Common Ground: the History of Common Land in Britain

Join us for a lunchtime museum talk with Angus Winchester, Emeritus Professor of History at Lancaster University, exploring the fascinating history of common land in Britain.

Discover how these shared landscapes have shaped rural life, from traditional farming and local customs to recreation, wildlife conservation and military use. Tracing the story from the Middle Ages to the present day, the talk explores how attitudes towards common land have changed over time and the ongoing challenge of balancing private interests with the common good.

Please note: this venue is only accessible via stairs and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.