We have very recently been presented with a wonderful opportunity for our members!
Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire, has agreed to come and speak to us. Lesley is an English scholar, historian, heritage publicist and actress. She is best known for her performances on stage as historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. She has also been featured in a number of television programmes.
Lesley will be holidaying in Cornwall at the beginning of March, and has kindly agreed to come to us. She has an enduring affection for Cornwall and for the WI, and we are very lucky to be able to share her with our members!
Lesley will be giving a talk – in costume – about Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned at Tutbury Castle on four occasions. It was here that she became embroiled in the plots which were eventually to cost her her life. She left Tutbury for the last time in 1585 when she was moved to nearby Chartley. There she was arrested and sent to Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire where she was executed in 1587. Meet the tragic queen during her final imprisonment at Tutbury and share her hopes and fears as her dramatic tale approaches its bitter conclusion.
When: Wednesday 1 March – 2pm
Where: Chy Noweth an Conteth
Cost: £5 per person (to include coffee and cake)
Because this opportunity came up as a last-minute surprise, we have not been able to advertise it in the usual way in County News, or to send copies of an application form to your WI Secretary. Application forms have been emailed to all WIs with active email addresses, and the form is also available to download here. Or contact the office to secure your place – 01872 272843.
Further biographical information about Lesley Smith:
Lesley Smith has been the Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire since 2000. She is a medical historian holding an M.Phil in Tudor medicine, is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and is also a Member of the Society of Medical Writers. In addition to these qualifications, Lesley was awarded an Honorary Masters Degree in 2010 by the University of Derby for “Services to History in the Community”, and has 38 academic publications. She is also published in the wider community and had her own page in the local county magazine “Staffordshire Life” for eight years.