17th-Century Picnic with Alice Thornton’s Books

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Bring a picnic and join Alice Thornton’s Books for a 17th-century afternoon, bringing herbal remedies, reading and creative writing to Edinburgh's Starbank Park.

About 17th-Century Picnic with Alice Thornton’s Books

Listed Under Days Out Events / Arts and Crafts Events / Books Events / Family and Kids Events / Outdoor Events

A Book Picnic: Talks on writer, Alice Thornton (1626 -1707), Kate Foster, author of 'The Maiden' & 'The King's Witches', book signing & guided walks.

This is an accessible event with something for everyone. There are free talks, walks, crafts, and a conversation with award-winning Kate Foster, author of 'The Maiden', set in 17th-century Edinburgh, and her brand new novel 'The King's Witches'.

The event is free, but please reserve for our indoor talks and our author event as space is limited: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/17th-century-picnic-with-alice-thorntons-books-tickets-890947807877

Location: Starbank House, Starbank Park, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH5 3BR

Cordelia Beattie recently rediscovered two lost books written by Alice Thornton, a 17th-century autobiographer from Yorkshire. Join the Thornton's Books team from the University of Edinburgh for a short talk at 12pm, repeated at 4pm. Talks will cover Thornton's thoughts on food and health, as well as some historic cures, all of which she wrote about in her four books of her life. You'll also have a chance to ask questions.

At 2pm, author Kate Foster will be in conversation with the Thornton Books team to discuss writing about women and writing by women in the early modern period. There will be a book signing afterwards with Argonaut Books from Leith Walk, who will attend with a range of titles for sale.

On guided walks at 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm you'll discover the cures and poisons that would have been available to our fictional and factual heroines of the 17th Century.

The talks and our author event are recommended for adults and children age 12 and over. The park will be open to all for the day, with herbal remedy-themed crafts and creative writing drop-ins running throughout the event (no need to book for these). Walks do not need a reservation and will leave from Starbank House directly after the Alice Thornton talks.

Bring a picnic, relax, and enjoy reading and writing in the park all afternoon!

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