Captain Michael Barritt will pick up the theme of his 2017 E.G.R. Taylor Lecture, showing the evidence that belies the received wisdom that the Royal Navy of the period showed neither interest in nor aptitude for hydrography, and that there was clear encouragement from leaders such as Nelson.
Case studies will illustrate challenges and achievements with the often limited means at the disposal of the practitioners, show how men with higher skills were identified, and consider the background of the different educational regimes in Scotland and England.
The lecture will tap into the rich visual material preserved in archives, especially that of the UK Hydrographic Office.
- Lecture
Children's lecture: secrets of the Unknown Adventurer
Follow in the footsteps of the renowned Unknown Adventurer on a thrilling journey into jungles, oceans, mountains and hidden worlds! Discover wild stories and sketchbook secrets and after the talk, enjoy squash, biscuits and fun activities, including exploring our giant floor map!
London and onlineMembers onlySaturday 6 December 2025 - Lecture
Fiesta: a journey through festivity
Travel writer Daniel Stables explores some of the highlights of the cultural explorations he encountered on the journeys that underpin his narrative travel book 'Fiesta'.
ManchesterOpen to allTuesday 9 December 2025 - Social
On thin ice: a life in the Antarctic
Professor Dame Jane Francis will combine talking about her own life in polar research with insights into cutting-edge research now being done in Cambridge on the threat to the Antarctic ice shelf. The talk will be followed by wine and canapes.
NorwichOpen to allWednesday 10 December 2025