EP Thompson (1924-1993) was one of the great British historians of the past century. His work reshaped our thinking about the relationship between law and society. His classic texts, such as The Making of the English Working Class and Whigs and Hunters not only transformed eighteenth- and nineteenth-century English history, but pioneered methods and approaches that continue to influence social, political, and legal historians around the world. Through his political activism, particularly in the field of nuclear disarmament, his was the voice—passionate, committed, sophisticated, uncompromising—of a generation of public intellectuals.

In the year of the centenary of his birth, we take this opportunity to consider, to celebrate, and to interrogate a variety of aspects of his scholarly and political legacy, ranging from his approach to the rule of law to his prophetic critique of the university. To what extent are we still the beneficiaries of EP Thompson’s legacy?

All welcome. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

This event is organised by the Network for Law Arts and Humanities (ANU College of Law) and History Co-Lab (ANU School of History).

Confirmed speakers:

Emeritus Professor Will Christie (former director, Humanities Research Centre, ANU)

Professor Ann Curthoys (University of Sydney)

Emeritus Professor Iain McCalman (foundation director, Cross Cultural Research Centre, ANU)

Professor Margaret Thornton (ANU College of Law)

Professor Des Manderson (Centre for Law Arts and Humanities, ANU)

Dr Jess Urwin (School of History, ANU)

Emeritus Professor Paul Pickering (Director, Australian Studies Institute, ANU)

Dr Tom Richardson (University of NSW, Canberra)

Dr Rhianne Grieve (School of History, ANU)

Scholars and students of law, politics, and history are welcome to attend. We particularly encourage HDR students and ECRs with interests in legal history, law and society, peace studies, and nineteenth-century British history. To register, follow the link.