Past Events
April 2024
“Let My Quick Fate a Warning Be”………Fatal Transport Accidents in the West Midlands 1820 -1920, presented by Quintin Watt
This illustrated presentation deals with various accidents that involved the region's stage-coaches, canals, railways and trams. What 'Health & Safety' lessons were learnt from these many tragic mishaps? Tickets include Tea and Coffee Quintin taught History at a high school in Bromsgrove for 39 years. He has completed two Masters Degrees, in West Midlands Regional History (1993) and Britain and the First World War (2022). Quintin has written several articles for local history magazines. He has also edited two books:…
Find out more »The Good, The Bad And The Deadly.- FULLY BOOKED
A talk by Sheelagh James. Medicine (but not as we know it!) in the Georgian Period. 'It is often hazardous to marry an heiress, as she is not infrequently the last of a diseased family.' Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802) Tea/coffee included in ticket price.
Find out more »Lunar Lecture – ‘For all our people’:the establishment of a public library service in Victorian Birmingham.by Steve Hewett
'For all our people': the establishment of a public library service in Victorian Birmingham. Steve Hewett is a retired university librarian with an interest in local and regional history. He is in his final year of doctoral research for a PhD, investigating the development of civic culture in Birmingham during the late eighteenth- and nineteenth centuries, in particular looking at the campaign for a free library service which began in the 1850s. Book tickets here
Find out more »May 2024
Stafford Gaol And How To Get There by Steve Geale
This lecture tracks the developing UK history of criminal Courts and Prisons. The talk will include Lichfield Assize at the Guildhall and the holding cell. Lichfield Gallows Wharf The purchase of the body of Thomas Williams (hanged 1762) The course of anatomical lectures held daily on the body at Erasmus Darwin House Tickets include tea/coffee Buy tickets here
Find out more »Lunar Lecture – An Evening with John Smedley by Jane Middleton Smith
The talk will outline the history of a remarkable, family-owned company which this year celebrates its 240th birthday. Producers of fine gauge, luxury yarns and knitwear from the late 18th century, John Smedley garments have a reputation for style, quality and longevity: attributes well-attuned to today's emphasis on sustainability. Based at Lea Mills, near Matlock since 1784 and sold in the company's London shops as well as exported to over 46 countries world-wide. John Smedley's garments have earned two Royal Warrants and…
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