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Wiles Lecture Series

 

About the Wiles Trust

The Wiles lectures were founded in 1953 by Mrs Austen Boyd of Cotteenagh, Craigavad, in memory of her father, Thomas S. Wiles of Albany, New York.  The aim of the Wiles Trust established by Mrs Boyd is to promote the study of the history of civilisation and to encourage the extension of historical thinking into the realm of general ideas.

The purpose of the trust is carried out by inviting scholars who have conducted researches in a suitable field to deliver normally four lectures called "The Wiles Lectures" which  (a) relate the lecturer's researches to the general history of civilization or (b) bring out the results of reflection on the wider implications of more detailed historical studies or (c) communicate the revised reflections of the lecturer on some major work consistent with (a) or (b) which he or she has produced at an earlier period of his or her career.
This is one of the most prestigious set of history lectures given anywhere in the world and in keeping with the wishes of their benefactor, Mrs Janet Boyd of Co. Down, they are designed for members of the general public as well as the specialist.

Trustees

The trustees are:

Professor Sir Christopher Bayly

Mr Antony Boyd

Mr Peter Boyd

Professor Colin Kidd

Professor Peter Gray