This presentation had originally been planned for early 2020 but was cancelled because of the covid pandemic. This is a talk about the effect on people and the landscape of opening up heathland when historically all the fields were enclosed.  How did this affect our agricultural and farming ancestors? Our speaker, Richard Churchley, is an […]

Charles Street and the surrounding area disappeared under the ring road of Wolverhampton and there is now a collaborative ongoing project to remember the stories of those who lived there in the past.  Come and learn of what has so far been discovered and understand the events of the area that affected those living there.  […]

This talk begins with the tale of a family bible, pre-internet research, a single name society, and the discovery of a famous ancestor, George Back, who charted the fabled North West Passage.  Our speaker, Nigel Metcalfe, will share his research and discoveries with us but most importantly tell us the story of a famous ancestor. […]

This will be a DVD presentation by Roy Stallard, a well known Wolverhampton hospital historian who will share his knowledge of the history of these iconic local Wolverhampton hospitals from his extensive research and experience of working there. Unfortunately Roy is no longer able to present in person but he has very kindly provided us […]

We may be aware of Burke and Hare, the body snatchers of the early 1800 in Edinburgh, but did you know that grave robbing and body snatching went on in many places around the UK, even in the Black Country?   Why did it happen?  What steps did our ancestors take to prevent their family members […]

Change to Previously Advertised Presentation: Charles George Gordon - AKA Chinese Gordon, Gordon Pasha, Gordon of Khartoum - a Victorian hero prised from the true Victorian mould.  Why was it that a Royal Engineer General, who decided to take over a town in the middle of a desert, became a national hero and brought down […]

This is our last Wolverhampton meeting of 2023.  Details of our programme for 2024 will be shared.   A presentation of  "Another 12 Days of Christmas" or 12 different records to explore over the festive period will be offered. Christmas nibbles and soft drinks will be available all with time to chat with other members - […]

A look at the stories of those who are often unheard.   Digging into the records our presenter, Keith Robinson, uncovers the fate of Wednesbury's poor and some who were present in the workhouse in the town and in that of West Bromwich.  Keith looks at the children who were indentured as parish apprentices and the […]

This is an change to our original planned meeting. We will now enjoy a talk about two Mander brothers who had lived at Wightwick Manor, now a National Trust property, in Wolverhampton, and who each married an Indian princess.  These two ladies were sisters, born in Calcutta in the 1890's, the daughters of Nripendra Narayan, […]

One of our members, Dave Bowdley, will be telling us about his experiences in the mines as an Engineer and of his later work with a mine rescue team. Dave will tell us how his skills, and those of his colleagues, have been in demand around the world in recent years and he will be […]

A very interesting presentation about this scheme to record historic finds.   Learn how the scheme started, what is recorded and how.  When does the coroner become involved and what is classed as 'treasure'.   Perhaps you will learn about local finds and discover how you can access this resource and information. Victoria Allnatt from the Birmingham […]

Join us for a talk about the curiosities & oddities wrapped up in Dudley's history, using dozens of images from a huge collection of engraved prints, postcards, photographs, maps and memorabilia from the town. Our presenter Craig Denston has a back ground in Creative Arts with experience in puppet and mask making, sculptural costume and […]