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Author and award winning journalists Peter Snow and Steve Vogel arrive in Rostrevor this week to give key addresses at a special conference focusing on the life and career of Major General Ross of Rostrevor.
The former Newsnight presenter Peter Snow was born in Dublin, the son of a British army officer. Peter has written and produced a number of TV programmes and books on British History – most recently (Sept 13) ‘When Britain Burned the White House – the 1814 Invasion of Washington’.
Peter joins Washington Post journalist Steve Vogel (author of ‘Through the Perilous Fight: Six Weeks that Saved the Nation’) as well as local historians, visiting lecturers and independent scholars from Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada and France this weekend, for a series of events which explore the life and record of Major General Robert Ross.
The conference, entitled ‘Personalities and Pivotal Moments in the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812’, is supported by Peace III Southern Partnership under the ‘Future Foundations’ priority funded through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, Newry and Mourne District Council and the Ulster Scots Agency.
Commenting on the event Peter Snow said “This is going to be a lively and memorable event. Northern Ireland’s part in what ranks as one of the most audacious military enterprises ever – the 1814 invasion and burning of Washington – is one of the highlights of British military history. I’m delighted that the Rostrevor conference will give us all the opportunity to discuss all aspects of it.”
Key speaker Steve Vogel added: “The story of General Ross and the capture of Washington is one of the most dramatic and overlooked moments in American history. I expect this conference will shed new light on the story for interested parties on both sides of the Atlantic. Holding the conference in Rostrevor is particularly appropriate, serving as a reminder of the important connections Ireland holds to this piece of history."
