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 a number of summer outings and a full programme of talks during the winter months. For members, entry to winter talks are free and the £5 non-member fee is waived for summer outings.
Please contact our team if you would like to attend one of our summer outings or winter talks.
Summer outings
There will be a programme of outings to interesting places during the summer of 2024. We will post the list of places and dates here when it has been arranged.
These are the places we have been to during 2023:
Wolverhampton Archives & Walsall Leather Museum
Eastnor Castle
Berrington Hall (NT)
Imperial War Museum North
Winter talks
Our winter talks take place in the Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth, WV15 6BB, and start at 7.30pm.
Illustrated talk given by Mr. Richard Churchley entitled “Market Towns - their history, function, culture and importance".
Talk given by author Mr. Christopher Kerr entitled “The Barbarossa Secret - unanswered questions from WW2”.
Illustrated talk by Karen Evans entitled “The Ultimate Black Sheep” (and Bridgnorth is involved).
Illustrated talk by Mr. Barry Picken MBE entitled “Tettenhall Wood House - 1833 -1969”.
Talk given by one of our members Dr. Anthony Daniels about a very illustrious local lady - Francis Pitt. The AGM will follow.
Talk given by Mr. Martin Jones entitled “The Travels and Travails of Thomas, 2nd Lord Berwick of Attingham” (and he dresses up for the occasion).
Become a member
Annual membership of the Bridgnorth Historical Society begins in January. The current fee is £15 for the year. This entitles you to attend all the winter lectures free of charge. The £5 non-member charge is also waived on any summer outings that you choose to go on.
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, or if you would like to attend any of our summer outings or winter talks.
You can also use this form to contact us with any general enquiries about the Society, or the Bridgnorth Northgate Museum, or you can contact us by email at smcd77@hotmail.com