Gloucester Festival Special 1: Monuments and Memory: Unpacking the Layers of Commemoration with Tessa Dunlop

History Rage

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill engages in a lively discussion with historian and author Tessa Dunlop, whose latest work, Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 Monuments, challenges our perceptions of commemoration and the stories behind the monuments that dot our landscapes.

Commemoration Under Scrutiny: Tessa delves into the complexities of memorialisation, particularly in relation to significant figures like Alan Turing and the overlooked contributions of women during wartime. She shares her experiences interviewing veterans, including 99-year-old Ruth Bourne, who served at Bletchley Park and offers a unique perspective on the legacies of those who fought for freedom.

Revisiting the Past: The conversation explores how our understanding of historical events, such as the Boer War and World War II, has evolved over time. Tessa highlights the importance of recognising the voices of those who experienced these conflicts firsthand, while also addressing the uncomfortable truths that often accompany our national narratives.

The Role of Monuments: Tessa discusses the significance of monuments in shaping collective memory, questioning why certain figures are celebrated while others are neglected. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on what these structures represent and how they influence our understanding of history.

The Gloucester History Festival Blackfriars Talks run from 13th September through to 21st September and Tickets are available at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/

Tessa will be speaking with Bletchley veteran Ruth Bourne on Tuesday 16th September at 4:00pm and tickets are available here: https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/bletchley-park-remembering-world-war-two/

Guest Information:

Follow Tessa on social media on X and Bluesky: @tessadunlop and on Instagram @tessa_dunlop

Buy Tessa's books:

Lest We Forget: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008713140

Bletchley Girls: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781444795745

Army Girls: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781472282118

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