This course will take place online, for a reduced rate of Full £40 / Conc. £30

Discover some of the key ingredients considered when writing a family history.

Family History raises many questions about who we are and where we have come from. In this short course, you'll look at: how to turn research into narrative; how to write about yourself and others; how to bring events to life; and how to find meaning in the material you have gathered.

Explore our Local History and Family Collection to learn more.

Who is this course for?

Anyone who has done some research on their family history and is now thinking about how to express what they have in written form.

Do I need any previous skills or knowledge?

No previous knowledge of the Italian language is required.

Will I need any equipment or materials?

This course 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.

Are there follow-on courses I can take?

We run a range of creative writing classes, including classes in Creative Writing, Writing Creative Non-Fiction and Writing Short Stories.

Image: Bishopsgate Voices Archive

You will learn

By the end of this course, you will have learnt how to:

Bring narrative direction to research
Find shape and structure in the material you have
Bring to life people, places, and events.

Meet the Tutor

Nick Barlay

Nick Barlay is the author of four widely acclaimed novels, including Hooky Gear, which was mentioned among Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2003.

He was born in London to Hungarian Jewish refugee parents, and his first non-fiction book, Scattered Ghosts, explores the story of his family over two centuries. It was longlisted for the Wingate Prize 2015.

He has also written short stories, award-winning radio plays and wide-ranging journalism, including a long-running series about London for the Times.

He regularly teaches fiction and life writing, as well as Guardian Masterclasses on writing a family history.

Learn more