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

In the absence of an Outings Secretary on our Committee, it has been decided to run one Summer Outing this year.

On Wednesday July 3rd, we have organised a coach trip to Hereford Cathedral and Gardens. This will include an official tour and a cream tea.
Pickup points at Innage Car Park at 9.00 am, and Severn Street Car Park at 9.10 am. Return time approx. 5.30 pm.
The inclusive cost is £45.  
Bookings are either with a £5 non-refundable deposit, or the full amount, with cheques payable to Cheyenne Tours. If you wish to join us, please telephone Audrey Cooper, 01746767124 or 07800 595662 asap.

Winter talks

Our winter talks take place in the Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth, WV15 6BB, and start at 7.30pm.
A programme of next Winter's talks will be published here as soon as arrangements are finalised.

These were the talks we enjoyed recently:

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
Due to the sad and sudden death of Mr. Martin Jones, the talk he was due to give has been cancelled. Instead, Dorothy Nicolle will give a talk entitled "Charles Darwin - the origin of a naturalist".
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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