Insights into the artistic history of the Stour Valley and the prehistoric archaeology of Essex and East Anglia will be the themes of two evening courses being launched in April by the Centre for Local and Regional History at the University of Essex.

The 10 week modules are held at the University’s Colchester Campus and are open to the general public.

From Constable to Suddaby: Stour Valley Art History will be led by leading expert on the Stour Valley Sean O’Dell and will start on Thursday 28 April.

British Prehistory: The Prehistoric Archaeology of Essex and East Anglia will be led by project manager at the Colchester Archaeological Trust Howard Brooks and will start on Tuesday 26 April.

Both courses can be enjoyed by people who are just interested in those areas of history, but participants can also choose to complete a piece of assessed coursework as part of the module to gain credits towards a Certificate of Continuing Education in Local Historical Studies.

Director of the Centre for Local and Regional History Dr Alison Rowlands said: ““We hope members of the public will enjoy the opportunity of learning from leading experts in their fields about the rich history and heritage of Essex and East Anglia.”

The courses are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Stour Valley Landscape Partnership.

Each module costs £95, which includes the cost of a field trip. To register call 01206 872190, email: history@essex.ac.uk, or write to Lisa Willis, History Department, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ.

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For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 873529.