Location: Poole, Dorset. UK

About me...

To introduce myself, I’m Phillipa Vincent-Connolly, a historian, writer, and published author of historical fiction and nonfiction. I am a consultant on many exciting projects across a broad spectrum with a special interest in disability and am becoming the ‘go-to’ broadcaster on this subject, especially with the publication of my book, ‘Disability and the Tudors’. Currently, this is the first book in a series on disabilities in specific eras and benefits from my own experience of living with cerebral palsy.

I achieved my degree in History and Humanities in 2011; my PGCE, QTS, in 2014; and my NQT in 2019, in teaching (secondary); and part of my MA Graduate Diploma in History in 2020, and I am currently looking to do a PhD specialising in Tudor disability history. I have spoken at the National Archives and the British Library to great acclaim. My experience in teaching makes me an authoritative and engaging public speaker. I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

I have written for History Today, Readers' Digest, and Blitzed Magazine, amongst others, and I have been interviewed regularly for BBC Radio and have appeared in mini TV documentaries.

Among my many interests, I have a deep and abiding love for all things historical, archives, artefacts, architecture, fashion, and royalty. I am also a keen activist, giving a contemporary voice to disabled people of the past and those who currently feel disenfranchised. My own disability has allowed me to identify and empathise with those who have not been heard, and I am passionate about equality for the disabled. I live in Poole, Dorset, but am not solely UK-centric, as I have a broad spectrum of knowledge and research on which to draw.

I am considered a rising star in historical fiction too, with my ‘A Timeless Falcon Dual Timeline’ historical fiction series of books. I have both the research and writing abilities to adapt to any project and am the future of the past.

I am a professional speaker and broadcaster for many different events, TeachMeet, schools, teachers, charities, clubs and universities. I’m also a lecturer on a variety of well-established and beautiful cruise lines.

I am a UK-based speaker with years under my belt as a historian, writer, author, broadcaster, and 'talking head' for television documentaries and have my own podcast, 'Talking History with Phillipa Vincent-Connolly. I have spoken in front of many-sized audiences; some have been up to 1,000 people, and I love every second of it!!

I am lucky enough to have done some re-enactment and have also participated in FACEBOOK LIVE recordings with my best friend, Gina from Tudor Dreams Historical Costumier, where we have discussed many historical topics together, and I've filmed some dressing downs and costumes of Tudor queens, with audiences and viewers from across the world, reaching over 200 thousand views, with our video posts going viral– and I love all the things I do! There’s never a dull experience – and now, as a globally certified life coach with the Napoleon Hill Institute, I also share my story in front of audiences so that people can see that even as a disabled woman, I have the ability to accomplish anything I can conceive, or believe I can achieve.

I LOVE what I do and what I have accomplished, and I like to think that people come away from my talks inspired by having heard a story that only could be told by someone who has actually lived through such unique experiences as I have.

What Talks do I Offer?

My Story, and How Personal Development Changed me - Phillipa shares how she was miraculously born into the world premature, at a mere 26 weeks, her 2 lb 2 oz frame nestled perfectly in her father's palm. Despite the odds of the time, she clung to life despite ten close calls with death—a testament to her unwavering will to live. She shares how her belief in a divine purpose protected her during those turbulent early days, a purpose that remained unknown until later. As a premature infant in hospital care, cerebral palsy became part of her story. A boarding school for the disabled revealed the weight of her disability while she was barely aware of it. Doctors' doubts could not keep her from pursuing mainstream education; her mother's advocacy paved the way, challenging every prognosis. Life greeted Phillipa with adversity: bullying, exclusion, and misconceived worthlessness. Undeterred, she defied stereotypes and embraced motherhood, demonstrating her worth beyond physical limitations. Although her marriage faltered, it produced two cherished milestones: her sons. After leaving a union marred by domestic abuse, she trained as a secondary school teacher before becoming a historian and published author. she is now the CEO/director of AIMS for Life Coaching for Disabled People Community Interest Company, which serves the disabled community.

Her pen tells both imagined and true stories; her tenacity overcomes persistent stigma; and she's battled the shadows of depression, even considering suicide at one point, but she never followed through.

Four years later, in 2014, she saw the film "The Secret," which triggered an existential epiphany. she experienced a profound internal revolution after immersing herself in Napoleon Hill and Bob Proctor's teachings. she realised it was time to forge her own destiny with God's guidance.

Fast forward to a life-changing event: during a Zoom session in May 2023, her coach gave me an empowering perspective: focus on the abundant 95% rather than the lacking 5%. In that moment, my so-called disability became a set of abilities. This realisation has motivated me to mentor and empower disabled people through A.I.M.S. (Accessibility, Inclusion, Mindset, Service), a non-profit community interest company that provides limitless coaching opportunities. Her upcoming autobiography, "I Am Enough," will document her journey and raise her profile across multiple platforms, including nonfiction, memoir, and broadcast media. She might ask you: if you're 95% capable, why can't you live the life you want? If her perseverance can manifest dreams, imagine what your mindset shift could accomplish. With her journey, Phillipa will Inspire you.

Disability and the Tudors – how we think the Tudors treated disabled people versus the fact they were very forward-thinking and inclusive. The spotlight rests on Henry Patterson who was philanthropically looked after by the family of Thomas More, even though Patterson had an intellectual disability; I also focus on the cook who worked for Henry VIII, who Laurence petitioned for a pension because he had gout and was infirm; William Somer who was a companion to the king, and was trusted because he had the ability to speak the truth to power, and was thought to be wise, and was percieved closer to God, even though he was a natural fool with an intellectual disability; Jane Foole who was in Anne Boleyn’s household and was thought to have an intellectual disability or Down Syndrome, participated in the coronation of Anne Boleyn, and her procession by telling the Mayor of London off for not getting the crowd to raise their hats and shout ‘God Save the Queen!’ Finally, I discuss Henry VIII’s wheelchairs, walking aids, and decline into disability.

The Tudors and Intellectually Disabled People – how we think the Tudors treated disabled people versus the fact they were very forward-thinking and inclusive. This talk focuses on intellectual disability during the Tudor period: how madness was perceived and how intellectually disabled people were treated.

Anne Boleyn – Was she scheming? Did she just want power as queen? Or was she maligned because her relationship with Henry was the catalyst to the Reformation? Was she guilty as accused, or were they false allegations against her? If the allegations were false, what is the evidence for that, and why has she been so maligned during her lifetime and ever since her death?

Talks Online...

My talks can also be taken over Zoom so that I can deliver my talks via a video platform to anywhere in the UK.

About my Talks...

My talks are PowerPoint focused, and I provide my own laptop (a MacBook Pro). I appreciate sound equipment, and a projector to plug into, and a chair to sit in so I am not constantly on my feet!

I love people and will happily chat to everyone after any of my talks .

Fee:

My Fees: £70.00 for online talks or anywhere within a 20-mile radius of Poole, Dorset.

Outside this radius, travelling expenses are required. I am happy to travel to venues in Dorset, Essex, London and Kent, anywhere within a 150-mile radius of Poole; further than that, then other expenses may be incurred, like an overnight stay and further travel expenses.