Lunchtime Talk: Remembering the Second World War
Keith Lowe reflects on how nations around the world have commemorated the Second World War, 80 years on since the end of the conflict.
The Second World War came to an end 80 years ago, and yet it still holds a central place in our communal identity.
In this talk, Keith Lowe will explore the ways in which Britain remembers the war in contrast to other countries around the world. With reference to some of the monuments and memorials in and around Westminster Abbey, he will show how the ideas of heroism, martyrdom and resurrection have played into British memory, and how the stories we tell ourselves have changed over time. Are we forgetting some of the lessons we learned in 1945? Or are we simply repurposing them to make sense of the world we live in today?
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 Keith Lowe
Keith Lowe the author of several books about the Second World War and its chaotic aftermath. He is best known for the international bestseller Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of World War II, which won the Hessell-Tiltman Prize in the UK and Italy’s national Cherasco History Prize. His 2017 study of the long-term, global effects of the war, The Fear and the Freedom, was described by the Wall Street Journal as ‘one of the best, most useful books on World War II to have emerged in the last decade’. His other works include Prisoners of History, a critically acclaimed study of World War II monuments around the world, and, most recently, Naples 1944.
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.
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.
Beyond Victory season
This event is part of the Beyond Victory season. On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Join us this May and June as we unpack life beyond victory, with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict.
