Gareth Winrow is a writer, researcher and public speaker. Previously a recognised authority on Turkish foreign policy, Gareth has also worked as a consultant and as a tutor in the Department for Continuing Education at Oxford University.
Born in Bolton, Gareth was awarded a scholarship to study for a degree in Modern History at Keble College, Oxford University. He then received an MA in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University before gaining a doctorate from Manchester University. He lived and worked in Turkey for twenty years and became a professor in the Department of International Relations at Istanbul Bilgi University.
More recently, Gareth has focused on local, social and family history. He is the author of ‘Whispers Across Continents: In Search of the Robinson’ (Amberley, 2019). A later book, ‘The Butcher, The Tailor, The Picture-Frame Maker…Stories of Middle Way’ (The Book Guild, 2023), explores the lives of people who once occupied the property where Gareth now lives. Gareth is also a co-editor of the book, ‘Suburban Evolution of Summertown: Living in the Shadow of Oxford (Oxford Publishing Services, 2025). His latest book, ‘Past Lives, Forgotten Stories: Cobbled Patchworks of History’ (The Book Guild, 2026), explores the history of his own family.
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New book:
Past Lives, Forgotten Stories: Cobbled Patchworks of History
Published in January 2026 (The Book Guild). A local, social and family history. Full of fascinating stories of the intriguing lives of some of the author’s own ancestors who shaped and were shaped by the communities around them.
Available from The Book Guild
Talks:
Past Lives, Forgotten Stories: Cobbled Patchworks of History
Poachers and Gangsters: The Jaques Brothers and the Notorious Long Company of Prescot:
- 11 March 2026, 10.30am, United Reform Church, St Helens – St Helens U3A
- 15 April 2026, 10am, St Hilda’s Mission, Warrington – Latchford History Group
- 17 November 2026, 11am – Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool – Liverpool History Society (tickets available from October)
- 16 December 2026, 7pm, Liverpool and South West Lancashire Family History Society. On Zoom.
- 5 May 2027, 7.30pm, Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club, Bolton – Bolton Family History Society
A Watermill in Windmill Land: The Sharples Family of Freckleton:
- 25 March 2026, 2.15pm, Freckleton Library – Freckleton Local History Group
- 15 September 2026, 7.30pm – Village Hall, Warton – Warton History Society
A Self-Made Man: Charles Hornby (1816-1881) – Manager of Pin Mill, Bolton:
- 25 August 2026, 7.30pm, Old Jubilee School, Halliwell, Bolton – Halliwell Local History Society
- 27 August 2026, 7.30pm, Harwood Methodist Church, Bolton – Turton Local History Society
Ellen Smith/Harrison or Zorah/Zora Harris (1908-1983): Silk Winder and Blackfaced Music Hall Singer from Bolton:
- 2 September 2026, 7.30pm, Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club, Bolton – Bolton Family History Society.
On Zoom, booking required
The Butcher, The Tailor, The Picture-Frame Maker…Stories of Middle Way
The Butcher, The Tailor, The Picture-Frame Maker…Stories of Middle Way:
- 22 April 2026, 7.30pm, Wolvercote Village Hall – Wolvercote Local History Group
Elizabeth Wisdom(e): The Chipping Norton Murderess?:
- 14 July 2026, 7.30pm, Wolvercote Village Hall – Wolvercote Women’s Institute
Publicans and Builders – The Capels of Cumnor and Boars Hill:
- 25 January 2027, 7.30pm, Cumnor Village School, Cumnor – Cumnor History Society