Social history of the United Kingdom
The social season, or season, refers to the traditional annual period in the spring and summer when it is customary for members of the social elite of British society to hold balls, dinner parties and charity events. Until the First World War, it was also the appropriate time to be resident in the city (generally meaning London) rather than in the country in order to attend such events.
6 episodes
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Chartism
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the 19th-century campaign for greater democracy: the changes demanded in the People's Charter included votes for all men and secret ballots.
9 Feb 2023
Featuring: Joan Allen, Emma Griffin, Robert Saunders
The Royal Society
Melvyn Bragg discusses how the formation of the Royal Society heralded the dawning of a new scientific era in the 17th century.
23 March 2006
Featuring: Stephen Pumfrey, Lisa Jardine, Michael Hunter
ScienceSocial history of the United KingdomRoyal Society1660 establishments in EnglandLearned societies of the United Kingdom, National academies of sciences, Scientific organizations established in 1660, Professional associations based in the United Kingdom, Members of the International Science Council, Organizations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Non-profit organisations based in London, Members of the International Council for Science, Organisations based in London with royal patronageThe Royal Society and British Science: Episode 1
Melvyn Bragg travels to Wadham College, Oxford, where the young Christopher Wren and friends experimented in the garden of their inspirational college warden, John Wilkins.
4 January 2010
Featuring
Social history of the United KingdomRoyal Society1660 establishments in EnglandLearned societies of the United Kingdom, National academies of sciences, Scientific organizations established in 1660, Professional associations based in the United Kingdom, Members of the International Science Council, Organizations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Non-profit organisations based in London, Members of the International Council for Science, Organisations based in London with royal patronageThe Royal Society and British Science: Episode 2
How Newton's feud with the Astronomer Royal John Flamsteed tested the lines between government-funded research and public access.
5 January 2010
Featuring
Social history of the United KingdomRoyal Society1660 establishments in EnglandLearned societies of the United Kingdom, National academies of sciences, Scientific organizations established in 1660, Professional associations based in the United Kingdom, Members of the International Science Council, Organizations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Non-profit organisations based in London, Members of the International Council for Science, Organisations based in London with royal patronageThe Royal Society and British Science: Episode 3
The 19th century blooms scientifically with numerous alternative, specialist learned societies and associations, all threatening the Royal Society's pre-eminence.
6 January 2010
Featuring
Social history of the United KingdomRoyal Society1660 establishments in EnglandLearned societies of the United Kingdom, National academies of sciences, Scientific organizations established in 1660, Professional associations based in the United Kingdom, Members of the International Science Council, Organizations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Non-profit organisations based in London, Members of the International Council for Science, Organisations based in London with royal patronageThe Royal Society and British Science: Episode 4
The more discreet role played by the Society in the 20th century, such as co-ordinating international scientific missions during the Cold War.
7 January 2010
Featuring
Social history of the United KingdomRoyal Society1660 establishments in EnglandLearned societies of the United Kingdom, National academies of sciences, Scientific organizations established in 1660, Professional associations based in the United Kingdom, Members of the International Science Council, Organizations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Non-profit organisations based in London, Members of the International Council for Science, Organisations based in London with royal patronage