Past Events
Worcestershire Historical Society past events, annual general meetings and book launches.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2023
21 October 2023 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The 2023 AGM will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023 at 3.00pm at Chaddelsey Corbett Village Hall, Potters Park, Brockencote, Chaddesley Corbett DY10 4OA.
Publication Launch:
Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: the Abbot’s Household Account (1456-57) and the Priors’ Registers (1520-40)
26 May 2022 – Past Events, W. H. Society
Publication launch of Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: The Abbot’s Household Account, 1456-7, and the Priors’ Registers, 1520-1540, edited by David Cox.
7pm-9pm on Thursday 26 May 2022 at Church House, Evesham.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2021
16 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The Society’s AGM will be held at 3pm on Saturday 16 October 2021 at Broadwas Village Hall, Stoney Ley, Broadwas, Worcestershire WR6 5NG.
Delayed Publication Launch:
Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary (1807-1840)
04 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The launch of the Society’s publication, Isobel Robinson’s edition of The Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary, 1807-1840 (WHS New Series, No.29), will take place in St George’s Hall, Bewdley, at 6.30pm on 4 October 2022. The launch will include talks by Isobel Robinson and Paul Crane.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2020
26 March 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM of the Society for 2020, delayed because of Covid, was held by Zoom at 7 p.m. on Friday 26th March 2021.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2019
12 October 2019 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Professor Andrew Hopper on ‘War Victims and their Stories: The Human Costs of Civil War in Worcestershire’. The research for this lecture was drawn from the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project www.civilwarpetitions.ac.uk led by the University of Leicester.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2018
13 October 2018 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Evesham. Our annual lecture was delivered by Dr David Cox on ‘The Prior’s Registers of Evesham Abbey, 1520-1540: Insights and Issues’.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2017
14 October 2017 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM for this year took place in the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Isobel Robinson on ‘Peter Prattinton, 1771-1840: A Life in Worcestershire’.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2016
15 October 2016 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM for this year took place at St Kenelm’s Church Hall at Romsley, in the north-eastern part of the county. Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham was elected to join the Council of the Society, and our annual lecture was delivered by Dr Sylvia Gill, an Honorary Research Fellow in History at the University of Birmingham, on the subject of ‘Experiencing the Reformation: Worcestershire Chantry Priests in the Reign of Edward VI’.
Book launch:
The Autobiography and Library of Thomas Hall, B.D. (1610-1665)
May 2016 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
Dr Denise Thomas delivered a short presentation about the Presbyterian minister, Thomas Hall, who was curate and schoolmaster at King’s Norton during the Civil Wars, Interregnum and early part of the Restoration. The launch took place with a wine reception at St Nicholas Place, King’s Norton, just adjacent to the churchyard that Hall would have known so well. The event was well attended by members of the society, particularly those from the Birmingham area.
Award of Worcestershire Historical Society Essay Prizes
2015 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
Luke Billingham, ‘Worse and Worcester’: punishment in Worcester c.1777-1924
John Maynard, Smoke and mirrors: the 1832 cholera outbreak at Upton on Severn.
Habington Day School
18 April 2015 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The Habington Day School examining one of Worcestershire’s first historians was held on Saturday 18 April 2015 at The Hive in Worcester.
Latest Publications by Members
Autumn 2011 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
Many members of the Society are authors in their own right. This autumn 2011 has seen the publication of three new books by members.
Andrew Harris, John Somerset Pakington – His First 50 Years. This fascinating study of a man who deserves to be better known for his prominent role in Victorian politics is available at a price of £12.50 to include P&P. It encompasses 376 pages with copious illustrations. Please e-mail the author on andrewharris1@mac.com if you would like to purchase a copy.
Pat Hughes and Annette Leech, The Story of Worcester was published by the Logaston Press in October 2011. This volume of 302 pages in full colour is the result of many years of original research in the archives. It is available at a price of £15 from booksellers.
Honour for a former President
November 2011 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The Society was delighted when Professor Sir David Cannadine, its eminent former President, was honoured with an honorary Doctorate by the University of Worcester. The ceremony took place in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral on 2 November 2011.
Professor Sir David Cannadine, lately President of the Worcestershire Historical Society, pictured with his guests at the ceremony to confer on him the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Worcester. Two of his guests (far left of the picture) were Robin Whittaker and Susan Campbell, Chairman and Treasurer of the Worcestershire Historical Society respectively.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2010
October 2010 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM in 2010 was an especially significant one. Professor Sir David Cannadine crossed the Atlantic from Princeton University to preside for the last time as the Society’s President. He had been President for a decade, but his commitments in the USA meant he felt it was time to step down. He spoke in his inimitable style of the value of the Society’s work, and expressed his very best wishes for its future. He then claimed the privilege of proposing the eminent scholar, Professor Christopher Dyer of the University of Leicester, to be the new President, and Robin Whittaker, the Chairman, was honoured to be able to second this proposal which was passed unanimously and with acclamation. Professor Dyer has a very long association with the Society, having been its General Editor from 1989 to 2004.
Book launch:
The Worcester Eyre of 1275
September 2008 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The editor of the above volume, Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham delivered a short presentation on this subject at the County Hall branch of the Worcestershire Record Office, followed by a reception and a booksale of WHS publications.
Book launch:
Records of Feckenham Forest, Worcestershire
c. 1236-1377
May 2007 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The Editor of the above volume, Dr Jean Birrell of the University of Birmingham, gave a scholarly address to a packed meeting in Feckenham village hall on the subject of Feckenham Forest. Many present inhabitants of the Feckenham area were present.
Book launch:
Court Rolls of Elmley Castle
c. 1347-1564
April 2005 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
On 28 April 2005 a large gathering of Society members together with villagers from Elmley Castle met at the parish hall in Elmley Castle to mark the publication of the above volume, Vol.20 of the New Series. Dr Field, the Editor of the volume, addressed the meeting on the background to his edition, and then conducted a lively and informative question and answer session. Refreshments were served and Society volumes were on sale.
Book launches:
Records of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire
c. 1147-1547
May 2001 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The Society held two separate launches to mark the publication of this volume. Dr James Toomey, the editor of the volume, gave addresses at both. The one was held in the searchroom of the Worcestershire Record Office, at which a small display of original documents from the Lechmere family archive was arranged by Robin Whittaker. A further meeting was arranged on the premises of Hanley Castle High School.
Worcestershire Historical Society
Past Events
Worcestershire Historical Society past events, annual general meetings and book launches.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2023
21 October 2023 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The 2023 AGM will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023 at 3.00pm at Chaddelsey Corbett Village Hall, Potters Park, Brockencote, Chaddesley Corbett DY10 4OA.
Publication Launch:
Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: the Abbot’s Household Account (1456-57) and the Priors’ Registers (1520-40)
26 May 2022 – Past Events, W. H. Society
Publication launch of Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: The Abbot’s Household Account, 1456-7, and the Priors’ Registers, 1520-1540, edited by David Cox.
7pm-9pm on Thursday 26 May 2022 at Church House, Evesham.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2021
16 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The Society’s AGM will be held at 3pm on Saturday 16 October 2021 at Broadwas Village Hall, Stoney Ley, Broadwas, Worcestershire WR6 5NG.
Delayed Publication Launch:
Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary (1807-1840)
04 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The launch of the Society’s publication, Isobel Robinson’s edition of The Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary, 1807-1840 (WHS New Series, No.29), will take place in St George’s Hall, Bewdley, at 6.30pm on 4 October 2022. The launch will include talks by Isobel Robinson and Paul Crane.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2020
26 March 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM of the Society for 2020, delayed because of Covid, was held by Zoom at 7 p.m. on Friday 26th March 2021.
AGM of the Society for 2019
12 October 2019
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Professor Andrew Hopper on ‘War Victims and their Stories: The Human Costs of Civil War in Worcestershire’. The research for this lecture was drawn from the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project www.civilwarpetitions.ac.uk led by the University of Leicester.
AGM of the Society for 2018
13 October 2018
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Evesham. Our annual lecture was delivered by Dr David Cox on ‘The Prior’s Registers of Evesham Abbey, 1520-1540: Insights and Issues’.
AGM of the Society for 2017
14 October 2017
The AGM for this year took place in the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Isobel Robinson on ‘Peter Prattinton, 1771-1840: A Life in Worcestershire’.
AGM of the Society for 2016
15 October 2016
The AGM for this year took place at St Kenelm’s Church Hall at Romsley, in the north-eastern part of the county. Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham was elected to join the Council of the Society, and our annual lecture was delivered by Dr Sylvia Gill, an Honorary Research Fellow in History at the University of Birmingham, on the subject of ‘Experiencing the Reformation: Worcestershire Chantry Priests in the Reign of Edward VI’.
Book launch:
The Autobiography and Library of Thomas Hall, B.D. (1610-1665)
May 2016
Dr Denise Thomas delivered a short presentation about the Presbyterian minister, Thomas Hall, who was curate and schoolmaster at King’s Norton during the Civil Wars, Interregnum and early part of the Restoration. The launch took place with a wine reception at St Nicholas Place, King’s Norton, just adjacent to the churchyard that Hall would have known so well. The event was well attended by members of the society, particularly those from the Birmingham area.
Award of Worcestershire Historical Society Essay Prizes
2015
Luke Billingham, ‘Worse and Worcester’: punishment in Worcester c.1777-1924
John Maynard, Smoke and mirrors: the 1832 cholera outbreak at Upton on Severn.
Habington Day School
18 April 2015
The Habington Day School examining one of Worcestershire’s first historians was held on Saturday 18 April 2015 at The Hive in Worcester.
Latest Publications by Members
Autumn 2011
Many members of the Society are authors in their own right. This autumn 2011 has seen the publication of three new books by members.
Andrew Harris, John Somerset Pakington – His First 50 Years. This fascinating study of a man who deserves to be better known for his prominent role in Victorian politics is available at a price of £12.50 to include P&P. It encompasses 376 pages with copious illustrations. Please e-mail the author on andrewharris1@mac.com if you would like to purchase a copy.
Pat Hughes and Annette Leech, The Story of Worcester was published by the Logaston Press in October 2011. This volume of 302 pages in full colour is the result of many years of original research in the archives. It is available at a price of £15 from booksellers.
Honour for a former President
November 2011
The Society was delighted when Professor Sir David Cannadine, its eminent former President, was honoured with an honorary Doctorate by the University of Worcester. The ceremony took place in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral on 2 November 2011.
Professor Sir David Cannadine, lately President of the Worcestershire Historical Society, pictured with his guests at the ceremony to confer on him the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Worcester. Two of his guests (far left of the picture) were Robin Whittaker and Susan Campbell, Chairman and Treasurer of the Worcestershire Historical Society respectively.
AGM of the Society for 2010
October 2010
The AGM in 2010 was an especially significant one. Professor Sir David Cannadine crossed the Atlantic from Princeton University to preside for the last time as the Society’s President. He had been President for a decade, but his commitments in the USA meant he felt it was time to step down. He spoke in his inimitable style of the value of the Society’s work, and expressed his very best wishes for its future. He then claimed the privilege of proposing the eminent scholar, Professor Christopher Dyer of the University of Leicester, to be the new President, and Robin Whittaker, the Chairman, was honoured to be able to second this proposal which was passed unanimously and with acclamation. Professor Dyer has a very long association with the Society, having been its General Editor from 1989 to 2004.
Book launch:
The Worcester Eyre of 1275
September 2008
The editor of the above volume, Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham delivered a short presentation on this subject at the County Hall branch of the Worcestershire Record Office, followed by a reception and a booksale of WHS publications.
Book launch:
Records of Feckenham Forest, Worcestershire, c. 1236-1377
May 2007
The Editor of the above volume, Dr Jean Birrell of the University of Birmingham, gave a scholarly address to a packed meeting in Feckenham village hall on the subject of Feckenham Forest. Many present inhabitants of the Feckenham area were present.
Book launch:
Court Rolls of Elmley Castle, c. 1347-1564
April 2005
On 28 April 2005 a large gathering of Society members together with villagers from Elmley Castle met at the parish hall in Elmley Castle to mark the publication of the above volume, Vol.20 of the New Series. Dr Field, the Editor of the volume, addressed the meeting on the background to his edition, and then conducted a lively and informative question and answer session. Refreshments were served and Society volumes were on sale.
Book launches:
Records of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, c. 1147-1547
May 2001
The Society held two separate launches to mark the publication of this volume. Dr James Toomey, the editor of the volume, gave addresses at both. The one was held in the searchroom of the Worcestershire Record Office, at which a small display of original documents from the Lechmere family archive was arranged by Robin Whittaker. A further meeting was arranged on the premises of Hanley Castle High School.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2023
21 October 2023 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The 2023 AGM will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023 at 3.00pm at Chaddelsey Corbett Village Hall, Potters Park, Brockencote, Chaddesley Corbett DY10 4OA.
Publication Launch:
Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: the Abbot’s Household Account (1456-57) and the Priors’ Registers (1520-40)
26 May 2022 – Past Events, W. H. Society
Publication launch of Evesham Abbey and Local Society in the Late Middle Ages: The Abbot’s Household Account, 1456-7, and the Priors’ Registers, 1520-1540, edited by David Cox.
7pm-9pm on Thursday 26 May 2022 at Church House, Evesham.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2021
16 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The Society’s AGM will be held at 3pm on Saturday 16 October 2021 at Broadwas Village Hall, Stoney Ley, Broadwas, Worcestershire WR6 5NG.
Delayed Publication Launch:
Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary (1807-1840)
04 October 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The launch of the Society’s publication, Isobel Robinson’s edition of The Correspondence of Peter Prattinton of Bewdley, Antiquary, 1807-1840 (WHS New Series, No.29), will take place in St George’s Hall, Bewdley, at 6.30pm on 4 October 2022. The launch will include talks by Isobel Robinson and Paul Crane.
Annual General Meeting of the Society for 2020
26 March 2021 – Past Events, W. H. Society
The AGM of the Society for 2020, delayed because of Covid, was held by Zoom at 7 p.m. on Friday 26th March 2021.
AGM of the Society for 2019
12 October 2019 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Professor Andrew Hopper on ‘War Victims and their Stories: The Human Costs of Civil War in Worcestershire’. The research for this lecture was drawn from the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project www.civilwarpetitions.ac.uk led by the University of Leicester.
AGM of the Society for 2018
13 October 2018 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The AGM for this year took place at the Friends’ Meeting House in Evesham. Our annual lecture was delivered by Dr David Cox on ‘The Prior’s Registers of Evesham Abbey, 1520-1540: Insights and Issues’.
AGM of the Society for 2017
14 October 2017 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The AGM for this year took place in the Friends’ Meeting House in Worcester. Our annual lecture was delivered by Isobel Robinson on ‘Peter Prattinton, 1771-1840: A Life in Worcestershire’.
AGM of the Society for 2016
15 October 2016 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The AGM for this year took place at St Kenelm’s Church Hall at Romsley, in the north-eastern part of the county. Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham was elected to join the Council of the Society, and our annual lecture was delivered by Dr Sylvia Gill, an Honorary Research Fellow in History at the University of Birmingham, on the subject of ‘Experiencing the Reformation: Worcestershire Chantry Priests in the Reign of Edward VI’.
Book launch:
The Autobiography and Library of Thomas Hall, B.D. (1610-1665)
May 2016 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
Dr Denise Thomas delivered a short presentation about the Presbyterian minister, Thomas Hall, who was curate and schoolmaster at King’s Norton during the Civil Wars, Interregnum and early part of the Restoration. The launch took place with a wine reception at St Nicholas Place, King’s Norton, just adjacent to the churchyard that Hall would have known so well. The event was well attended by members of the society, particularly those from the Birmingham area.
Award of Worcestershire Historical Society Essay Prizes
2015 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
Luke Billingham, ‘Worse and Worcester’: punishment in Worcester c.1777-1924
John Maynard, Smoke and mirrors: the 1832 cholera outbreak at Upton on Severn.
Habington Day School
18 April 2015
The Habington Day School examining one of Worcestershire’s first historians was held on Saturday 18 April 2015 at The Hive in Worcester.
Latest Publications by Members
Autumn 2011
Many members of the Society are authors in their own right. This autumn 2011 has seen the publication of three new books by members.
Andrew Harris, John Somerset Pakington – His First 50 Years. This fascinating study of a man who deserves to be better known for his prominent role in Victorian politics is available at a price of £12.50 to include P&P. It encompasses 376 pages with copious illustrations. Please e-mail the author on andrewharris1@mac.com if you would like to purchase a copy.
Pat Hughes and Annette Leech, The Story of Worcester was published by the Logaston Press in October 2011. This volume of 302 pages in full colour is the result of many years of original research in the archives. It is available at a price of £15 from booksellers.
Honour for a former President
November 2011 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The Society was delighted when Professor Sir David Cannadine, its eminent former President, was honoured with an honorary Doctorate by the University of Worcester. The ceremony took place in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral on 2 November 2011.
Professor Sir David Cannadine, lately President of the Worcestershire Historical Society, pictured with his guests at the ceremony to confer on him the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Worcester. Two of his guests (far left of the picture) were Robin Whittaker and Susan Campbell, Chairman and Treasurer of the Worcestershire Historical Society respectively.
AGM of the Society for 2010
October 2010 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The AGM in 2010 was an especially significant one. Professor Sir David Cannadine crossed the Atlantic from Princeton University to preside for the last time as the Society’s President. He had been President for a decade, but his commitments in the USA meant he felt it was time to step down. He spoke in his inimitable style of the value of the Society’s work, and expressed his very best wishes for its future. He then claimed the privilege of proposing the eminent scholar, Professor Christopher Dyer of the University of Leicester, to be the new President, and Robin Whittaker, the Chairman, was honoured to be able to second this proposal which was passed unanimously and with acclamation. Professor Dyer has a very long association with the Society, having been its General Editor from 1989 to 2004.
Book launch:
The Worcester Eyre of 1275
September 2008 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The editor of the above volume, Dr Jens Röhrkasten of the University of Birmingham delivered a short presentation on this subject at the County Hall branch of the Worcestershire Record Office, followed by a reception and a booksale of WHS publications.
Book launch:
Records of Feckenham Forest, Worcestershire, c. 1236-1377
May 2007 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The Editor of the above volume, Dr Jean Birrell of the University of Birmingham, gave a scholarly address to a packed meeting in Feckenham village hall on the subject of Feckenham Forest. Many present inhabitants of the Feckenham area were present.
Book launch:
Court Rolls of Elmley Castle, c. 1347-1564
April 2005 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
On 28 April 2005 a large gathering of Society members together with villagers from Elmley Castle met at the parish hall in Elmley Castle to mark the publication of the above volume, Vol.20 of the New Series. Dr Field, the Editor of the volume, addressed the meeting on the background to his edition, and then conducted a lively and informative question and answer session. Refreshments were served and Society volumes were on sale.
Book launches:
Records of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, c. 1147-1547
May 2001 – Past Events, Worcestershire Historical Society
The Society held two separate launches to mark the publication of this volume. Dr James Toomey, the editor of the volume, gave addresses at both. The one was held in the searchroom of the Worcestershire Record Office, at which a small display of original documents from the Lechmere family archive was arranged by Robin Whittaker. A further meeting was arranged on the premises of Hanley Castle High School.