DR Harry Sidebottom – Old Elean, Author, Historian and a King’s Ely parent – was guest speaker at our annual Bowman Lecture on October 14th.

Harry, who attended King’s from 1967-75 and who is pictured here on the left with our Principal, John Attwater, spoke to Sixth Form students, staff, fellow Old Eleans and friends of the school about slavery 2,000 years ago.

Harry is Quondam Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History at St Benet’s Hall, Oxford and Lecturer in Ancient History at Lincoln College, Oxford. As an author, he is best known for his two series of historical novels, the ‘Warrior of Rome’ and ‘Throne of the Caesars’.

His latest book, ‘The Burning Road’, was released only last month and has received rave reviews. The Times say: “What Bernard Cornwell is to the Napoleonic Wars, Harry Sidebottom is to Roman legions: unassailable.”

The Bowman Lecture was launched seven years ago to promote the creative and liberal arts at King’s, and it is generously supported by the Old Eleans’ Club.

James Bowman CBE is a world-renowned counter-tenor, whose career spans opera, oratorio and solo recitals. He was educated at King’s from 1951-60, and was an Ely Cathedral Chorister, before going on to study at New College, Oxford, where he was a member of New College and Christ Church Choirs.

James spoke of his career as “a wonderfully exciting journey” and remembers his time at King’s fondly, commenting: “I can’t emphasise enough the profound effect this school had on me. The school taught me the real meaning of musical discipline, for which I am eternally grateful.”

Speaking about his Bowman Lecture, Harry said: “It was an honour and pleasure to return to King’s to give the school’s annual Bowman Lecture. King’s is a very special school, which gave me a love of history, and where both my sons have been very happy.”

Thank you so much for your time Harry!

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