Who are Modern Druids and what do they mean to us?
While ancient Rome left behind stone inscriptions and Egypt its hieroglyphs, the ancient Druids, those spiritual leaders of Iron Age Celtic societies, left behind nothing in writing. That silence has given rise to centuries of speculation, myth, reinvention and debate. And next week, a leading British historian will explore what this enigmatic legacy means in today’s Britain through Modern Druids.
On 2nd April, Gresham College’s Professor of Divinity, Ronald Hutton, will give a public lecture titled Modern Druids, both in central London and online, as part of his series on Modern Paganism and Witchcraft. Entry is free, and the lecture will be held at Gresham College’s Barnard’s Inn Hall in Holborn, starting at 6pm.
The lecture promises to be more than just an academic look into ancient history. Professor Hutton, widely respected for his work on British paganism and folklore, is expected to focus on the evolving meaning of Druidry in the modern world, from green spirituality and political activism to its links with British cultural identity and environmental movements.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hutton notes that
“the ancient Druids have long represented some of the most striking and controversial figures in ancient and medieval literature.”
What makes them especially compelling is how they’ve been reimagined time and again, sometimes as noble keepers of ancestral wisdom, sometimes as shadowy figures used to contrast civilisation with perceived barbarism.
In the modern era, that flexibility has given Druidry a curious resilience. According to Hutton, it has contributed in different ways to Welsh nationalism, to British patriotism more broadly, to nature-based spirituality, and even to forms of modern Pagan religion. In some circles, it’s a philosophy of ecological balance. In others, a symbol of cultural heritage.
As the seasonal festival of Beltane approaches, a time traditionally associated with fertility, fire, and the coming of summer, the timing of this talk feels particularly apt. For many in contemporary Druidic and Pagan communities, these seasonal markers are central to how they connect with the natural world, and how they bring ancient practices into present-day life.
Those who attend the lecture, whether online or in person, will not only learn more about the historical roots of the Druids but also gain insight into how their memory continues to shape conversations around identity, belief, and landscape in Britain today.
The lecture is free to attend and will also be livestreamed. Full details and booking information are available on the Gresham College website, which also includes a list of upcoming talks on religion, politics, economics, music, and science.
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[Image Credit: The Portland Press]
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