In 2002, the BBC ran a campaign to find the Greatest Briton. 20 years on, in this event writers and academics will champion some northern, working-class figures whose stories rarely make it into the traditional canon of ‘greatness’.
The UK’s first black referee; the woman who revolutionised domestic violence legislation in the 19th Century; the only Romani footballer to ever play for England. Novelist Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Professor Julie-Marie Strange and author Richard O’Neill will bring into the spotlight these three fascinating lives.
This event will be chaired by Durham University’s Dr Natalie Mears whose research re-evaluates the representation of Elizabeth I, voted seventh Greatest Briton in the BBC’s campaign in 2002 and one of only two women in the top ten. Find out more about the Great Britons project.
