Following history’s footsteps

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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.  I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and have over  30 years of experience teaching modern history at university,  including Canterbury Christ Church University  (Senior Lecturer and Principal Research Fellow), and  I remain 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.  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. 

                                                                            2025

5 August 2025 'Kent and WW2' Bromley Local History Society, Virtual Talk

12 August 2025 'Chatham Dockyard - Industry and Seapower', Rotary Club of Gravesend and Wrotham

23 September 2025 ' Mulberrry Harbour', Chatham Naval Officers Association at Royal Engineers Museum

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  2025 ' 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

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

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

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