Upcoming Events
June 2026
The Ten Edwards of Lichfield
Following on from the success of 2025’s talk the Ten Georges of Lichfield, local historian and author Jono Oates tells the stories behind ten Edwards associated with Lichfield, from monarchs to sheriffs and from shopkeepers to bishops. Some of them are well known but others have since disappeared from the archives. The Ten Edwards covers the period from the mid-16th century to the 21st century, so also provides a fascinating backdrop to the history of Lichfield over the centuries. This…
Find out more »July 2026
Who was Dr Edward Kent Parson?
This illustrated talk by Lichfeldian Kent Parson, will share fascinating research into his ancestor, Dr Edward Kent Parson. Hear about a physician cum inventor and a man who lived an intriguing life linked to a Battle, an Arctic expedition, and a multi-million pound estate!
Find out more »September 2026
Queen Jind Kaur of Punjab and Six Princesses
Lichfield Cathedral houses a war memorial to the soldiers who defeated Punjab's Sikh Empire in the 1840s. But on the losing side of the Anglo-Sikh Wars stood a woman: Maharani (Queen) Jind Kaur - Queen Regent, separated from her only child, imprisoned, and exiled - leaving her ten-year-old son, Maharaja Duleep Singh, to surrender the Koh-i-Noor diamond to the Queen of England - and the Sikh Kingdom of Punjab with it. If Queen Jind Kaur of Punjab was defeated, then…
Find out more »Chimney Sweeps’ climbing boys in Staffordshire.
A talk by Steve Booth This talk looks at the nationwide problems caused by the use of climbing children to sweep chimneys and how well-intentioned individuals in Staffordshire worked hard to eliminate their use, ably led by Francis Wedgwood – grandson of the great Josiah and the family connection to the Darwin’s.
Find out more »October 2026
Lunar Lecture – William Strutt FRS: A tradesman of some eminence by Dr Ian Jackson
As William Strutt left no journals or diary, we need to look at contemporary, third party, accounts of his work and legacies, to understand why he was so respected by his peers, including his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This talk traces his life, both personal and work, with the progression of his more famous improvements, such as fire-proof mills and the stove heating system, and other less well-known activities. Whilst William Strutt was recognised widely during…
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