Following history’s footsteps

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My Story

I am Dr. Martin Watts  a UK historian and history speaker. My first career was in the Merchant Navy, both afloat and ashore. It was this early exposure to the people and places around the world that kindled my interest in history (which was rather boring at school). Seeking to satisfy my curiosity, I pursued a part-time BA (Hons) degree with the Open University and Polytechnic of North London, followed by a part-time PhD in Modern History with the Open University. 

I have over 30 years experience teaching modern history at university,  and am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society  a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the Society for Nautical Research.  I previously held the positions of Senior Lecturer and Principal Research Fellow at  Canterbury Christ Church University  and  I remain a long serving Associate Lecturer with the Open University.

Expertise

I offer history talks in person and virtually to a range of community, public, and private organisations throughout London and the Southeast of England.  I have a broad range of topics including but not limited to: industrial, military naval, political and social history across the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries,  including British, European and International contexts.

I particularly welcome  inquiries for a bespoke talk on specific local events and history.  I am currently the Chair of the British Association for Local History and Honorary Secretary of the Chatham Naval Officers Association.

My passion lies in sharing knowledge and research. I specialise in delivering talks aimed at fostering interest in understanding and exploring the past, while also highlighting its relevance to the contemporary world through the lived experiences of communities and individuals.  

Fees

My fees start at £80 for a 45-60 minute talk plus questions.  Where appropriate, I charge 50p per mile for travel expenses to and from the venue. 

                                                                             2026

14 January 2026  ' Richborough ' Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society, Virtual Talk

28 January 2026 ' How the Great War changed Kent ',  Bearsted WI

9 February 2926 ' Chatham Dockyard' , Windlesham RBL

5 March 2026 ' Baedeker Raids on Canterbury ', Herne Bay Historical Records Society

16 March 2026   ' How the Great War changed Kent' ,  Leigh Historical Society

26  March 2026 ' Chatham Dockyard ', Smarden Local History Society

8 April 2026 ' Chatham Dockyard ', Surrey Industrial History  Group, Leatherhead

9 April 2026 ' Richborough - the Secret Port ', Herne Over 50's.

10 April 2026 ' Richborough - the Secret Port ', Rolvenden History Group

16 April 2026 ' SS Otaki VC' , South Downs Probus Club

3 July 2026 ' Gallipoli ' , Sheppey Little Theatre

9 July 2026 ' Richborough - the Secret Port ', Tenterden National Trust Association

12 November 2026 ' Somme - Innocence Lost ' , Sandwich Local History Society