A GROUP of historians from the University of Essex have joined together to take residents on a journey through time... from the comfort of their living rooms.

The team of ten postgraduate students from the Wivenhoe university have used their spare time during lockdown to found History Indoors.

Over the coming weeks the team will be offering a series of online talks on some of history's most interesting topics, completely free of charge.

Michael Sewell and Lewis Smith, both 25, were inspired to launch the scheme by a similar project aimed at bringing history to children, but want their talks to be useful to all ages.

Mr Sewell said: "I have a passion for public history anyway and reaching people with a non-academic style of retelling these stories.

"Some history books can be extremely hard to follow. But the whole of this project is designed to be accessible.

"People of all ages will be able to understand what we are talking about and we want as many people as possible to join in."

The varied programme of topics includes everything from the history of Zimbabwe to smugglers and pirates.

Mr Sewell will host the first talk, about the English Civil War and featuring the famous Siege of Colchester, next Wednesday (April 29).

He said: "We are planning to do a talk on Colchester's history at some point.

"I come from Medway in Kent but I have lived in Colchester on the high street for three years.

"I am really well versed in the town and most of the team live in the area too."

Talks are open to everyone who registers their interest in advance and will take place via video conferencing app Zoom.

Mr Sewell said: "We have had a lot of interest so far but we really want to get the word out so more people join in.

"I think this is a good way of reaching people who might not go to a talk normally.

"It all depends on how long the lockdown goes on for, but we could keep it going afterwards if people enjoy it."

To find out more or sign up, visit historyindoors.wordpress.com.