoint of one local northern family. She discussed how a minor set of gentry from the Welsh Marches made it to Skipton through winning renown in the Welsh and Scottish medieval campaigns of Edward I-III. She also examined how the Cliffords rose to prominence in the Tudor period after the attainder of the Shepherd Lord during the Wars of the Roses and the notorious career of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland.

This day school, created and delivered by Gillian Waters, explored the evidence for an historical Arthur, the different contenders, and how the story was transmitted and changed into a tale for all times. She explored how the stories of Arthur were used by successive Medieval and Tudor monarchs such as Edward III, Richard II, Henry VII and Elizabeth to give support to their rule, and how Victorian poets and twentieth century films reinterpreted the stories.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to talk to Wharfedale Family History Society in Burley-in-Wharfedale about the life and career of Guy Fawkes and his connections with the Yorkshire area. Why do we burn Guy fawkes alone of all the thirteen conspirators? Is it mainly because of his connections with Yorkshire?

Gillian was delighted to be invited to deliver a Wakeman Lecture in Ripon in November 2011 about the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536, where an army of nearly 40,000 men mustered and marched to Doncaster against Henry VIII. She focused on the pivotal role of Ripon and Richmondshire and the local grievances that led to the rebellion as well as the dire consequences.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to Markenfield Hall, the atmospheric medieval moated manor house near Ripon, to talk about the roles of Thomas Markenfield and Richard Norton, of Norton Conyers, in the Rebellion of the Northern Earls in 1569. After the talk Iain Curteis kindly invited her to produce a pamphlet summarising the talk- the details of which can be seen below.

Gillian presented a paper on "Guy Fawkes, Yorkshire man?" at the Hull British Local History Conference on 5 November 2011 ‘New Research into the History of Yorkshire’ –For more information see
www.balh.co.uk/events.

Gillian researched and developed a local history course for adult leisure learners in Harrogate as part of a ten week course. From 1066 to 1666 this course revealed tales of murder, intrigue and plot in Yorkshire from 1066, covering local castles, monasteries, life in the royal forest and the effects of civil wars, rebellions and plague in the local area.

Gillian was delighted to be invited to create a 5-week academic course on the English Civil Wars, for the Washburn Valley Heritage Group as part of an HLF bid to develop their Heritage Centre. Gillian planned the course and delivered sessions on the causes and consequences of the Civil Wars, the relevance to the Washburn locality and the difficult choices individuals had to make, in what was, an horrific war. One attendee said of the lectures, ‘You really made things come alive and you could almost feel the people!’. The Heritage Centre is now open. http://www.washburnvalley.org/

This series of termly talks given to the WEA and Local and Family History Societies focused on key archives in the Royal Armouries Museum ranging from the Tudors, English Civil wars, Napoleonic Wars, Crimea, Boer Wars and First World Wars. Gillian worked with archivists and librarians to identify the archives, design and deliver sessions and workshops and find audiences.

Gillian was delighted to have been invited to work with Hornsea Museum to develop workshops on Toys for KS1 Primary School children. Gillian created a carousel of 4 workshops with sets of notes for volunteers taking the sessions and a set of teacher notes woth pre and post visit suggestions. Gillian also piloted the KS1 session with a small group of children from Hornsea Primary School.

Hornsea Museum is sited in an 18th century farmhouse with a dairy and wash house and a fantastic collection of toys. You can find out more about the museum here

Gillian was pleased to be invited to continue to work with the Washburn Heritage Centre on their Archive which includes over 5,000 images of papers, documents and artefacts illustrating the complex history of the valley. Gillian is currently archiving and cataloguing the collection with Washburn Volunteers. To find out more about the Washburn Heritage Centre click here

Gillian was pleased to be invited to work with the Washburn Heritage Centre on their Archive which includes over 2,000 images of the Washburn Valley, as well as papers, documents and artefacts illustrating the complex history of the valley. In 2012 Gillian set up an electronic cataloguing system, created an archive manual and archived and catalogued the collection. To find out more about the Washburn Heritage Centre click here

After speaking to the Friends of Markenfield Hall in 2011 Gillian was delighted to be invited to write an pamphlet for Fountains Abbey as part of the Fountains Articles Series, number 23.

The Rebellion of the Northern Earls is a narrative of the causes, course and consequences of the rebellion of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland in 1569- the most serious rebellion of Elizabeth I's reign, with a particular emphasis on the roles of Thomas Markenfield of Markenfield Hall and his uncle Richard Norton of Norton Conyers.

The booklet also contains an article on 'Thomas Markenfield the Man', by Ian Curteis and 'Mary Queen of Scots' by Jacqueline Rae, as well as Family Trees of the Nortons and Markenfields by Brian Crosse.

Gillian worked on the W.R. Mitchell archive from 2012-3, created the framework for the archive and catalogued the oral history tapes. The collection hand list and tools for searching the archive can be seen here

Gillian created a variety of learning resources for the W.R. Mitchell Archive, based on a series of school workshops led by a professional poet and storyteller. She also trialled Victorian History resources, based on the archive, with a local primary school as part of the project. The resources on Victorians and Creating a Book of Poems can be found at the W.R. Mitchell Archive. Vanessa Kyle created resources on Childhood in the 1930s and Teenagers in Service which can also be viewed on the site.

This article, published in Primary History, Issue 59, Autumn 2011, co-authored by Gillian Waters and Vanessa Kyle, discusses how museums are critical in helping Primary students explore and understand the concept of chronology. Working with groups of Gifted and Talented students using objects, ephemera and the museum galleries, Gillian and Vanessa demonstrate the importance of rooting chronological understanding in material collections.

In this major gallery re-display for the Royal Armouries in Leeds Gillian worked collaboratively with a team of curators to research and develop exhibition panels, gallery interactives and on-line student guides. She also advised on the key connections between the KS1-4 and AS/A2 curricula and specifications and the Royal Armouries iconic collection items to create an accessible and useable gallery-based learning environment for formal education students visiting the museum.

A poster session at GEM Annual Conference, "Learning Organisations: Embracing Change" on September 8, 2005 with Andrew Sawyer of Leicester University.

Gillian co-authored this publication to create a framework integrating a museum visit with classroom materials on the English Civil wars. From planning grids, primary sources and practical classroom tasks, the resource was favourably reviewed by the Times Educational Supplement.