This short course uses digitised materials from these collections to explore such topics as: Victorian chimney sweeps, the Great Fire of Tooley Street, the manufacture of fireworks, the Bryant & May match factory in the interwar years, the Blitz during World War Two, and the unusual career of the Italian Salamander.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone curious to discover less well-known aspects of London’s social history
• Informal learners seeking an engaging introduction to everyday lives in the modern city
• Creatives, historians, and writers looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for projects
• Archive enthusiasts who take delight in viewing and learning from original historical materials, such as journals, pamphlets, guidebooks, photographs, and illustrations

What can I expect?

• The subject is taught online through original photographs, pamphlets, press cuttings, memoir, and more from Bishopsgate Institute’s special collections
• The tutor interprets the materials in a series of informative PowerPoint slideshow talks
• The talks are richly illustrated with digitised historical sources, many of them rare and some unique to the InstituteThere are opportunities for student participation through informal small group discussion, and via the chat function and questions

Will I need any equipment or materials?

We will be looking at a range of texts produced during the past 120+ years, some of which have small print. Please bring reading glasses if worn.

Joining via Zoom

This course or event will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.

You will need a computer or other device to connect with Zoom and a notebook/paper and pen/pencil, or digital equivalent.

Bursary places

We provide a number of funded bursaries to people who find it hard to pay the full or concessionary rates. Find out more information on how to apply.