War memorials and statues are among the most prominent reminders of the past to be seen in Leicester - but there are other less obvious ways of acknowledging people who have contributed to the life of the city over the years. This course will explore the lives of some of the men and women commemorated in the names of its buildings, streets and other features of the urban landscape, placing their contributions in the wider context of the world in which they lived. They will include Alderman Richard Hallam, Sir Jonathan North and Emily Fortey, who all had schools named for them; Mary Royce, Agnes Archer Evans and Fanny Fullager, who are commemorated with Blue Plaques; the people giving their names to Pocklington’s Walk, Hallam Crescent and Rolleston Street; and the extent to which property developers have left their own mark in the naming of streets. We will also consider why some people are seen as more worthy of commemoration than others - and how such decisions are made.
Course aim
We will explore the lives of some of the Leicester people commemorated in the names of its buildings, streets and other features of the landscape, and the wider world in which they lived.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain the connection between some of the buildings or other features of the landscape that we study and the people that they commemorate.
- Assess the significance of their contribution to Leicester in the wider social, industrial, political or educational context.
- Set out your own criteria for deciding who might or might not be candidates for commemoration in the future, explaining the reasoning on which they are based.
- Know where to access additional historical sources for further independent study.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
