Are you looking for speakers Are you wanting a lively presentation for your group?
SHREWSBURY HISTORICA
BESPOKE PRESENTATIONS FOR YOUR GROUP or SOCIETY
To find out more email us at info@shrewsburyhistorica.co.uk
Are you looking for speakers Are you wanting a lively presentation for your group?
BESPOKE PRESENTATIONS FOR YOUR GROUP or SOCIETY
To find out more email us at info@shrewsburyhistorica.co.uk
A FREE tour of St Mary’s Church,
The special tour at St. Mary's Church in March offers an opportunity to explore the rich 1000-year history held within its walls. The church is known for its remarkable collection of stained glass, which encompasses styles from the 14th to the 19th centuries. These stained glass pieces were acquired from various locations, particularly in Europe, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection at St. Mary's is considered one of the finest medieval European collections in the country.
During the tour, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the ongoing restoration of some of the windows in the Trinity Chapel. This provides insight into the progress of the restoration work and the processes involved.
It's important to note that this is a free event, but donations to the Church of St. Mary's are always appreciated.
Date: Thursday April 11 at 7 pm
Venue: Bear Steps Medieval Hall
How did people get their water in the Tudor period through to more contemporary times.
This proves to be a fascinating talk by Mike Dinneen Chairman of Shrewsbury Civic Society who is an expert on this subject one which is necessary to us all …….Water…….very rarely does it feature in presentations. How do we get water, how do we distribute water, throughout the ages in our town of Shrewsbury.
This is a continuation of our Architecture Series which we started last year.
Charles Robert Darwin, the renowned English naturalist, was born on February 12, 1809, in a house located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. The house is known as "Darwin House." it has been undergoing renovations, this tour allows you to see the progress so far.
Step into the enchanting past of Shrewsbury on our "Medieval Heart of Shrewsbury" tour. Explore timber-framed buildings, immerse yourself in the rich medieval history of this Tudor town. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time. The tour covers the central area of Shrewsbury. and lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Newspapers and Networks
The development of the printed word and the start of the Shrewsbury Chronicle; the development of turnpike trusts and the beginning of the stagecoach business in Shrewsbury; the rise and decline of Shrewsbury’s river trade; the development of the Shrewsbury Canal; the coming of the railways to Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury’s lost railway stations.
People and Production
The Shrewsbury Season – high society in 18th century Shrewsbury; the battles against cholera and smallpox; the reasons for the construction of the Ditherington Flax Mill; key industries in Shrewsbury; dealing with poverty and social attitudes towards the poor and needy; the construction of Shrewsbury Prison and the ending of public executions.
Improvements and Innovations
Population, congestion and changes to trading; the ‘beautification’ of the town; planning and other forms of regulation; the new buildings of Shrewsbury, such as the Salop Infirmary, the Shirehall and the Music Hall; ragged schools, the Lancasterian model and the concept of educating females; Sunday Schools and Shrewsbury School; the improvements made by Thomas Telford.
Fame and Fortune
The chaotic but restricted nature of 18th century politics; significant milestones in Shrewsbury’s electoral past; the fame or infamy of Admiral John Benbow, Lord Robert Clive and Viscount Rowland Hill; the presence of John Wesley, the construction of St Chad’s and the destruction of St Mary’s; leisure and the development of organised sport; strange attitudes towards relationships.
Personalities and Places
The growing population and the changing ways of crossing the River Severn; the significance of Charles Darwin, Julia Wightman and Thomas Southam in Shrewsbury; the tower at the castle and the toilet in Wyle Cop; Mad Jack Mytton and the problems of indebtedness; the changing townscape of Shrewsbury as revealed from old maps.
Bibbs is a trailblazer in history, travel, and cultural heritage.
After five years in Egypt as a young girl, then a year in Manhattan as a 19-year-old. Her career began in London training as a buyer and then as a Training Air Stewardess, giving her firsthand exposure to diverse cultures. She later became a guide at The British Museum, sharing the wonders of ancient Egyptian history with visitors.
Bibbs then ventured into the corporate world, co-founding a media technology business in the USA, serving as Vice President. Drawing from her experience, she established Sacred Site Tours, a company specializing in educational travel experiences to culturally significant sites in Europe.
Bibbs is also actively involved in preserving history and promoting cultural heritage as Vice Chairman of The Civic Society, her involvement with the preservation of Darwin's home stems from this time In this capacity, where she worked tirelessly to bring the birthplace of Darwin to the public as a possible site for a cultural center celebrating his life.
Russell's dedication to educating and inspiring Shropshire's youth as a History and Politics teacher in Much Wenlock is indeed commendable. His passion for history extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his successful presentation of "The History Series." The fact that the series has been expanded due to high demand speaks to Russell's ability to engage and captivate his audience with his in-depth exploration of Shrewsbury's history.
Russell's time studying German in Germany during his university years showcases his curiosity and interest in diverse cultures and languages. This experience likely broadened his perspective and provided him with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of history and global affairs.
Furthermore, Russell's recent appointment to the board of U3a as Secretary demonstrates his continued commitment to lifelong learning and education. U3a, or the University of the Third Age, is an organization that promotes learning and social engagement for older adults. Russell's involvement in this role indicates his desire to contribute to the intellectual growth and well-being of the community.
In addition, Russell's role as a trustee of The Civic Society and his co-founding of Shrewsbury Historica further illustrate his dedication to preserving and promoting the town's heritage. These positions likely involve active participation in initiatives that aim to protect historical buildings, raise awareness about local history, and foster a sense of pride in the community's heritage.
Lastly, as a lifelong supporter of Shrewsbury Town, Russell's extensive knowledge of the town's sporting history adds yet another layer of expertise to his already impressive understanding of Shrewsbury's history. His familiarity with the town's inns further showcases his attention to detail and his ability to uncover lesser-known aspects of the town's historical narrative.
Overall, Russell's passion for history, his commitment to education, and his active involvement in preserving and promoting Shrewsbury's heritage make him a valuable asset to the community and a respected figure in the field of local history.
A derelict group of old cottages were due to be demolished in the 1960s but was restored by Shrewsbury Civic Society and opened to the public free of charge in 1973. That was 50 years ago this year.
Shrewsbury Civic Society will celebrate its anniversary on Civic Day on Saturday, June 17th 2023
With thanks to the following groups for requesting our services.
Please note that for group booking a minimum £25 charge is made to be given to a designated Charity Plus any other donations.
We are grateful that with your support, our events we have donated in the thousands of pounds to local charities to date.
See what we have done for our groups below and let us know if we can help you.
Info@shrewsburyhistorica.co.uk
Shrewsbury Civic Society
The History Series
A five-year series of the in-depth History of Shrewsbury.
We will start our new part in August on the 18th and 19th Century.
Exhibitions: Young Darwin, The Journey of a lifetime on HMS Beagle, Extraordinary Women of Shropshire, The Renovation of Bear Steps Medieval Hall.
Darwin Talks: The Darwin Family, Charles Darwin and HMS Beagle, Captain Fitzroy and Charles Darwin
U3a
A Tour of St Mary’s Church for private history groups and one for a U3a Group.
History talks for individual History groups.
Darwin Birthplace Trust
Tours and presentations for various groups at Darwin House.
2022 Darwin’s Birthday Party. The first event in over 100 years to celebrate Charles Darwin birth in his birthplace.
2023 Darwin Festival, A Talk on Ralph Vaughan Williams with his music.
2023 December. A Christmas Carol a reading of Dickens much loved seasonal book, with mince pies and mulled wine
2024 Better than a Dog A talk on Charles and Emma
2024 The Emma Darwin and Chopin Connection.
St Mary's Church
2023
The Stained-Glass Festival
Artist Bethany Sinclair Exhibition Shards of Light from New York USA
The Stained-Glass Festival Tour of St Mary’s for various Groups
Eight Tours
2023
St Mary’s Christmas Tour… Two tours
2024
Darwin Festival at St Mary’s
A Tour of St Mary’s with the Headmaster of Shrewsbury School Samuel Butler connection.
STCRA
2022
2023
Dear DBT, John & Bibbs,
What an amazing day you put on for us today! We all really enjoyed it. It was lovely to discover another part of Shrewsbury, to see the family house and learn more about the Darwins. Everyone was so helpful and enthusiastic which is great.
Wrekin Arts Society July 2023
Can I buy tickets without going on a computer?
Yes call 01743 360488 and leave your name, email and how many tickets you require.
Can we just show up?
Sometimes we are sold out and we then have to turn you away. Better to reserve a ticket beforehand.
Our Talks for groups available now at info@shrewsburyhistorica.co.uk
Are you planning your schedule for future events?
We can make a presentation for any subject required.
Please look at what we offer.
NOTE: The railway series is a mix-and-match series, which allows the audience to choose which lines to focus on and for how long. For instance, an audience can choose to mix the Wolverhampton line with the lines west of Shrewsbury or to join the north and south of Shrewsbury to focus on the complete line
between Whitchurch and Ludlow/Woofferton.