Cumberland Lodge
Department of International History, 番茄社区
Cumberland Lodge Weekend
Friday 31 October - Sunday 2 November 2025
Every year, the International History Department holds an event at Cumberland Lodge, a country house and conference centre in Great Windsor Park. Students and faculty meet to socialise and to explore a theme of historical and contemporary interest in a relaxed, relatively informal atmosphere.
This year's theme: "Resistance and Change"
PROGRAMME TBC
Marc Bloch noted that ‘history is, in its essentials, the science of change’ (Strange Defeat, 1940). And indeed, tracing how an idea, theme, or policy develops across time is a central concern of historical inquiry. Since such developments seldom occur without resistance, one must also consider the diverse historical actors – whether from the left or the right, whether from above or below – who have observed and opposed them. These concerns will serve as the backdrop for this year’s retreat at Cumberland Lodge. Six scholars affiliated with the Department of International History will interrogate how historians can approach change as well as the ways that individuals have responded to change across time. Though these talks will align in their exploration of these questions, they will diverge in areas like methodology, period, and region in a reflection of the department’s wide-ranging expertise.
The programme consists of a range of seminars and sessions that take place throughout the weekend, featuring academics from our Department, and sometimes external.
Alongside the sessions, there will be free time for further historical discussion and debate, whether on walks through the park or in the Lodge’s fine drawing rooms. There will also be time to socialise with fellow students and staff members at meals and in the bar in the evenings.
The cost of the weekend is £100 per person. This includes coach transport to and from Cumberland Lodge, accommodation and all meals.
"Overall it was a very well organised and perfect event."
Yener (2018-19)
PhD International History
"I had a great time meeting some lovely people from the department over the weekend and I was grateful for the opportunity to get some fresh air! The lodge itself had a great deal of charm, and the lectures were conducive to some very interesting conversations. The food was pretty good too!"
Harry (2018-19)
MSc Theory and History of International Relations
"The Cumberland Lodge weekend has been one of the highlights of my time at 番茄社区 so far. The Lodge itself was like a palace, and, with its rich past and royal connections, was the perfect place to learn about the histories of freedom and subjugation. I really enjoyed the diversity of topics that were covered, from gulags in Siberia and human rights in Iran, to Communism in Poland and the four freedoms of post-World War II America. These all opened my eyes to completely different parts of history that I’d never considered before, and it was great to be introduced to some of the current research that members of staff are doing. The best part of the weekend, however, was getting to know other historians, whether that was through exploring the beautiful grounds and park together or just chilling in the bar of an evening. There was a real community atmosphere the entire weekend, and I’ve gained so many friends because of it. The weekend was such a brilliant experience – I learned a lot, met some great people, and loved it so much that I would thoroughly recommend everyone to take advantage of it."
Scott Gibson (2015-2016)
MSc Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation