£7.50 plus fee / low income by donation. Book here.

These Isles: The Fascinating Story of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Bestselling author Brian Groom will discuss the entwined histories of Britain and Ireland’s nations – and the people who have called them home. Based on his new book, he reveals a colourful and often-contested story of the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans and others who have occupied these islands, along with their culture, languages and passions. He will explore the role of religion and the British Empire, international diasporas and internal migration, gender relations and war - and outline how Manchester fits into the story.

Brian Groom is a journalist and author. His book Northerners: A History, from the Ice Age to the Present Day (2022), became a national bestseller. He is also author of Made in Manchester: A People’s History of the City That Shaped the Modern World (2024). These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is published by HarperNorth in February 2026.

He will be in conversation with Debbie Challis, Creative Producer of the Portico Library.