Alex Charles

13 years ago, I found Gresham College. After walking around Holborn one fateful (and very chilly) day, I got so tired and cold I was looking for somewhere to sit down. 

At this point, depression and anxiety had forced me to take long-term absence from work. I didn’t have much money, but a one-day bus pass was affordable, so I’d spend my time wandering the streets of London. 

That day, I noticed a sign outside Barnard’s Inn Hall said, ‘Free Lecture Today’. This led me to picking up a leaflet and attending the lecture that evening which changed everything. It was delivered by Simon Thurley, from his series ‘A History of English Architecture’ – I was hooked. 

It gave me a whole new interest in life. From that lecture, I went on to make a real hobby of London history. I developed history walks around London with friends, then began photographing the walks, which then became the basis for talks I give at my local library and other interest groups on London history. I always mention Gresham College when I can – it’s changed my life, and those of others who’ve discovered more about the history of our fascinating capital city. 

I’m a regular viewer of Gresham College lectures, both online and in-person. Sometimes I’ll even rewatch a lecture I attended online – getting a repeat of the information is helpful! Also, during lockdown I discovered the College’s massive archive of past lectures, so I dip into those quite often. Obviously, I enjoy lectures on history and architecture, but I love the College’s lectures’ broad range of subjects, and I’ve watched many on topics I’d previously had no knowledge of. The lecturers are first-class in their delivery, and if I can attend in person, it’s even better because I get to be in a room full of people who share my passion for knowledge! 

For anyone who’s not been to a Gresham College lecture yet, I’d tell them: go and see! There’s such a wealth of topics and ideas on offer, that you’re bound to find something that’ll catch your interest. I’m approaching retirement, so I’m looking forward to attending far more lectures in the future. 

Long Live Gresham College! 

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