The Forgotten History of British Nuclear Test Veterans

Hear from Dr Christopher Hill and Dr Virginia Crompton as they discuss the British nuclear testing programme and its legacy today.

The ‘Oppenheimer’ film, released in 2023, has brought public attention to the history of nuclear testing in the US. However, the British nuclear testing programme remains relatively unknown.

Now, more than 70 years after the UK’s nuclear weapon testing programme began - and following years of campaigning - the contribution of the veterans involved is finally being recognised with the awarding of medals.

In this impactful lecture, Dr Christopher Hill and Dr Virginia Crompton will discuss the history of the British nuclear testing programme. Utilising oral history interviews from the veterans themselves, they will shine a light on the experiences and public awareness of their service. 

About the speakers

Virginia Crompton

Dr Virginia Crompton is founder and CEO of Big Ideas and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London. For 18 years, she worked as a producer at the BBC, during which she created Radio 4’s flagship series ‘The Long View’. She founded Big Ideas in 2015 as an engagement organisation defined by inclusion, creativity, innovation and opportunity, with a strong focus on heritage and commemoration. 

Christopher Hill

Dr Christopher Hill is Associate Professor in History at the University of South Wales. His recent research, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, has explored the multifaceted role of imperialism across the cycle of nuclear development in Britain. Dr Hill is Principal Investigator for the Office for Veterans’ Affairs project: ‘An Oral History of British Nuclear Test Veterans’.