Taking four aspects of Elizabeth court culture, Alison’s lecture explores the richness of sixteenth-century royal and aristocratic life, bringing it alive through the poetry, plays, presents and portraits of the time.

We will get to know the key figures who made up the court of Elizabeth I, their idea of fashion, what they did for entertainment and how they wished to be remembered.

Shakespeare, Robert Dudley and the Queen herself are just some of the people we will meet in this colourful and memorable exploration of life five hundred years ago.

Dr Alison Barker taught History and Art History at further and higher education for 18 years before her current role as a Frontline Support Assistant at the University of Essex, Albert Sloman Library.

She speaks widely to diverse groups on many historical and art historical topics, and has led guided tours at the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Alison wrote her PhD thesis on the depiction of Saint George in art and has published work on his image in both England and Italy. cHer forthcoming book, The Dissemination of Saint George in Early Modern Art will be published by Routledge in 2025.