"Rethinking the Past - Key History Lessons You Didn’t Learn At School"

"Rethinking the Past - Key History Lessons You Didn’t Learn At School"
With Shalina Patel

Details:
When you think back to your school history lessons it was likely dominated by royals like Henry VIII and dates like 1066. There would have been very few women mentioned beyond perhaps Florence Nightingale and maybe a suffragette or two if you were really lucky.

As a result, many of us suffer from some pretty significant ‘historical blindspots’, despite learning history for several years at school. For many of us this often includes the British Empire. Despite its connections to so much of the history we did learn it was bizarrely absent from many of our school history lessons.

Taking key examples from her book The History Lessons, award winning teacher and historian Shalina Patel will usher you back into the history classroom to teach you about some of the hidden people and places you should definitely have learnt about at school - why they may have been missing and why these stories matter.

Shalina Patel has over 15 years of experience in the classroom. In 2018 she won the Silver Pearson Teaching Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year. She has been featured in publications from the Guardian to The Times and on programmes like BBC Woman’s Hour, BBC’s Teach Me a Lesson and Newscast as well as in several history documentaries for The History Channel and Channel 4. Shalina is also a trustee at Chalke Valley History festival and works alongside cultural institutions like the Imperial War Museum and Historic Royal Palaces. Shalina’s first book ‘The History Lessons’ was released in May 2024 and was heralded by the Guardian as aiming to ‘show adults their historical blind spots’ by ‘highlighting stories traditionally left out of the textbooks.’

Venue:
Old Queens Head, Islington
44 Essex Rd, London
N1 8LN

Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet/baby friendly?

Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.

Is the venue accessible?

All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.