Lancastrians: a history w/ Paul Salveson

We’re joined by our first return speaker, Paul Salveson FRSA, a historian and writer. His latest work, Lancastrians. Mills, Mines and Minarets: A New History, is a landmark new history of the great English county of Lancashire, exploring its people’s impact on Britain and beyond.

This popular history explores the cultural heritage and identity of Lancashire, stretching from the Mersey to the Lake District. Paul charts the county’s transformation from a largely agricultural region noted for its religious learning into the Industrial Revolution’s powerhouse, as an emerging self-confident bourgeoisie drove economic growth. This capital boom came with a cultural blossoming, creating today’s Lancashire.

He explores contemporary Lancastrian culture, following modern upheavals and Lancashire’s fragmentation compared with its old rival Yorkshire. What future awaits the 6 million people of this rich historic region?

About the author

Paul Salveson PhD, MBE is Visiting Professor at the Universities of Bolton and Huddersfield. His academic career focussed on Lancashire dialect and literature; he later pioneered community railway projects across the UK. His books include With Walt Whitman inBolton and Northern Rail Heritage. He divides his time between Bolton and Grange-over-Sands.