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Following history’s footsteps
My story and expertise
My Story
I am Dr. Martin Watts and my first career was in the Merchant Navy, both afloat and ashore, and it was this early exposure to the people and places of 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. With over 30 years of experience teaching modern history at university, I have worked at Canterbury Christ Church University as a Senior Lecturer and Principal Research Fellow, and I am an 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 covering 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.
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.
upcoming events
2025
17 April 2025 ' Richborough' Kent Archaeological Society, Virtual Talk
5 August 2025 'Kent and WW2' Bromley Local History Society, Virtual Talk
7 October 2025 'How the Great War changed Kent', Herne & Broomfield LHG
16 October 2025 'Somme - Innocence Lost', Broxbourne u3a
17 October 2025 'The Royal Marines & the War at Sea 1939-45', Shoreham LHS
4 November 2025 'How the Great War changed Kent', Whitstable Historical Society
13 November 2025 ''Somme - Innocence Lost' , Sandwich Local History Society
4 December 2026 ' Canterbury Cathedral through the Ages', Cranbrook Museum & Local History Society
2026
6 January 2026 ' Chatham Dockyard', Lamorbey and Sidcup LHS
9 January 2026 'Passchendaele 1917', Chatham Naval Officers Association , Virtual talk
14 January 2026 ' Richborough' Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society, Virtual Talk
28 January 2026 ' How the Great War changed Kent', Bearsted WI
16 March 2026 ' How the Great War changed Kent', Leigh Historical Society
19 March 2026 ' Chatham Dockyard', Smarden Local History Society
9 July 2026 'Richborough - the Secret Port'. Tenterden National Trust Association
Books
The Jewish Legion and the First World War
The Royal Marines and the War at Sea 1939-1945
The Royal Marines and the War at Sea 1939-1945
Palgrave Macmillan 2004
The Royal Marines and the War at Sea 1939-1945
The Royal Marines and the War at Sea 1939-1945
The Royal Marines and the War at Sea 1939-1945
Amberley 2018
published Articles
- ‘’Operation Market Garden – Strategic Masterstroke or Battle of the Egos? ‘’ - Published History, Vol. 98, Issue 2 April 2013
- ‘’Maidstone and the First World War: Friendly Alien Recruitment and the Military Service Convention.’- Published Archaeologia Cantiana, Vol.CXXXIII 2013
- ‘’Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: Brigadier J.O.E. Vandeleur. ‘- September 2014
- Commemoration and Sacrifice – St. Gregory’s War Memorial & the Great War.’’ - Published CCCU July 2015
- ‘’Britain, Zionism and the Jewish Legion.’- Published in Journal of Modern Jewish Studies November 2019