Local History Societies

'Objectives are to encourage interest in the recent and distant past history of the area, particularly the landscape, buildings and, of course, the people ... The main activities are a series of illustrated winter lectures, on topics of historical interest, held usually on the last Monday of each month.'

'We usually meet at The Borough Theatre ... Visitors to the area can attend any lecture at the Theatre. If you come more than once, please take out membership.'

'Founded in 1947 and promotes interest in the history of Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire. The Society organises public lectures in Dundee and elsewhere in the Abertay area on a variety of historical topics, as well as occasional special events including guided tours and conferences. We also support the work of other local heritage organisations.'

'Founded in 1968, and since then it has been the principal meeting point for all who have an interest in the past of Abingdon and its region ... The Society organises monthly lectures by acknowledged authorities on topics related to history and archaeology and to those of Abingdon in particular. There is also, during each summer, a programme of visits to sites of particular significance ...  The Local History Group provides a forum and meeting point for members with a particular interest in the local history of Abingdon and its region.' The Lambrick Lecture is an Annual Lecture for the Society held in memory of Gabrielle Lambrick.

Normally, 'the Society meets at 2.00pm for 2.15pm in the community room at Acocks Green Library on the second Tuesday in the month from September to May'.

'Acton is now a suburb of West London about 5 miles from the centre, and well within the built-up area, but for the greater part of it's history, consisted of only a small cluster of houses around the medieval Church of St. Mary's, providing refreshment for travellers on the road from London to Oxford; together with a smaller farming community at East Acton and a number of scattered farm dwellings.'  Normally, the History Group 'meets at 7.30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from September until March in St Mary's Church Hall'.

'We bring together those interested in local history and archaeology and to encourage research in Addlestone, New Haw, Ottershaw, Row Town, Weybridge and Woodham areas. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding August) ... with speakers covering a variety of topics.'

'The Society was founded in 1957 to record and preserve the history of Aireborough, which consists of:- Yeadon; Guiseley; Rawdon; Carlton; Hawksworth; Esholt; High Royds - Hospital ... The Society holds monthly (usually 2nd Thursday) speaker events on a variety of topics.'

'The Society is concerned with the local history of the area covered by Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Leiston, Snape, Iken, and Sudbourne ...  We carry out archaeological digs, have a comprehensive series of lectures and expeditions, and an ongoing oral history programme.'

'Founded in 2018 to advance the understanding and sharing of historical information, photos and artefacts about the Aldermaston area. The activities undertaken by the group are: * Maintain the Aldermaston History Online website; * Develop an online archive for members of additional physical material; * Hold meetings to discuss the history of Aldermaston; * Talks on relevant historical topics ...'

'Based in the beautiful Whittingham Vale, the Society acts as a focus for those interested in the local history of North Northumberland, and in particular the Aln & Breamish Valleys. The A&BLHS meets once a month during the autumn and early summer ; 7 lectures in all. Topics range from local speakers giving a fascinating look at the past, and researchers and archaeologists bringing us up to date with the latest projects and discoveries.'

'Exists to further the study of the Altrincham area and to enable such research to be communicated to the public. Members enjoy a series of talks through the year, with occasional visits, and are encouraged to become active in researching topics related to the history of the area.'

'Arranges talks by experts on local places, historic figures and issues ... There is also a social programme of events and trips throughout the year. Priority is given to members so please join!'

'The Society was founded in 1962 to assist the public in the study of archaeology and local history ... Meetings are held every month through the winter with guest speakers covering a wide range of topics, also an annual Celebrity Lunch with a special speaker ... Visitors are very welcome.'

Our Society was formed in 1991 by the union of two much older societies - Andover Archaeology Society founded in 1965 and Andover Local History Society founded in 1979. We continue the traditions of those societies, promoting an interest in local history and working to preserve and protect features and items of historic and archaeological interest ... Our annual Dacre Lecture is a public event and is given by an archaeologist or historian of national standing.'

'We aim to encourage and support an interest in the history of the Arnold area, including Daybrook, Red Hill & Woodthorpe. The group conserves and archives material of local interest ... We host an annual series of lectures on topics of local historical interest, attracting eminent speakers to our group's meetings.'

'The Society was formed in 1994 and covers the area of the Parish of Aston Cantlow, including the villages of Aston Cantlow and Wilmcote, together with the hamlets of Little Alne, Newnham and Shelfield. The main object is the promotion of interest in community, local and general history, through talks, meetings, outings, and by participating in history based events.'

Normally, 'monthly speakers meetings are held 3rd Thursday at 7:30pm in the Scout and Guide Hall, Cheshire Street, Audlem'.

'Aycliffe Village Local History Society had its inaugural meeting 30 November, 2004. It is for anyone interested in local history, especially that of the Great Aycliffe area. Normally, ' meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. at Aycliffe Village Hall.'

'Began in June 1984 through the enthusiasm of a group of local people with an interest in the history of this wonderful Norfolk market town. The Society arranges a diverse programme of lectures, visits and social events.'

Normally, 'meetings are held in Ayton Community Hall each month September to March (except December) and start at 7.30pm. A guest speaker is invited to talk on a topic of interest'.

'Founded in 1958 by a group of local historians to encourage research into the local history of Banbury town and its hinterland. Our annual programme of activities runs from September to July, with lectures from September through to Easter and then a varied programme of outings and events in the summer. We meet for the lectures at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday of each month ... Members and visitors are made very welcome at our meetings.'

'Founded in 1955. The Society promotes interest in the local history of Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The Society plays an important role in the local community. Our lectures and other activities are justifiably popular with our 400 members and are well known for their friendly atmosphere, attracting enthusiastic support from members and guests ... The Society presents a monthly lecture from September to April. The emphasis is on local history but our programmes are varied and include a wide range of historical topics. The lectures are free to members; non-members are very welcome and are asked to make a payment.'

'B&DHS offers the local community a forum for enjoying all aspects of British history, including the very rich local history of the Battle and eastern Sussex. Founded in 1950 as part of Battle’s contribution to the Festival of Britain, the Society features a year-round series of lectures, occasional excursions, a small research group devoted to local history and a reading group. Our lecture programme has a long tradition of attracting first class speakers ... If you have recently moved to the Battle area or are just visiting and would like to come to one of our meetings, just come along, you will be very welcome.'

'The aim of the Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society is to encourage the study and appreciation of local history, genealogy and other subjects of historical interest ... At the start of the season a Programme is issued to members giving details of talks, mostly illustrated Powerpoint presentations, on a variety of subjects connected with local history.'

'Betley Local History Society was founded in 1980 following, or even during the time of running, a very successful university extramural class in the village (1977-80) ... Betley is a village and civil parish in the Newcastle district of Staffordshire, England, about halfway between Newcastle-under-Lyme and Nantwich. Its name means the "clearing in the woods" of Bette (a Saxon woman's name). Betley is an ancient settlement and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was then held by Unwin, the King’s Thane. 100 years later, Betley is recorded as being owned by Henry de Bettley ... We organise regular monthly meetings, usually on the third Thursday of each month (except December).'

'Founded in 1986 and is a successor to Bicester Local History Circle, which ran in the town for many years under the leadership of Gwendoline Dannatt. BLHS came together when members of an abandoned adult education class, studying the 1851 census, decided to form an interest group ... The Upcoming Talks page in the Meetings & Events section lists the forthcoming popular monthly talks that we have organised, some of which focus on Bicester, others on more general local history themes.'

'Our Society was formed in 2006 for enjoyment by those who take an interest in the history of South Warwickshire and beyond. We sustain a membership of over 100 interested members, due to our varied, lively and compelling range of guest speakers, many renowned leaders in their field.'

'Founded in 1988 by a group of local enthusiasts whose interest in Bingley’s history had been stimulated on a local history course run by Dr Gary Firth. The Society’s main aims are to disseminate Bingley’s history and provide information in the form of talks, books and DVDs which will widen the local population’s knowledge of the history of the Bingley area which was once known as "The Throstle’s Nest of England" ... Talks and presentations are given regularly.'

'A Society dedicated to studying and researching the history of Southampton in general, but with particular reference to the City areas east of the River Itchen – Bitterne, Bitterne Park, Harefield, Itchen, Merry Oak, Midanbury, Peartree, Sholing, Thornhill, Townhill Park, Weston and Woolston ... Meetings of Bitterne Local History Society are held on the second Saturday ... Society news and notice of local meetings of historical interest are followed by talks on a variety of topics illustrated with slides, sometimes with related artefacts.'

The Blakeney Area Historical Society (BAHS) was established in 1990 as the "Blakeney History Group" but changed its name to reflect the wider geographical membership and interest in this part of North Norfolk covering the Glaven valley and Blakeney Haven ... As an active society with over 130 active members the Society holds around regular events/lectures each year, organises visits and publishes the journal, The Glaven Historian. The Society also organises outings and walks. Our events are open to all and attendance is typically over 40 members and visitors.'

'Exists to further public knowledge about the history of Blockley and adjacent parishes. It does this by collecting, preserving and displaying records, antiquities and other objects of historical interest, and by sponsoring talks, discussions, publications and visits to sites of relevant interest.'

'The Borough of Twickenham Local History Society focuses on the history of Twickenham, Whitton, Teddington and the Hamptons which in 1965 was incorporated into the newly established London Borough of Richmond upon Thames ... Our Programme of Talks attracts some of the finest speakers in the land.'

Normally monthly evening meetings on the second Monday.

'We are a lively and friendly group holding meetings which are both informative and enjoyable. Our main area of interest is Bramcote, although some of our meetings cover other local areas of interest. We conduct regular research into aspects of Bramcote’s history. Visitors are always welcome at our speaker meetings.'

'The Branscombe Project began more than twenty years ago. A group of people, some of whom have lived all their lives in Branscombe, others relative newcomers, decided they wanted to find out more about their village and the wider landscape ... We put on biennial exhibitions, winter talks, documentary dramas and "disappeared houses" walks.'

'The Historical Society holds regular monthly meetings from October to March at which interesting speakers give talks on historical subjects, often with photographs, videos and  demonstrations ... In the summer months, members can go on outings to places of historical interest.'

'Brixworth is set in the rural county of Northamptonshire and has a rich historical heritage. There is evidence of a Roman Villa to the north of the village and its Grade1 listed Saxon Church is widely regarded. Many of the buildings in the older part of the village are built of Northamptonshire Ironstone. Ironstone quarries were worked in the fields around the village until the late 19th century ... The History Society meets in the village hall on the third Thursday of the month for presentations and talks given by visiting speakers. New members and visitors are welcome.'

'BBLHS was formed in 1974 so that those with an interest in the history of the people, events and places that make up London's largest borough could meet to exchange information and learn more about the long and fascinating story that makes up the London Borough of Bromley and all its constituent parts ... We meet once a month from September to July, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.'

'Bromyard and District Local History Society is based in Bromyard, Herefordshire, England, and was founded in 1966. It exists to foster interest, enjoyment, research and publication in the field of our local history. We offer members a varied programme of events, at least monthly, throughout the year. These are mainly illustrated lectures in the winter and guided outings in the summer, but also include many social occasions.'

'The Society was formed in 1960 to promote and encourage an interest in the history of our town and its surrounding area. To this end we hold a series of lectures each year from October through to March on topics of local history.'

'Originally founded in 1922 with the grand title of The Buxton Archaeological, Local and Natural History Society. Despite the recent shortening of the title, the aims of the Society are unchanged and remain to engage in activities that explore and explain all aspects of the history of the market town of Buxton, the Peak District and its surrounding areas. Regular meetings are held to hear talks and presentations by members and other speakers with a knowledge and interest in the area ... Visitors are most welcome.'

'The Camden History Society wants everyone to enjoy the history of the London Borough of Camden. Since 1970, we have worked voluntarily to research the social and architectural history of an area that stretches from Highgate to Holborn and Kilburn to King's Cross. We have discovered stories of growth, struggle, invention and inspiration, and can share that with you through our many local history publications and regular public events.'

'If you are interested in Canterbury, its history, archaeology and buildings, then our organisation may be for you. Visit over 800 web pages to see stunning architecture, interesting history and find out about colourful characters who left their mark on Canterbury. We hope you will join us at one of our lectures or one of our excursions to places of interest.'

'The Society was formed in 1988 following the Abbey Millennium celebrations in 1987 ... The Society always has a lively and varied programme of interesting talks and visits which are selected to appeal to a wide local audience.'

'Our Group's aim is to collect the history of Chaddesden and its surrounding area for the benefit of future generations as well as for today's historians ... We hold monthly meetings ... With a guest speaker, refreshments and lively company available a good time is assured.'

'A group of around 100 members, who take an interest in local history. Talks are held 8.00 o'clock second Thursday of the month, from September to May.'

'Chatham Historical Society was founded in 1950. Its objectives are to bring together those who are interested in the history and archaeology of the Medway Towns and the immediate surrounding area, and to collect and record material relating to the history of this area. We hold monthly meetings at which guest speakers talk about subjects of historical and/or local interest. All the meetings are open to the public, and visitors are very welcome.'

'Formed in 1984 "to advance the education of the general public in the history and architecture of Chipping Campden and its surrounding villages" ... We are a very active society, with close to 300 members and a regular attendance of 80 at our monthly talks. Our members have undertaken research projects on a variety of topics.'

'Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month ... New members are welcome.'