Meetings start at 7:30.
2019
17 September David Whitehead: ‘The Black Death in Herefordshire’. The late 14th century saw nearly half Herefordshire’s population dead from the plague. Intriguing archaeological and historical evidence reveals the impact on the county’s social structure.
15 October Tim Hoverd: ‘The Iron Age in Herefordshire’. Why and when were Herefordshire’s hill forts developed? Why did they fall into disuse leaving only post holes and pottery fragments? Myths and legends considered and challenged.
19 November Peter Ford: ‘Herbert Armstrong: Murder or Miscarriage?’ In 1921, Armstrong became the only solicitor ever to be hanged for murder in the UK. Whether he was guilty or not, the story behind his wife’s death will be closely examined.
17 December Don Balkwill: ‘Forgotten Gadgets’. Guess the use and identity of yesterday’s tools and appliances. Don will bring some examples; bring your own too. Followed by GHG’s Annual Bring and Share Christmas Party.
2020
21 January Tony Usher: ‘From Roman Roads to Railways: Connecting People in Herefordshire. Transport networks shaped the fortunes of Herefordshire. From Roman roads, medieval trackways, river navigations, turnpikes, canals and tramways to Victorian steam engines.
18 February Dr Ann Benson: ‘Raglan Castle: a Renaissance Palace of National Importance’ More palace than castle, knot gardens, bowling green terraces, lake, moat and water parterre are digitally recreated in this beautifully illustrated talk.
17 March Heather Hurley & Rosanna Scudamore Watts: ‘Kentchurch Court and the Scudamores. Archives, portraits, letters and journals are explored to take a new look at the family’s history between 1790 and the great flood of 1959.
21 April Malcolm Watson: ‘Boil a mouse in urine – the care of infants in Tudor times’. A consideration of the Tudor and Stuarts’ approach to birth and child care that will provoke shock, horror, laughter and discussion. This illustrated talk will follow a very short AGM.