A society for those interested in history
- both local and worldwide

 

SHERBORNE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The  Society was founded in 1957 'to promote and encourage the knowledge of history, including that of Sherborne, Dorset and its neighbourhood'. The Society has enjoyed the support of membership numbers of up to 400 through its annual programmes of history talks spanning eras and continents.

Talks are held in the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, starting at 8pm. Complimentary tea and coffee are available from 7.15pm.

Letter from the Chairman:

Dear All

I have pleasure in announcing that we are opening membership for our new season, which will run from 26th September 2023 to 14th March 2024. The interesting and varied programme is listed below and as usual the Talks will begin at 8pm on Tuesday evenings in the run up to Christmas and Thursdays evenings in the New Year – with tea/coffee available from 7.15pm. More details are to be found on the website.

Talks Programme 2023-2024

Tues. 26th Sept.  Sir Christopher Coville - The Battle of Britain: Close Call for Europe!
Tues. 10th Oct.  Robert Hesketh - 1918: The Last 100 Days – How some Devon newspapers reported
Tues. 24th Oct.  Professor Jonathan Harris - Byzantium and the fall of Constantinople
Tues. 7th Nov.  Christopher Massy-Beresford - Feting the Finns: 100 years of intrepid independence
Tues. 21st Nov.  Bill McNaught – Brunel: Father, Son and Grandson
Tues. 5th Dec.  Prof. David Carpenter – Henry iii: How can we know the personality of a Med. King?
Thurs. 4th Jan. Mr Ian Fraser – The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis explained
Thurs. 18th Jan.  Prof. Angelique Richardson & Dr Paul White – Hardy’s World: Through his Letters
Thurs. 1st Feb.  Dr Marie Rodet – Resistance to Slavery in Western Mali
Thurs. 15th Feb.  Barry Brock – Prison for the Poor: Gainsborough House, Dorset’s old Bridewell
Thurs. 29th Feb.  Dr Mark Smith – William Wilberforce: Myth and Reality
Thurs. 14th Mar.  Mr. Ian Fraser - The Death of Nelson: the painting by A W Devis examined.

In addition, we are happy to confirm that the drinks reception for NEW Members will be held prior to the Talk on Tuesday 24th October and the pre-Christmas Members’ Evening on Tuesday 5th December. The AGM, as is customary, will be held immediately before the last Talk of the Season on 14th March 2024.

The Membership Subscription remains the same for the coming year- £20 for an individual and £40 for Joint Membership. To Join or renew, please go online to membership.sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk and follow the prompts for registration and renewal by debit or credit card. If you do not have access to a computer and would prefer to pay by cheque through the post, please contact the Membership Secretary at 1 Francis Walk, Sherborne DT9 3SF (Tel. 01935 814286). Membership Cards will be delivered on receipt of subscriptions.

I look forward to welcoming you all in September.

Best wishes

Sheila Leaning

Chairman (July 2023)