Some years ago, the wonderful historian, writer, commentator and so much more, was ‘cancelled’ following some remarks he later said were “clumsily” put regarding slavery and race and some observations about Rishi Sunak that didn’t go down well either, by some.
Swift condemnation by the usual suspects led to almost total withdrawal of everything he’d accomplished during a long academic career. Alongside many other cancelled achievements, Universities no longer wished to associate with him, publishers cut ties with him and he almost overnight, became persona non grata.
He lost his partner of 21 years only a short time earlier and was still grieving this tremendous loss, undoubtedly missing the solace of such a longstanding relationship during the vile punishment meted out by many who should have known better, and understood the actual point he was making.
But there is no hatred like the Left’s. Reasoned debate between two equal sides is a thing of the past and hate festers in the ranks of the Left towards their opponents and so when they misunderstood him, the pile on was instant and decisive. He was gone virtually overnight.
As this happened in the earlier days of what is now referred to as ‘cancel culture’ the whole episode was deeply shocking and very upsetting. I wanted to write to Dr Starkey to say how shocked, deeply saddened and disgusted I was at this treatment of such a fantastic figure we were so very lucky to have. But I wasn’t sure where to write to and didn’t.
His incredibly measured knowledge of our history went so well in his commentary, for example at the coronation of our new King Charles III, alongside appearances on other media on other subjects where his insight was so useful. He was such a loss to public debate.
But, last night I attended an event at which he was again sharing his knowledge and insights into our current, intriguing political landscape. At a pre events ‘meet ‘n’ drink’, I was ushered towards this figure I have so very much wanted to meet but never expected to, as he sat with a small group, who welcomed us kindly.
As he turned his attention to me, I told him of my sorrow and despair at what had happened to him. I explained how I’d wanted to write to him at the time but didn’t and so regretted not trying harder. How I’ve remained sad ever since and that it was precisely his appearance at this event that drew me to drive around three hours there & home, in order to say just that; I’m so sorry.
I may have slightly embarrassed him. I slightly embarrassed myself, especially in asking if I could have a photo of our meeting! But ever the professional, he took all of it in his stride. And he kindly reassured me that, actually the awful treatment of him served to make him rethink things and it focussed his thoughts in a new direction, leading to where he is now, politically driven alongside his academic learning as an historian. And the two parts compliment each other so very well.
After a generously kind chat with me, I took leave of him after ensuring he didn’t need any assistance in walking the short distance to the main event. It turned out he was to feature a little later and he told me he thought he was having “a few nibbles” beforehand. So he held his hand out towards me to say goodbye and as i took it, he suddenly turned mine upwards and kissed it, saying how very pleased he was to have met me. How utterly charming and so very kind.
The rest of the evening was made all the more enjoyable for me as I had at last had the burden lifted from me in explaining myself to Dr Starkey, and saw that he knew I was sincere. He did not disappoint either in his skilful analyses during the evening, together with various historical points and history lessons for those that needed them, and so much more.
My only regret was that in an effort to be polite in not assuming the privilege of using his Christian name, for some inexplicable mistake, I continued to refer to him as ‘Mr Starkey’ which he was too polite to correct. What was I thinking? What a gentleman you are Dr David Starkey!
Occasional Scribbles 
Some years ago, the wonderful historian, writer, commentator and so much more, was ‘cancelled’ following some remarks he later said were “clumsily” put regarding slavery and race and some observations about Rishi Sunak that didn’t go down well either, by some.
Swift condemnation by the usual suspects led to almost total withdrawal of everything he’d accomplished during a long academic career. Alongside many other cancelled achievements, Universities no longer wished to associate with him, publishers cut ties with him and he almost overnight, became persona non grata.
He lost his partner of 21 years only a short time earlier and was still grieving this tremendous loss, undoubtedly missing the solace of such a longstanding relationship during the vile punishment meted out by many who should have known better, and understood the actual point he was making.
But there is no hatred like the Left’s. Reasoned debate between two equal sides is a thing of the past and hate festers in the ranks of the Left towards their opponents and so when they misunderstood him, the pile on was instant and decisive. He was gone virtually overnight.
As this happened in the earlier days of what is now referred to as ‘cancel culture’ the whole episode was deeply shocking and very upsetting. I wanted to write to Dr Starkey to say how shocked, deeply saddened and disgusted I was at this treatment of such a fantastic figure we were so very lucky to have. But I wasn’t sure where to write to and didn’t.
His incredibly measured knowledge of our history went so well in his commentary, for example at the coronation of our new King Charles III, alongside appearances on other media on other subjects where his insight was so useful. He was such a loss to public debate.
But, last night I attended an event at which he was again sharing his knowledge and insights into our current, intriguing political landscape. At a pre events ‘meet ‘n’ drink’, I was ushered towards this figure I have so very much wanted to meet but never expected to, as he sat with a small group, who welcomed us kindly.
As he turned his attention to me, I told him of my sorrow and despair at what had happened to him. I explained how I’d wanted to write to him at the time but didn’t and so regretted not trying harder. How I’ve remained sad ever since and that it was precisely his appearance at this event that drew me to drive around three hours there & home, in order to say just that; I’m so sorry.
I may have slightly embarrassed him. I slightly embarrassed myself, especially in asking if I could have a photo of our meeting! But ever the professional, he took all of it in his stride. And he kindly reassured me that, actually the awful treatment of him served to make him rethink things and it focussed his thoughts in a new direction, leading to where he is now, politically driven alongside his academic learning as an historian. And the two parts compliment each other so very well.
After a generously kind chat with me, I took leave of him after ensuring he didn’t need any assistance in walking the short distance to the main event. It turned out he was to feature a little later and he told me he thought he was having “a few nibbles” beforehand. So he held his hand out towards me to say goodbye and as i took it, he suddenly turned mine upwards and kissed it, saying how very pleased he was to have met me. How utterly charming and so very kind.
The rest of the evening was made all the more enjoyable for me as I had at last had the burden lifted from me in explaining myself to Dr Starkey, and saw that he knew I was sincere. He did not disappoint either in his skilful analyses during the evening, together with various historical points and history lessons for those that needed them, and so much more.
My only regret was that in an effort to be polite in not assuming the privilege of using his Christian name, for some inexplicable mistake, I continued to refer to him as ‘Mr Starkey’ which he was too polite to correct. What was I thinking? What a gentleman you are Dr David Starkey!
Share this:
Related
Posted in Blog Relaunch 2025/6, Politics | Tags: Cancel Culture, Commentator, Dr David Starkey, Historian, King Charles III, Life, loss, Politics, writing