Bridgnorth Historical Society
Founded in 1934 "to advance the education of the public in all matters of historic or allied nature...."
About
The society was set up by Mr. J.T. Foxall, on February 8th 1934, to “advance the education of the public in all matters of historic or allied nature, in particular those arising in Bridgnorth and within the County of Shropshire”.
History
At the start there were 31 members. This had risen to 62 by the end of that year. Dr. Wilfred Watkins-Pitchford was the first president.
The early meetings were held in Bridgnorth’s Grammar School, (now the Endowed School) and the lectures were considered important enough to be reported in the local press.
In 1936 the Town Council offered the Burgess Hall (the room over the Northgate Arch) as a meeting place but, due to the Second World War, the move did not take place until 1946.
Its role today
The Historical Society holds regular monthly meetings from October to March at which speakers give interesting talks on historical subjects, often with photographs, videos and demonstrations. These meetings take place at the Community Hall in Bridgnorth’s Low Town.
In the summer months, members can go on outings to places of historical interest.
Volunteers from the membership of the Society run and maintain the Town Museum which is situated above the Northgate.
Upcoming events
The Bridgnorth Historical Society organises occasional summer outings, and a full programme of talks during the winter months. For members, entry to the winter talks is free.
Please contact our team if you would like to attend one of our summer outings or winter talks.
Summer outings
In the absence of an Outings Secretary on our Committee, no regular outings are arranged this year.
Winter talks
Our winter talks take place in the Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth, WV15 6BB, and start at 7.30pm.
A programme of talks for next Winter is as below:
Metal Detecting in the Severn Valley by Andy Bassett.
Origins of pub names by Anthoney Poulton
The rise and demise of the Bromsgrove Guild by Quinton Watts
Become a member
Annual membership of the Bridgnorth Historical Society begins in January - the membership fee is £18 for the year. This entitles you to attend all of the winter lectures free of charge.
If you would like to become a member of the Bridgnorth Historical Society then please enter your details in the form below. These details will be passed on to the membership secretary who will then contact you.
Get in touch
Please use the form below if you are interested in becoming a member of the Society.
You can also use this form to contact us with any general enquiries about the Society, or the Bridgnorth Northgate Museum.