Programme for 2025-2026
We have an exciting programme of talks for 2025-2026, covering a range of subject matter from local to national and across the ages.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 7.30pm, at the Windhill Churches Centre, Windhill, Bishops Stortford, CM23 2ND.
Non-members are welcome to all meetings, for a £5 entry payable at the door (cash or card)
The nearest car parks can be found at Basbow Lane (CM23 2NA) and Apton Road (CM23 3SN). Both are just a short walk from the Centre. Please note that the charging regime continues to 8:00pm. A little further away, the car park in Jackson Square, under Sainsbury’s, is free after 6:00pm
September 18
The Jottings of Two Hertfordshire Vicars
Dr Heather Falvey
During the 17th and 18th centuries, two Hertfordshire vicars kept notes recording parish business, in particular poor relief payments, charitable bequests and rating disputes. Other jottings related to local amenities, for example Buntingford Grammar School and Bishop Ward’s Hospital. The notebook is an example of how a seemingly innocuous item can inform local history.
October 16
The Huguenot Legacy
Rosemary Hayes
In the late 17th century, more than 50,000 Huguenots, including skilled artisans and professionals, fled to England from Louis XIV’s France. They brought their talents and skills, enriching their adopted country, yet they integrated so seamlessly that their legacy is often forgotten. Here the history and contributions of these French Protestant refugees will be explored.
November 20
From Flanders Field to the Tower
Richard Thomas
In 2014 the centenary of the start of the Great War was commemorated by the creation of the Blood Swept Fields and Seas of Red at the Tower of London. The story behind the origin of the Remembrance Poppy is explored in this talk
December 18
Keep History Sailing: Norfolk Wherries
Judith Keogh
Once a vital part of local heritage stretching back to the 17th Century, there are now only eight wherries left on the Norfolk Broads. Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust is responsible for maintaining and restoring five of these. The talk will cover the history of the wherries as well as their role and importance.
January 15
Thames Mudlarking Treasures
Stephen and Jack Engeham
Mudlarks once scraped a living on the shores of the Thames finding items to survive extreme poverty. Fast tides made it a dangerous activity: the mud was treacherous and disease-carrying. Now mudlarks use metal detectors and trowels in their hunt for objects from the past. Stephen and Jack Engeham will be guiding us through their treasures from the River Thames found over the last decade.
February 19
The Road: A Story of Romans and Ways to the Past
Christopher Hadley
Almost everyone in Britain lives close to a Roman road if only they knew where to look. When the Roman legions were recalled, they left behind a vast road network. Christopher Hadley set out to retrace one such road from Braughing to Great Chesterford, battling against time and nature, searching for clues to its route. ‘The Road‘ tells the story of his journey to discover this elusive Roman road.
March 19
A Possible Saxon Cemetery in Castle Park?
Tremaine Edmonds, Museum of London Archaeology
Human remains excavated at Castle Park could shine a light on an otherwise little-known era of Bishops Stortford’s history. How do archaeologists excavate such a unique site and what questions can we answer about those that lived and were buried here so long ago?
April 16
Women in Intelligence: The Hidden Story of two World Wars
Dr Helen Fry
During World Wars I and II many women defied the conventions of the time, taking on a range of roles in intelligence. Their roles were far from being an insignificant part of the operations: they ran spy networks, managed escape lines and interrogated prisoners. Our speaker will explore their history.
May 14
AGM and a talk by BSHS Chair: The History of Malting in Bishop’s Stortford and its Impact on the Town
Tim Howard-Smith
Lying near to the great barley producing areas of East Anglia and yet relatively close to London, Bishop’s Stortford was well positioned to become a malting centre but how did it become the largest malting production centre in the country? This presentation looks at the history of malting locally as well as its impact on the town in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Refreshments will be served at the beginning and end of the event.
The programme for the 2025-26 season can be downloaded here.