On Tuesday 3 November, the journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera gave the Society’s annual Public History Lecture on ‘What History is NOT’.
Sathnam spoke from the perspective of a public historian whose publications bring discussion of the British Empire to a broad public readership. This perspective reveals ‘what history is’ to many people: a settled story, an uncontestable store of facts, and a marker of either national pride or shame.
In offering an alternative study of ‘What History is NOT’, Sathnam drew attention to the importance and value of historical practice that is not fixed, not a balance sheet of ‘good’ and ‘bad, and not another expression of national heritage.
The lecture also reminded academic historians of the need to be aware of how certain commentators, on the political right and left, see or present history; and of the public’s more nuanced understanding of the past which is often at odds with these popular statements.
Sathnam was joined after the lecture for an ‘in conversation’ session with the Society’s President, Professor Lucy Noakes, before questions from the audience at Gresham College and online. Topjcs for discussion included the civic importance of historical appreciation; promotion of history in schools and as a degree choice; and value of books and long-form publishing for historical understanding.
Our great thanks to Sathnam Sanghera for his lecture and discussion and to Gresham College for hosting this event.
Recordings of Sathnam’s lecture will be available shortly.
The Royal Historical Society’s Public History Lecture is hosted in association with Gresham College. Now in its 23rd year, the Lecture was established in memory of the historian Colin Matthew — a former Vice President of the Society — to promote the public understanding of historical research and debate.
Forthcoming from the Royal Historical Society
Our next event takes place on on Friday 27 November when Professor Hanna Diamond (Cardiff University) speaks on ‘From Cabaret Star to Gaullist Spy: Josephine Baker’s Secret War’.
This is the Society’s 2026 Anniversary Lecture, held at the Institute of Historical Research, London, and online. All are welcome and booking for in-person and online attendance is now available.
Details of further Society lectures and events in 2026 are available here.
