Lunchtime Talk: Creating the Commonwealth

Today’s Commonwealth was formally established in 1949 via the London Declaration, which acknowledged that all member states were free and equal.  

However, the origins of this familiar organisation go back further. In this talk, Professor Philip Murphy will trace the complex origins of the Commonwealth and explore how the First and Second World War had profound and distinct implications for the way Britain perceived and interacted with her colonies and dominions.  

This event is part of our monthly Lunchtime Talk series. On the second Wednesday of every month, join us at St Margaret’s Church for an in-depth exploration of part of the Abbey’s history. 

About Philip Murphy

Philip Murphy is Professor of British and Commonwealth History at the University of London and director of History & Policy at the Institute of Historical Research. From 2009 to 2022 he was Director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS). He has written extensively on British withdrawal from Empire including, Party Politics and Decolonization (1995), Alan Lennox-Boyd: a biography (1999), the Central Africa volume in the series British Documents on the End of Empire (2005) and Monarchy and the End of Empire (2013). His latest book, The Empire’s New Clothes: The Myth of the Commonwealth, was published by Hurst in 2018 and republished in paperback in an updated form in 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 he was principal investigator on an AHRC-funded research project ‘The Windrush Scandal in a Transnational and Commonwealth Context’. 

Ticketing information 

This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours. 

​​If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Talk. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.  

Tickets will be available to buy with card payment on the day.  

​​Free for Associates - Admission will be granted upon presentation of a valid Association membership card. 

Age suitability 

This event is for adults and young people over the age of 16, please see our family pages for information and events to explore this theme as a family.  

Timings 

​​Doors will open at 12.45pm and the talk will begin at 1.00pm. ​​There will be time for an audience Q&A from 1.40pm. 

Meeting location 

This event takes place in St Margaret's Church, please follow main visitor entry route through the security check where the event will be signposted.

Access and security 

Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone). 

​​On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you. 

​​The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected] 

Filming and photography 

​​Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret's. See our photography policy for more information.