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

The Society was founded in 1957 ‘to promote and encourage the knowledge of history, including that of Sherborne, Dorset and its neighbourhood’.

Join Sherborne Historical Society

Non-members – if you would like to join the Sherborne Historical Society, please click the ‘Join Us’ button below and enter your details as requested.

If you would like to attend a talk as a non member there is a fee of £5.00 payable on the door, cash or card.

Letter from the Chairman

I look forward to welcoming you all in September.

I have pleasure in announcing that the Society’s new season will run from 25th September 2025 to 19th March 2026. Lecture Secretary Roger White has once again organised a most interesting and varied Programme, which you will find listed on the Talks page.

The Talks will all begin at 8pm on Thursday evenings throughout the season and coffee/tea will be available as usual from 7.15pm-7.45pm.

In addition, we are happy to confirm that the drinks reception for NEW Members will be held prior to the Talk on Thursday 23rd October and the pre-Christmas Members’ Evening will follow the Talk on Thursday 4th December. Meanwhile, the AGM will be held immediately before the last Talk of the season on 19th March 2026.

Membership Subscription remains the same for the coming year – £20 Individual and £40 Joint Membership and, during the summer months, you will receive a Mailchimp from our Membership Secretary, who will advise you of the opening date for joining/renewing membership of the Society.

To join or renew, please go to the Registration page 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 Tall Trees, The Avenue, Sherborne DT9 3AH (Tel.01935 813340). Membership Cards will be delivered on receipt of subscriptions.

I look forward to welcoming you all in September.

Best wishes

Sheila Leaning

Chairman (July 2025)

Annual programmes of history talks spanning eras and continents...

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.

Explore the archive of recorded talks

Members – please click the 'Members Section' button below to listen to audio-recordings, with associated PowerPoint slides when available, of selected Talks that have been presented to the Society.

2025/26 Talks

Talks are held in the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, starting at 8pm.

Complimentary tea and coffee are available from 7.15pm.

25 Sep
2025

Sir Walter Ralegh at Sherborne

Thursday 25 September 2025
9 Oct
2025

Lady Anne Clifford: A Medieval Great Lady in the 17th Century

by Dr Adam White

Thursday 9 October 2025