The office of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is perhaps England’s oldest military appointment, dating back to the days of the Norman Conquests. It has been filled by at least 12 members of the Royal Family, 8 Prime Ministers, distinguished statesman and a couple of illustrious Admirals.

This talk tells the story of four remarkable Lord Wardens who were appointed during the reign of Queen Victoria. What did Lords Dalhousie, Palmerston, Granville and William Smith do to deserve their appointment? And what changes did they make to the Lord Warden's official residence, Walmer Castle and its award-winning gardens? 

Martin will also sign copies of his book Walmer Castle’s Amazing Lord Wardens. 

The office of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is perhaps England’s oldest military appointment, dating back to the days of the Norman Conquests. It has been filled by at least 12 members of the Royal Family, 8 Prime Ministers, distinguished statesman and a couple of illustrious Admirals.

This talk tells the story of the ladies who featured in the lives of Lord Curzon, the meanest Lord Warden of modern times, and Lord Beauchamp, the most flamboyant Lord Warden of modern times. Who were they and what became of them?

Martin will also sign copies of his book The Lord Wardens’ Amazing Ladies. It tells the story of the many remarkable women whose husbands, parents, friends and lovers were appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports from Georgian times to the present day. 

What usually happened to unmarried servants in the Victorian era who found ehemselves pregnant? And what usually happened when the man responsible for the pregnancy was a member of their employer's family?

Mary Williams found herself in that position in 1837. In her case, the man responsible for thr pregnancy may well have been Lord Douro - the eldest son of the first Duke of Wellington, the country's most famous soldier, twice Prime Minister and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports for nearly a quarter of a century.

But rather than being dismissed, Mary found herself being promoted. She was employed as Walmer Castle's housekeeper for not only the Iron Duke but also for the the next three aristocrats who became Lord Warden.

How did this happen and what else did she get up to? What became of her daughter Elizabeth, perhaps the Iron Duke's first grandchild? And what happened to Lord Douro?

Martin will also sign copies of his book Tarnished Lives: Lord Douro's Secret Daughter.

This talk tells the remarkable story of a botched murder investigation which spiralled out of control and led to the closure of  one of England's most popular  newspapers.

It  also covers the disgraceful behaviour of many Fleet Street journalists – and their editors - who flagrantly broke the law to publish scoops that ruined lives and led to repercussions that are still being resolved by the courts today. 

The long-awaited coming of V-E Day, signifying victory in Europe, marked the end of Nazi Germany and Hitler’s Third Reich.

But how did journalists manage to evade the military censors and report that the war in Europe had ended before the political leaders of the Allied powers had made their own momentous announcements?  

This talk traces the remarkable transformation of Christmas - from a largely religious feast into the national, family, commercial and media event  we know today.

It explores the people, traditions, inventions and changing fashions that have shaped Christmas over the past centuries.