Sudbury and Suffolk’s Radical History - A Talk By Ashley Cooper

April 23, 2026 / 19:30

We are pleased to welcome the return of local historian, author, and farmer Ashley Cooper, who will be presenting “Sudbury and Suffolk’s Radical History.” Inspired by the much‑loved History Evenings once led by the late Andrew Phillips at the Quay Theatre, Ashley will trace a thousand years of independent thinking in our region, beginning with the Domesday Book.

This illustrated talk explores the long tradition of radical action, heroic resistance, and non‑conformity that has shaped Sudbury and the wider Suffolk landscape. Ashley will focus on the human stories behind these moments in history, bringing to life the intensity of people’s beliefs, struggles, and convictions across the centuries.

Examples include:
• The Marian martyrs of the 1550s
• The motives of early Suffolk migrants to America in the 1630s
• Insights from George Crabbe’s poem The Village
• A Sudburian’s protest against the harsh realities of the Victorian workhouse

As always, Ashley’s storytelling promises a compelling and thought‑provoking evening, rich with local insight and historical depth.
The meeting begins at 7.00pm at the Sudbury Arts Centre (formerly St Peter’s Church), Market Hill. All are welcome.

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