Fun and Games: Entertainment in Early Modern England

Overview

Join us in Oxford for an introduction to a fascinating and turbulent period of English history, viewed through the lens of what people did for fun and leisure.

The day will introduce you to the early modern period, with the content being focused on the turbulent and fascinating years of roughly 1550-1750. The concept and perception of fun and leisure will be examined, and each section will have an interactive element.

Food and drink recipe books will be explored, and samples of food and drinks will be provided. When looking at sports, games and festivals you will have the opportunity to play an early modern game. Finally, when exploring music and dance everyone will be encouraged to write their own ballad.  

By the end of the day, you will have gained insight into aspects of past concepts of fun and note both the similarities and differences to how ‘fun’ is thought of today. 

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT (UTC) on 6 November 2024.

Programme details

9.45am    
Registration (Rewley House reception)

10am
Introduction to early modern England and concepts of fun and leisure time
Anna Cusack and Joe Saunders 

11.15am
Tea/coffee break 

11.45am     
Food, drink, and recipe books 
Anna Cusack 

1.00pm     
Lunch break

2pm
Sport, games and festivals 
Anna Cusack and Joe Saunders 

3.15pm    
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm    
Music and dance – write your own ballad  
Joe Saunders  

5pm     
End of day  

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £125.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr Anna Cusack

Speaker

Anna completed her PhD in 2021 at Birkbeck, University of London, prior to this she undertook an MPhil in early modern history at the University of Cambridge and a BA (Hons) also at Birkbeck.

She has taught at the University of Essex and Birkbeck and has a background in heritage management. 

Mr Joe Saunders

Speaker

Joe Saunders is a freelance historian and working part-time toward a PhD at the University of York on the print trade in early modern England. He teaches for the Centre for Lifelong Learning at York and the online learning-provider Pharos Tutors. Joe loves family and local history, is Vice-Chair of the British Association for Local History, and on the editorial board for the Historical Association’s magazine The Historian

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation