In the middle of the English Civil War two young people met and fell in love. Sir William Temple came from a family which supported Parliament. Dorothy Osborne’s family supported the King. The couple’s clandestine courtship was conducted over many years through a passionate correspondence. Their literary legacy became legendary. They were finally united after the restoration of the monarchy. Then they began their next adventure together in the world of 17th century diplomacy.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face / Online

COURSE OUTLINE

• Setting the scene - the causes of the English Civil War
• The Osbornes and the Temples - two sides of the dispute
• The Osborne-Temple letters
• Diplomatic life

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the circumstances of the romance of Dorothy Osborne and Sir William Temple, their literary heritage and life as British diplomats