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
May 24, 2023
Eastnor Castle
June 20, 2023
Berrington Hall (NT)
July 20, 2023
Imperial War Museum North
September 12, 2023

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".
October 16, 2023
£5 entry for non-members
Talk given by author Mr. Christopher Kerr entitled “The Barbarossa Secret - unanswered questions from WW2”.
November 20, 2023
£5 entry for non-members
Illustrated talk by Karen Evans entitled “The Ultimate Black Sheep”  (and Bridgnorth is involved).
December 11, 2023
£5 entry for non-members
Illustrated talk by Mr. Barry Picken MBE entitled “Tettenhall Wood House - 1833 -1969”.
January 15, 2024
£5 entry for non-members
Talk given by one of our members Dr. Anthony Daniels about a very illustrious local lady - Francis Pitt. The AGM will follow.
February 19, 2024
£5 entry for non-members
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).
March 18, 2024
£5 entry for non-members

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

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