Our first Be inspired event in 2026. This series spotlights fascinating research on our Collections.
In the spring of 1560, a small ship docked in the Port of London having sailed from the north of Russia. On board was a young Central Asian woman called Aru Sultan, brought to England by merchant adventurer Anthony Jenkinson, who had come across her during his remarkable journey through Russia, down the Volga and across the Caspian Sea to Bokhara.
Within a few months Aru Sultan had become a lady in waiting to Queen Elizabeth and a fashion sensation, introducing the Elizabethan court to high boots and other innovations.
Who was this remarkable young woman? Was she, as some Kazakh historians now claim, a diplomat from a Central Asia khan, or a slave girl picked up by Jenkinson in the wake of Ivan the Terrible’s campaign against the Golden Horde?
- Webinar
Use geography: careers with a local impact
In this lunchtime webinar learn from geography professionals with careers making a meaningful impact at the local level.
UndergraduatesWednesday 21 January 2026 - Webinar
'Stretch and challenge' in geography
In this session, Chris Hoare will explore what we really mean by stretch and challenge, how to implement and plan for a successful stretch and challenge and give you the opportunity to critique, plan and share a range of successful activities that can be applied across key stages.
OnlineTeachersWednesday 21 January 2026 - Networking
Rural Geography Research Group morning coffee
MRes or PhD students researching anything related to rural geographies are invited to join the Rural Geography Research Group for its first relaxed, friendly early morning coffee meeting.
OnlinePostgraduatesThursday 22 January 2026