It’s been 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, a British innovation that changed the world. But working on the railways 100 years ago was incredibly dangerous, with many workers killed or injured. 

Dr Mike Esbester is Senior Lecturer in history at the University of Portsmouth. He co-leads the Railway Work, Life & Death project, researching staff, work and accidents on Britain and Ireland’s railways before 1939. His research and teaching focuses on the history of railways and transport, and of safety, risk and accident prevention in modern Britain.

Mike joins Jo Durrant in conversation to share his passion for railway history, how railway accidents tell a social history AND he’ll reveal why he appeared on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? with Rose Ayling-Ellis. Mike will reference some of Stroud’s railway history too. After the event, you may like to take a look at two fascinating landscape paintings in the Museum which record the “new” railway in the background.

This interview-style event is part of Jo Durrant’s ‘Our Beautiful Universe’ Saturday afternoon series in the Museum’s Garden Pavilion. Jo is the award-winning presenter of the independent arts and science podcast ‘Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe’. She’s a highly respected and accomplished interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. Jo is freelance but for over 20 years was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake.

The conversation will be followed by a chance to ask questions and chat over tea and coffee if you wish, or explore the museum and walled garden.

All tickets cost £5 including tea/coffee. This is a special introductory price (tickets usually cost £7.50 standard / £6 conc / £5 for Museum Members).

Book online here or call 01453 763394