Unlike those painters who use their artistic licence to great effect, those artists who painted ship portraits are renowned for a careful and accurate depiction of their subjects. The ships' masters commissioning the work demanded a precise rendition of their chosen vessel. Our speaker, Jonathan Aylen, explores the narratives and…
Miss Lydia Becker was a suffragist, scientist and trailblazer from Manchester, who in the late 19th century became the national leader of the women's suffrage movement, inspiring a 14 year old Emmeline Pankhurst. Although dying 13 years before the founding of the Suffragettes, her work helped to lay the foundations…
This month we have Dr Michael Nevell, Head of Archaeology at the University of Salford, looking at the archaeology of Warburton from its prehistoric past to its 19th century buildings. We will be taking a look at the Warburton Roman hoard, the timber framed and brick buildings of the…
The nights might be short but Tom Jones, a Chester tour guide, will still be able to find the darker areas of Chester, giving us an insight into the strange and inexplicable goings-on in and around Chester when the bats are out and about.
Anthony Annakin Smith, a local historian, will be telling us about the establishment of the Foundling Hospital in Chester. This hospital was established in 1763 to take the overflow of babies left at the London Hospital which, as part of its funding, was required to admit any infant that arrived…
After a summer of delights we can look forward to a new season of talks. We start in September with Owen Powell from the Great War Society. He will be explaining how the Boer War led to apartheid in South Africa and how it affected the future conflicts of WW1…
This month our speaker is Margaret Ingham, Chair of the Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge. The Friends act as the independent voice of the bridge, which is the only rail transporter bridge in the world. Also known as Bank Quay Transporter Bridge or Crossfield's Transporter Bridge crossing the River Mersey,…
In November we are taking a look at Queen Victoria who was a carrier for the hereditary bleeding disease haemophilia. Eight of her 9 children married into the royal families of Europe, proving disastrous for some of those families and having a significant effect on the history of Europe. Hear…
In December we have magician Peter Turner giving us a history of magic and entertaining us with magic tricks. We are meeting at the Owley Wood Recreation Club, CW8 3LS and with a meal for £12, the event has to be booked. Please see Next Meeting for details.
It might be cold outside but this January you will receive a warm reception from the members of the Society. This month Elizabeth Williams, a former Trustee of the Elizabeth Gaskell House in Manchester will be looking at how fallen women were viewed in the Victorian period.