Oaklands College recently welcomed Peter Burley, a leading expert on the Wars of the Roses, for a special seminar on Friday 15th November 2024. The event, which formed part of the A Level History curriculum, focused on the pivotal period of the Wars of the Roses - an era that had a profound impact on England's history, particularly in St Albans.

The seminar provided students with an in-depth exploration of the conflict that defined the 15th century. Burley, who has extensively researched the Wars of the Roses, shared his expertise, offering valuable insights into the key battles of this tumultuous period, with a particular emphasis on the two significant battles that took place in St Albans.

St Albans holds special historical significance within the context of the Wars of the Roses, having been the site of both the First Battle of St Albans in 1455 and the Second Battle in 1461. These crucial confrontations played an important role in the struggle for the English throne. As a result, the city’s connection to the Wars of the Roses made it a focal point for students studying this period, and Burley’s extensive knowledge helped bring this fascinating chapter of history alive for those in attendance.

Burley’s interest in the Wars of the Roses began in 1999, when he became involved in a public inquiry concerning a proposal to build over part of the battlefield of the Second Battle of St Albans.

This led to a collaboration with colleagues to research and document the battles of St Albans, and his work continues to shape the historical narrative of the period. Burley is also a Council member for the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (SAHAAS) and played a key role in the creation of the 2023 exhibition on the Second Battle at the St Albans Museum and Gallery.

Following the seminar, students had the chance to deepen their understanding of the Wars of the Roses with a guided tour of the St Albans battlefields. Led by local City of St Albans tour guides, the immersive tour allowed students to explore the very sites where these historic battles took place.

The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with Peter Burley and gain further insights into the period.

Interested in delving deeper into history? Oaklands College offers a wide-ranging A Level History course that allows students to explore world affairs from the past in great detail. Find out more about our courses and how you can uncover the stories of history.