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Annual Proctor Memorial Lecture 2025

Posted: Monday 3rd November 2025

Annual Proctor Memorial Lecture 2025

Event Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Location: Lloyd's Register Building, 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS
Time: 17:15
Speaker: Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, University of Iceland

The British Commission for Maritime History is proud to present the Annual Proctor Memorial Lecture, a distinguished event honouring the enduring legacy of David Proctor and his remarkable contributions to the field of maritime history. 

 

“We won!” The Cod Wars and the confessions of a historian who became head of state".

 

We are delighted to welcome Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, historian and former President of Iceland, as our keynote speaker. 

Representing the University of Iceland, Guðni brings a unique perspective shaped by his academic expertise and public service. His lecture will explore themes at the intersection of maritime history, national identity, and international relations, offering fresh insights into the role of the sea in shaping modern societies.

Join us for this special occasion as we celebrate maritime scholarship and honour the memory of David Proctor, whose work continues to inspire generations of historians.

This year’s lecture will be held in person on Thursday 11 December 2025, and promises to be a compelling evening of historical insight and reflection. Hosted by Lloyd’s Register Foundation on behalf of the British Commission for Maritime History (BCMH). Booking is essential as places are limited.


Registration from 16:45, Lecture starts at 17.15. Following the lecuture, guests are invited to join BCMH for a drinks reception on the General Committee Landing until 20:00.

Please note, there is a small charge to join this in person event, this is to help the BCMH toward supporting speaker’s travel to the lecture, and to also ensure that people who have registered want to come on the night (we usually have a large waiting list for this popular event and want to avoid ‘no shows’ where possible*).

Tickets:

General Admission (in person): £10 (no reduction for pensioners)

Student Admission (in person): £5

Register for your tickets via Eventbrite: BCMH Annual Proctor Memorial Lecture 2025 Tickets, Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM | Eventbrite

 

BCMH would like to thank the Society for Nautical Research and the Lloyd's Register Foundation for their support of the series.

*If you can no longer attend, please do let our host, Lloyd's Register Foundation, know via grace.kimberley@lrfoundation.org.uk

 

About David Proctor

David Proctor, who died in July 2000, was a man of wide culture; his interests embraced maritime history, the arts, music, and much more. His book Music of the Sea demonstrated the breadth of his scholarship, ranging over the centuries and drawing on his research in many European archives. Find out more