Connected Communities in Action: CLC Legal History convenes in Warwick

The EUTOPIA Connected Learning Community (CLC) Legal History recently convened in Warwick for its annual Peak Event on this year’s theme, “Collective and Individual Rights in Legal History”. The occasion, which was this CLC’s fourth of the kind, brought together students and staff from across the alliance to engage in discussions on legal history, research collaboration, and contemporary academic challenges. With the added delight of exceptionally nice weather (by British standards), the event provided a vibrant space for intellectual exchange and community building.

This year gathered a diverse cohort of students and faculty members from various EUTOPIA members. The travelling delegation included six students from Ljubljana, five from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and five from CY Cergy Paris Université. Warwick’s students, led by Dr. Rosie Doyle, also participated despite their demanding end-of-term schedules. The Warwick Innovation Hub provided a splendid setting thanks to its interactive format that encouraged collaboration. Mixed tables ensured that attendees could engage in meaningful conversations and facilitate deeper intellectual exchanges.

The event also welcomed Dr. Charles Walton, a prominent scholar working on social rights and the French Revolution, who had previously delivered the CLC’s keynote lecture in November on social rights. His involvement in discussions opened up new possibilities for integrating research initiatives into the CLC’s activities, potentially expanding its reach scope.

Beyond academic discussions, the occasion offered an immersive cultural experience. Participants explored the Warwick campus, with its impressive new Arts Faculty building, and ventured beyond to visit Coventry Cathedral, a powerful symbol of post-war reconstruction. Excursions to Kenilworth Castle, famously associated with Robert Dudley (queen Elisabeth I’s favourite), provided historical insights into English early modernity. The VUB and CY delegation extended their visit with trips to London’s British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and British Library, further enriching their historical and cultural perspectives.

Despite minor challenges, such as busy train traffic on the League Cup’s Final day, the event proceeded smoothly. The unfortunate illness of certain colleagues did not disrupt the proceedings, as hybrid participation options allowed them to contribute remotely.

The gathering in Warwick marked another successful milestone for the Legal History CLC, following past Peak Events in Paris (2022), Ljubljana (2023), and Brussels (2024). The event underscored the importance of transnational research in concert with collaborative learning and community engagement. With the upcoming formal event report and blog contributions, reflections on this event are expected to be enriched further.