Oswestry School is delighted to launch the inaugural Burnaby Lecture Series, a new annual event bringing fascinating stories of military history, adventure and exploration to The Grove Performing Arts Centre.
The first lecture will take place on Tuesday 13 October 2026, from 7.15pm to 8.45pm, with acclaimed South African historian and storyteller Rob Caskie taking to the stage to deliver Courage Under Fire: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift.
Known for his engaging storytelling and first hand knowledge of some of the world’s most significant historical sites, Rob Caskie has spent many years bringing history to life for audiences around the world. His opening lecture will explore one of the most remarkable episodes of the Anglo Zulu War, telling the story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift and the extraordinary courage displayed during the defence of the mission station.
The Burnaby Lecture Series takes its name from Colonel Frederick Burnaby, a former pupil of Oswestry School whose life was characterised by adventure, exploration and military service. A soldier, author and adventurer, Burnaby became particularly well known for his travels across Central Asia, including his famous horseback journey to Khiva.
The new lecture series celebrates that spirit of curiosity and adventure, providing an opportunity for audiences to hear from fascinating speakers and explore stories of remarkable people, places and events.
The inaugural lecture will also be one of the first major public events to take place in Oswestry School’s new Grove Performing Arts Centre, providing a fitting setting for an evening centred on storytelling, history and human endeavour.
Tickets for the event are now available, with ticket prices subsidised thanks to the generous support of BeaverFit, making the evening accessible to a wide audience.
Whether you have a particular interest in military history or simply enjoy a compelling story, the Burnaby Lecture Series promises an evening of fascinating insight, extraordinary characters and remarkable events.
The Burnaby Lecture Series: Courage Under Fire: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift
Tuesday 13 October 2026
7.15pm to 8.45pm
The Grove Performing Arts Centre, Oswestry School
Tickets are available to book here. We look forward to welcoming guests to The Grove for the first Burnaby Lecture.
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