By KLTV Newsdesk –
This coming Monday (April 26), the Huddersfield Local History Society and the University of Huddersfield will present the seventh in a series of annual lectures focusing on aspects of the history of radicalism.
Each of the annual lectures has featured a distinguished historian to share their thoughts not only on the Luddite disturbances of 1812 in the Huddersfield district but on nineteenth-century radicalism in the West Riding, and beyond.
This year, Edward Royle, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of York and, looks at the varieties of radicalism to be found in the West Riding during the century following the French Revolution.
He will also be looking at some of the social and religious radicalisms that emerged during that century which he describes as ranging “from the mainstream to the exotic.”
Professor Royle grew up in Linthwaite, attended King James’ Grammar School in Almondbury and was a founder-member of Huddersfield Local History Society.
Cyril Pearce, chair of the Society, says of Professor Royle: “Throughout his career, and in his first major publication on Radical Politics – Religion and Unbelief 1790-1900, he has drawn heavily on his research on the history of Huddersfield.”
Most recently Professor Royle contributed to and edited Power in the Land: Essays to commemorate the centenary of the purchase of the estate by Huddersfield Corporation in 1920, published by the University of Huddersfield in association with Huddersfield Local History Society.
The Luddite Memorial Lecture is introduced by historian Professor Tim Thornton, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Speaking on the annual lecture series, he says: “[The Lecture] represents an important partnership for the University, allowing us to represent an important aspect of local heritage alongside the leading local historical organisation in our area.”
This year’s lecture is dedicated to the memory of Professor Malcolm Chase, who died last year.
Professor Thornton added: “This year marks the first of these annual lectures since the death of Professor Malcolm Chase.
“Malcolm was a great supporter of these lectures and himself gave one of the lectures on the subject of York Castle and its role as a political prison for those involved in Luddite and kindred movements.
“Many of us will be thinking of Malcolm this year.”
Malcolm Chase was Head of the School of History at the University of Leeds and a former student of Professor Royle who describes Malcolm as a “leading exponent of British Radical History and a prolific writer.”
Speaking on the decision to dedicate this year’s lecture to the late Professor Chase, Cyril Pearce said: “He died far too young, a little over a year ago. Malcolm was a good friend to the Society and a generous colleague.
“To individual members, he was a friend and a supportive champion of their work. He is sorely missed.
“This year’s lecturer, Professor Edward Royle, was one of Malcolm’s many good friends and colleagues.”
The Luddite Memorial Talk 2021 talk has been recorded on YouTube by the Society and is free to view from Monday 26 April on the Huddersfield Local History website.