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David Olusoga and Alan Lester join us to reveal the dark realities of the British Empire, and reflect on the importance of historians amid the culture wars and resurgence of nationalism.

In our turbulent times Britain’s imperial past is continually distorted by caricatures, and the authority of historians denigrated in favour of a celebratory, whitewashed version of our national story. 

Historian David Olusoga and Alan Lester believe that the truth matters and is too important to be hijacked by culture warriors, apologists and racists. In this live event they will share their insights into the history of Empire without apology, drawing on decades of research and learning to tell us what the British Empire was really like. 

Taking us from Australia and China to India and South Africa, David and Alan will share the story of Empire’s horrors without varnish or compromise. With disturbing accounts of Empire’s culture, politics, and economics, this live event will show us why historians matter to democracy and to our future.