Wilson's success in Young Historian of the Year competition

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Inspired in part by his reading of David Olusoga’s Black and British: A Forgotten History, Kaan entered the Young Historian of the Year competition before the summer break. His entry asked whether history should seek to unite a nation’s past or acknowledge the different experiences and perspectives within it. He explored this question through the lives of a range historical figures including John Blanke, Mary Seacole, Olaudah Equiano and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, alongside the experiences of members of the Windrush Generation.

The essay had a particularly strong local connection through Coleridge-Taylor, the pioneering Black British composer who lived in Croydon. Kaan reflected on Coleridge-Taylor's contribution to British musical culture and considered what his story can tell us about the way local and national histories are remembered.

As part of his prize, Kaan received a book on local history after being awarded Highly Commended in the competition. He will also share his research with fellow students by delivering a lecture to History Society later this term.

A wonderful achievement - congratulations!