Programme for 2025-2026
We have an exciting programme of talks for 2026-2027, 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, Bishop’s 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 17
The Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
Ian Mursell
The momentous story of the Spanish invasion of Mexico (1519-1521) will focus on the Aztecs but include reference to the Maya. Commonly held myths about the conquest, opposing viewpoints and ‘cultural resistance’ will be explored, and the legacy and achievements of the Aztecs and Maya highlighted.
October 15
Russia in the 1990s: Boris Yeltsin and a Troubled Transition to Democracy
Dr Jonathan Davis
Boris Yeltsin dominated Russian politics during the 1990s. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he led Russia’s transition to a market-based democracy. This was a chaotic decade, reflecting Yeltsin’s character. The talk looks at his attempts to establish free-market capitalism and liberal democracy at a time of economic chaos, political instability and the war in Chechnya: the hope of a new future became a new time of troubles.
November 19
The London Shipwreck: Her Final voyage.
Jools McCusker Maxwell
The ‘London’, a 64-gun warship, served during the Anglo-Spanish war and later transported the future King James II of England & Ireland and James VII of Scotland during the monarchy’s restoration. In 1665, the ship tragically exploded in the Thames Estuary, killing 300 people. Objects recovered from the wreck included a rare 17th-century gun carriage. All were analysed and conserved through research commissioned by Historic England.
December 17
The Intriguing History of the Castle at Clavering
Simon Coxall
Simon presents the intriguing history, hydrology and archaeology of Clavering Castle in North-West Essex which culminated in excavations conducted at the scheduled site in June 2025. Was this the ‘Robert’s castle’ in which the Normans sheltered from the wrath of the Godwins, or was this the scene of the ‘Miracle of the Ring’ which was key to Edward the Confessor’s sainthood? Why was it destroyed?
January 21
A History of Matching Airfield
Mark Ratcliff
An illustrated talk that details the construction of the airfield in 1943, its occupation by the 391st Bombardment Group of the 9th USAAF in 1944 and subsequently by the RAF. Some of the tragedies that the 391st Bombardment Group suffered will be discussed as well as what remains of the airfield today. A selection of artefacts will be available to examine.
February 18
A Look Inside Some Churches in The Hundred Parishes
Ken McDonald
The Hundred Parishes cover a mainly rural area spanning a hundred administrative parishes surrounding Bishop’s Stortford. Examples of its many historic and attractive features not far from our town, promise surprises.
March 18
Francis Barber, Dr Johnson and Bishop’s Stortford Grammar School
Michael Bundock
In the mid-eighteenth century, Bishop’s Stortford Grammar School was very highly regarded. One of its most remarkable pupils was Francis Barber, once enslaved in Jamaica, who was sent to the school by the great man of letters, Samuel Johnson. How did Barber end up in Bishop’s Stortford and what became of him? This talk will tell his story.
April 15
Charles II and the Restoration
Dr David Smith
This presentation will examine the personality, life and reign of Charles II (1630-85). He was a remarkable and colourful monarch who, through a mixture of charisma and political skill, managed to re-establish the monarchy after the Interregnum. What personal qualities enabled this and did he have consistent principles or beliefs?
May 210
AGM followed by: The Other Conquest: Changing Kings in the Early Eleventh Century from Æthelred the Unready to Cnut
Professor Katy Cubitt
1016 marked the accession of Cnut, the Danish king, to the English throne, a watershed moment as Æthelred the Unready’s (978-1016) line had ruled England since the sixth century. Cnut had to justify winning the kingdom by force and to establish himself as the rightful Christian ruler. Tensions and resolution behind his consecration will be explored, set in the context of Æthelred’s tumultuous reign beset by Viking attack and internal faction. The roles of the archbishops of Canterbury and York will also be examined.
Refreshments will be served at the beginning and end of the event.
The programme for the 2026-27 season can be downloaded here.