Primrose Hill Lecture Series
For almost 20 years, The Primrose Hill Lecture Series has been exploring, and debating, some of the most important issues we face as a modern society. We are now recognised as one of London’s leading spaces for bold, lively and informative talks.
Our home, St Mary’s church at the foot of Primrose Hill, has hosted a huge range of truly world class thinkers and writers: Jonathan Miller, Andrew Marr, Paddy Ashdown, Alan Bennett, Mary Beard and Claudia Roden are just a few of the keynote speakers we have welcomed. Our talks are followed by lively Q&As and the chance to enjoy a glass of wine (or our own St Mary’s craft beer!) And purchase signed copies of speaker’s books from our sponsor Primrose Hill Books.
In the spirit of open doors and open minds, we welcome all sorts of voices and consider no topic off bounds. We are very proud of our growing success and the quality of our line-ups over the years. You can listen to recordings of previous lectures in our Archives Please follow us on social media (look for 'Primrose Hill Lecture Series; on Instagram, Facebook, Eventbrite and Twitter)
Check out our Lecture Archives to see some of the amazing past speakers.
7pm, Wednesday 3rd June
Sara Wheeler in conversation with Simon Jenkins: Jan Morris – an extraordinary life
Sara Wheeler’s authorised biography of Jan Morris has received rave reviews. Jan Morris lived an extraordinary life: reporting on the first ascent of Everest; interviewing Che Guevara; writing revered travel books. In the early seventies, Jan (formerly James) Morris transitioned - one of the first high-profile people to do so. She documented the experience in her seminal book Conundrum. In this definitive biography, Sarah Wheeler establishes Morris as a twentieth-century icon.
Journalist and author Simon Jenkins was Jan Morris’ friend. Both authors shared a deep interest in British history, heritage and “character that’s specific to place”.
Expect insight and affection when Jenkins and Wheeler discuss Morris’ place in British cultural history.
7pm, Wednesday 10th June
Jeremy King in conversation with Tracey MacLeod: Inside London’s Top Restaurants
Jeremy King is the genius behind London’s most glamorous restaurants, The Wolseley, The Ivy, Le Caprice, and more recently Arlington & Simpsons. Along with his former business partner, Chris Corbin, he turned London into Europe’s most convivial capital. He’s hosted everyone – Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol and Laurence Olivier – royalty, rock stars and everyone in between. He’s a man whose heart is stamped through with hospitality, a believer in human connections and special occasions. King’s recent book, Without Reservation, distils the wisdom he’s learned over a lifetime of top-drawer service.
Tracey MacLeod is an admirer of King’s brilliance. As a guest MasterChef judge and the Independent’s restaurant reviewer for nearly two decades, she’s eaten at all the best tables, and understands the value of fine food and entertaining conversation.
7pm, Tuesday 16th June
Nell Frizzell in conversation with Esther Freud: Brave and Bold, 100 Years of Hampstead Ladies’ Pond
Nell Frizzell is a successful writer, journalist and, crucially, a former lifeguard at Hampstead’s Ladies’ Pond. Her book, Brave and Bold, marks a hundred years of Ladies’ Pond swimming, celebrating strange stories and wonderful wildlife. Meet celebrities, code breakers and cake bakers. Enjoy peacocks, terrapins and booming widgeons. All aqua-loving life is here.
For many years, Esther Freud was a fair-weather pond swimmer, until, one autumn, more than ten years ago, she found she couldn’t stop. Now she enjoys the “mud silk of the water” all year round. Author of multiple books, articles and short-stories, Esther Freud teaches creative writing in her own local group. Her latest novel, My Sister and other Lovers, is just out in paperback.
Perhaps you’ve experienced the magic of Hampstead Ladies Pond, or maybe you’re curious to understand its allure? Either way you’ll love spending time with these exceptional women.
7pm, Wednesday 24th June
Nicholas Crane: The Secret History of Britain’s Footpaths
Acclaimed geographer, travel writer and much-loved local, Nick Crane is the perfect person to write a book about Britain’s footpaths. He’s a passionate walker, a curious historian and a rigorous researcher. He explains how mankind’s progress has been determined by the routes we’ve walked, and by the way in which those routes have mapped and re-mapped our island. From prehistoric tracks walked by European migrants 12,000 years ago, to pilgrim ways and coffin roads, he leads us deep into the British countryside.
Using slides to illustrate his findings, Crane celebrates walking, wandering, and the enduring human impulse to follow in the footsteps of our forebears. A must for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of our fascinating human journey.
TICKETS
Single ticket (in-person attendance): £15/£10 concessions (OAPs, students)
Live-Streaming ticket (Watch online) ticket: £15 single lecture*
Full Series ticket (4 Lectures for the price of 3): £45/£30 concessions (OAPs, students)
*You will be emailed a link ahead of the event, to watch the talk live-streamed via YouTube or after the event
BOOKS will be provided by www.primrosehillbooks.com and available to buy and have signed by the speaker after the event.
BOOKS will be provided by www.primrosehillbooks.com and available to buy and have signed by the speaker after the event.
St. Mary the Virgin Primrose Hill is an Anglican church in the liberal catholic tradition. Founded in 1872 it is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. St. Mary’s has a long and proud history of supporting some of the most vulnerable in society. Part of this is running the winter homeless shelter partnered with Camden Camden Community Cold Weather Shelter (C4WS), and is proud to provide a home to the Mary’s youthwork charity which provides practical care and help to local young people at risk.
Funds go to aid St Mary’s Church – a vital base for community the and local outreach services for vulnerable people.
