Man implicated in the scandalous attempt by the Duke of Marlborough to buy Oxford's two parliamentary seats in 1766 is subject of a Banbury lecture

Banbury Historical Society welcomes Chris Day who will give an online lecture on Oxfordshire's own Pooh-Bah, Thomas Walker, 'Man of Everyone’s Business' next Thursday, November 12 at 7.30pm

Thomas Walker was man of business to the 4th Duke of Marlborough. He was also solicitor to Oxford University, town clerk of Oxford and Woodstock, founder of an early bank and a key figure on the Oxford Canal Company and various turnpike trusts.

He was implicated in the scandalous attempt by the Duke to buy Oxford's two parliamentary seats in 1766. Walker is a fascinating study of how power and influence operated in the 18th century. He died in 1804.

Chris Day FSA is a popular speaker who worked for the Oxfordshire Victoria County History before joining Oxford University Dept for Continuing Education where he was Director of Studies for Local History and Director of International Academic Programmes. He is an Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College.

The lecture will be given live in the Education Room of Banbury Museum, with minimal or no audience.. It will also be streamed via Microsoft Teams so members of the historical society and others will be able to see both the lecturer and his slides on their computers at home.

Members need to book with Simon Townsend ([email protected]) to receive the link to the online lecture. Non-members can receive one lecture free but will then be invited to pay per screening or to join the society.

Banbury Historical Society is continuing to provide a full season of lectures this autumn and winter, despite the current Covid-19 restrictions.