Walton-on-Thames history talk offers a journey through smell

Name: Sniff: A History of Smells
Start: 2026-10-07T19:30:00+01:00
Location: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre

Culture & Events Desk 2026-09-11 10:30 2 min read

A stack of aged, bound archival documents tied with twine on a shelf.

Residents in Walton-on-Thames are invited to engage with history through an unconventional lens this autumn. On Wednesday 7 October, the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre will host ‘Sniff: A History of Smells,’ an interactive lecture led by historian Dr. William Tullett. This event, part of the established Royston Pike Lecture Series, offers a unique opportunity to explore how the sense of smell has shaped human experience, social hierarchies, and daily life across different eras.

A sensory approach to historical research

Dr. Tullett, a Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History at the University of York, moves beyond traditional archival study to examine how human identity and religious practices have been influenced by scent. His research, which forms the basis of his latest book, argues that smell is one of our most powerful and evocative senses. By investigating historical perspectives on everything from the comfort of familiar perfumes to the warning signs of fire, gas, and urban decay, Dr. Tullett provides a fresh perspective on how past societies understood their environments.

Attendees will participate in a sensory journey, with the talk featuring specific scents for the audience to experience firsthand. This interactive element is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement, allowing attendees to explore why the world smells the way it does and what those scents reveal about our collective past.

What readers need to know

The Royston Pike Lecture Series is intended for the general public, aiming to bring academic expertise into the local community. Those interested in attending are encouraged to book their tickets in advance via the official Elmbridge Borough Council news portal.

Event: Sniff: A History of Smells
Speaker: Dr. William Tullett
Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames
Booking: Tickets should be reserved via the official council event page.

Following this lecture, the Royston Pike series will continue on Thursday 12 November with a double-bill presentation focused on the history of the Thames and Surrey waterways. Further information regarding the lecture series and updates on local council news can be found by signing up for the Elmbridge Borough Council newsletter or joining their WhatsApp channel.

Source: Elmbridge Borough Council

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The event details were verified against the official announcement published by Elmbridge Borough Council.

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