The final HarperCollins-sponsored History Lecture was held at the RIBA on the evening of 11 November 2009.
A glittering audience of regular attendees and fans enjoyed a dazzling performance by Stephen Fry, who ranged over every aspect of general and personal history, apparently effortlessly, and with extraordinary facility in conjuring up vivid detail as appropriate, from every intellectual domain. Academics and celebrities alike were clearly awed by his performance, and the question session which followed the conversation elicited a series of wide-ranging and probing engagements with themes Stephen had raised.

The lecture was followed by a dinner in the elegant Floral Hall of the RIBA, hosted by Victoria Barnsley, HarperCollins' Chief Executive and Lisa Jardine. Guests — among them Helena Kennedy, Matthew Evans, Caroline Michel, Rob Dickins, Cherry Gillespie, David Baddiel, Simon Singh, Kathy Lette, Geoffrey Robertson, Alan Rusbridger, Lionel Barber and Sarah Sands — enjoyed warming winter stew and iced lemon soufflé to the music of Josh Kemp and his jazz band.

For more pictures of the evening see conversation pics.

Next year the lecture will be under new sponsorship, and rumours abound as to who the distinguished speaker will be. Watch this space for more details!