Lunchtime Lecture: Britain, Nuclear Testing & The Christmas Island Controversy
During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran.
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We will evaluate the history of British nuclear research in the post-war/Cold War era with particular reference to Operation Grapple, the series of nuclear tests that took place in the Pacific region in the late 1950s. We will then consider the reasons for the controversies surrounding the impact of this testing on Pacific nations and British servicemen.
What will we cover?
As above
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Evaluate the reasons for British nuclear testing in the 1950s
Assess the impact of British nuclear testing on the pacific islands/Pacific islanders
Explain the reasons for the controversies surrounding the nuclear testing
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
One-off lecture - an interest in the topic and a willingness to engage both respectfully and sensitively with it are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lecture using slides, film footage and primary sources. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please speak to the tutor if you would like further information on the topic.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/lunchtime-lecture-britain-nuclear-testing-the-christmas-island-controversy2925924Lunchtime Lecture: Britain, Nuclear Testing & The Christmas Island Controversyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPG1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history22851177117812101228511771178<p>During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran. </p>002925873Lunchtime Lecture: Britain, Nuclear Testing & The Christmas Island Controversy1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPGInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-06-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH2531919Lunchtime Lecture: Britain, Nuclear Testing & The Christmas Island Controversy151219Ellen Carpenterlunchtime-lecture-britain-nuclear-testing-the-christmas-island-controversy/hwh253-2526<p>During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-23 00:00:00<p>We will evaluate the history of British nuclear research in the post-war/Cold War era with particular reference to Operation Grapple, the series of nuclear tests that took place in the Pacific region in the late 1950s. We will then consider the reasons for the controversies surrounding the impact of this testing on Pacific nations and British servicemen. </p><p>During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran. </p><p>As above</p><ul><li>Evaluate the reasons for British nuclear testing in the 1950s</li><li>Assess the impact of British nuclear testing on the pacific islands/Pacific islanders</li><li>Explain the reasons for the controversies surrounding the nuclear testing </li></ul><p>One-off lecture - an interest in the topic and a willingness to engage both respectfully and sensitively with it are the only requirements. </p><p>Interactive lecture using slides, film footage and primary sources. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please speak to the tutor if you would like further information on the topic. </p><p>No other costs. </p>.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyvirtual151912HWH253NONETue23/06/2612:45 - 14:1512:4514:151 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEllen CarpenterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-23T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Lunchtime Lecture: Britain, Nuclear Testing & The Christmas Island Controversylunchtime-lecture-britain-nuclear-testing-the-christmas-island-controversy/hwh253-2526<p>During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-23 00:00:00<p>We will evaluate the history of British nuclear research in the post-war/Cold War era with particular reference to Operation Grapple, the series of nuclear tests that took place in the Pacific region in the late 1950s. We will then consider the reasons for the controversies surrounding the impact of this testing on Pacific nations and British servicemen. </p><p>During this lunchtime lecture we will assess the role of Britain in nuclear testing, developments and warfare in the late 1950s with reference to the controversy surrounding the detonation of Nuclear bombs off the coast of Christmas Island in the Pacific. Tutor: Ellen Carpenter. Ellen is the daughter of a British Christmas Island veteran. </p><p>As above</p><ul><li>Evaluate the reasons for British nuclear testing in the 1950s</li><li>Assess the impact of British nuclear testing on the pacific islands/Pacific islanders</li><li>Explain the reasons for the controversies surrounding the nuclear testing </li></ul><p>One-off lecture - an interest in the topic and a willingness to engage both respectfully and sensitively with it are the only requirements. </p><p>Interactive lecture using slides, film footage and primary sources. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please speak to the tutor if you would like further information on the topic. </p><p>No other costs. </p>.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyconfigurable
12101178Global & imperial historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history1/2/285/1177/1178/12101/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history
