If you fancy yourself as a fan of the occult (let's be honest, who doesn't love a little strange sometimes) then we've got an incredible event for you. Historian Dr Glyn Parry and champion of fringe science Mark Pilkington investigate the deeply strange and magical lives of two alchemists for whom London itself was the laboratory. Eccentric alchemist and magician, advisor to the Queen, apocalyptic prophet, and converser with angels, John Dee (1527-1609) is commonly regarded as England’s finest magus, a most illustrious champion of the esoteric arts who promised advances in knowledge for 16th century Europe. In his talk, Glyn Parry discusses Dee’s vast array of political, magical, and scientific writings and explores how they cast light on policy struggles in the Elizabethan court, conservative attacks on magic, and Europe's religious wars. Several centuries later, the English occultist Francis Barrett (b. circa 1770) made a surprise appearance on London’s literary scene with the publication of his only book, The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy in 1801. This mammoth work, a complete study of ritual magic, ignited passion for the occult that spread throughout Europe in the early 19th century. In his talk, Mark Pilkington pulls back the curtain on these ancient disciplines, looking at alchemy, talismanic magic, magnetism, ceremonial magic, conjuration of spirits and the occult properties of metals, herbs, and stones. Plus, grab a free Hendrick's Gin cocktail on the night. Delving into the wonderful world of weird never looked so tempting. Over 18s only. Valid ID required. Ticket includes free Hendrick's Gin cocktail.