This course will consider key events in the history of France from the end of the Hundred Years War against England in 1453 to the Liberation of 1944. It will include topics such as the reign of Francis I (the great rival of Henry VIII), the Wars of Religion, Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIV "the Sun King", the rivalry with Britain in the 18th century, the Revolution and Terror, Napoleon Bonaparte and France in the World Wars. A major part of each session will be use of images and written sources. This course is not for specialist historians but rather for members who have a general interest in France and would like to know more about the history of our nearest continental neighbour. No previous knowledge is required.