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A  talk on the development of British Agriculture with a particular focus on a few of the key innovators especially in the period of the 17^th to 18^th centuries and especially on developments in productivity since the 1950s.

John graduated First Class from Cambridge in 1971, being top student in his year and awarded a college scholarship. Following on from that, he obtained a Research Fellowship and Lectureship at Nottingham University. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds Fellowships at both the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College and his chair is at De Montfort University. In 2004, he was awarded the OBE for services to agriculture and education

“Received, A Blank Child” was the title of an article in Household Words written by Charles Dickens in March 1853. It refers to the printed form of petition obtained from the porters’ lodge by mothers who wished their children to be admitted to the Foundling Hospital in London.

We will discover how Thomas Coram, a sea captain, established the Foundling Hospital supported by William Hogarth and George Handel. Together they transformed the Hospital into the country’s first public art gallery and one of London’s most fashionable venues. Hogarth encouraged leading artists to donate their work and Handel held benefit concerts of the Messiah in the hospital’s chapel. It was the place to be seen and to be seen helping.

Josette is the Chair of the Lighthorne History Society.