History Society

The History Society is one of the oldest and largest academic societies at the university, with a long history stretching back nearly a century of providing a broad range of social and academic events to its membership base, ranging from academic talks to themed socials and from the annual academic conference to the yearly history ball. Our membership base is diverse, drawn not only from history students but from those from across the subject offering at Durham who want to make the most of the rich heritage and culture Durham has to offer. We have extensive links with the History Department and collaborate with them annually to produce a Freshers’ Handbook and events during Freshers’ week for new students. Our social events include an annual banquet and ball at Lumley Castle, a trip to see Hadrian’s Wall and a 'Robin Hood' trip to Robin Hood's Bay. We also organise smaller socials throughout the year: themed nights, pub quizzes and trips to the cinema/theatre to see historical shows. The main focus of our academic side is talks, given by historians from both Durham and other universities. These link to modules studied by students at the university. We also have an annual journal, recently re-vamped as Critical Historical Studies, where students can contribute essays and be part of a publishing team. Society Aims: (i) To promote the subject of History to Durham University students. (ii) To provide a medium through which History students and those interested in History can interact and socialise. (iii) To organise trips and events to increase interest in History and to provide an enjoyable atmosphere in which those interested in the subject, at any level, can interact. (iv) To hold talks by distinguished guest speakers to raise awareness, increase knowledge and gain interest in different areas of history. (v) To produce an annual journal for the same purpose. (vi) To supplement the academic degree programme with a more leisurely approach to History. (vii) To organise a Conference for the benefit of society members. (viii) Offer support for fresher students during the first few weeks of university.