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Empire and the Spear

The story of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift:

Two extraordinary evenings with Rob Caskie

Those fortunate enough to have heard him speak will know that an evening with Rob Caskie is far more than a history lesson. It’s an immersive performance: vivid storytelling that transports you to another time, bringing history to life with extraordinary energy, emotion and insight.

This October, we're delighted to welcome Rob back for two very special Steppes events, exploring and celebrating two of the most remarkable and enduring stories in British and South African history.

Both evenings will blend Rob's signature blend of storytelling with appropriate live music, followed by a wine reception allowing guests to continue the conversation. Early booking is strongly recommended (especially for the Gloucestershire event, where places are limited). We hope you will join us for what promises to be a series of extraordinary events.

The Battle of Isandlwana

Wednesday 7th October 2026 | 18:30-22:00 | The Royal Institution, Piccadilly, London

Set within the magnificent lecture theatre of the Royal Institution, where generations of the world's greatest scientific minds have challenged convention and changed our understanding of the world, Rob will recount the dramatic events of 22 January 1879, when the Zulus achieved one of the most remarkable victories ever inflicted on the British Army.

More than a tale of military defeat, Isandlwana is a story of leadership, cultural misunderstanding, courage and consequence. It offers a powerful opportunity to consider the complexities of Britain's imperial past alongside the extraordinary military achievement of the Zulu Kingdom. Nearly 150 years later, the battle remains a defining chapter in both British and South African history, shaping national memory, identity and historical debate in both countries.

Rorke's Drift

Thursday 8th October 2026 | 18:30-22:00 | St Andrew's Church, Churcham, Gloucester

The following evening, Rob turns to one of history's most celebrated defences. Following the disaster at Isandlwana, little more than 150 soldiers defended the mission station at Rorke's Drift against several thousand Zulu warriors through a long night of relentless attack. Their courage became legendary, with eleven Victoria Crosses awarded for the action.

Our venue makes this evening uniquely special. St Andrew's Church, Churcham, is the final resting place of Alfred Henry Hook VC, one of the heroes immortalised in the defence of Rorke's Drift. Standing just yards from his grave, the story acquires an immediacy and poignancy that few places can offer.

Today, historians increasingly view Rorke's Drift not simply as a story of heroism, but alongside the courage and determination displayed on both sides of the conflict. Together with Isandlwana, it invites us to reflect on the shared history that continues to connect Britain and South Africa, while recognising the perspectives and sacrifices of all those involved.

In Association with South Africa Tourism

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