Catherine Clarke

Catherine Clarke, cultural historian and author of A History of England in 25 Poems, uses verse as a portal into 1,300 years of English life. She discusses why poetry can connect emotions across time. Short segments explore medieval grief in Pearl, satirical broadsides like Bumfodder, Barrett Browning’s reforming voice, Auden’s Funeral Blues, and how poems are repurposed through history.

Professor Catherine Clarke, a historian at the Institute of Historical Research, explores England's past through poetry in her upcoming book, A History of England in 25 Poems. She discusses how each poem serves as a portal to its historical context, revealing emotions from intimate to grand. Clarke analyzes the selection process, emphasizing narrative over literary fame. Delving into themes like societal roles and political commentary, she highlights pieces from Mary Leapor and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, illustrating poetry’s profound influence on national identity.

Catherine Clarke, a renowned historian and Professor at the Institute of Historical Research, invites listeners into England's rich past through the lens of twenty-five evocative poems. She shares insights on the impact of poetry in shaping national identity and history. The discussion spans diverse topics, like the lesser-known perspectives in famous events like 1066, the hidden lives of servants in grand country houses, and even the playful moments captured in medieval manuscripts. Catherine's passion illuminates how each poem serves as both a portal to the past and a critique of contemporary issues.