KAS History Classes

Owing to access to our Library on Mondays no longer being possible, as a consequence of the Museum closure, classes are now held in the Maidstone United Reformed Church in Week Street. Bookings for the classes to be by email to davecarter25@gmail.com, or telephone 020 8642 6437.

Summer 2017:

History Makers of Kent

Monday mornings 10:30 - 12:30; six meetings from 24 April at a cost of £45.

Studying the lives and achievements of men and women associated with Kent in the past, and their contributions to the history of the county or the country.

Towns in Kent

Monday afternoons 1:30 - 3:30; six meetings from 24 April at a cost of £45.

Looking at selected Kent towns from the earliest times to the twentieth century. Themes will include religion, market towns, river and maritime trade, industry and suburban development.

Autumn/Winter 2017/2018:

Eighteenth Century England

Monday mornings 10:30 - 12:30; two ten-week terms, from 18 September and 8 January respectively at a cost of £65 per term.

Eighteenth Century England Part I

In the eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution brought major changes to nearly every aspect of life. This class will consider why Britain was the first industrial nation, and look at the impact of industrialisation on the lives of ordinary people. Topics will include England before the Industrial Revolution; the process of industrialisation; roads and canals; and agriculture.

Eighteenth Century England Part II

The accession of the Hanoverian Monarchy and the growth of trade led to changes in Britain’s relations with Europe and the wider world. Continuing the study of England in the eighteenth century, this class will look at Britain's wars with France; the emergence of Britain as an imperial power; overseas trade, including the anti-slavery and Abolition movements; and social changes at home.

Kent in Historical Documents

Monday afternoons 1:30 - 3:30; two ten-week terms, from 18 September and 8 January respectively at a cost of £65 per term.

This class will study life in Kent in the past through a range of historical documents. Starting in the twentieth century and working backwards, we will look at examples of documents in class and discuss how they can be used to build up a picture of individuals and communities in the past. Topics may include life and death; work and home life; and the poor. We shall also consider the pitfalls to beware of in local history research, and the resources available on the internet.