COVID 19 UPDATE

As with so many social events, the branch has had to curtail our programme of speakers and events for the year. Our March talk took place but we have reluctantly felt it best to cancel the remainder of the programme for the year.

We are working on re-arranging these talks and hope that much of the programme below will be offered in 2021. 

SATURDAY 7 MARCH    

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WILLIAM WORCESTRE: A TOPOGRAPHICAL TOUR OF LATE FIFTEENTH CENTURY BRISTOL

Illustrated talk by Professor Peter Fleming           

Worcestre was one of England’s earliest topographers who, during breaks in his employment by Sir John Fastolf, left copious notes on his travels in Southern England together with wide ranging antiquarian and philosophical musing.  He is most well known for his detailed description of his birth place, Bristol, compiled largely during a short visit to his home town in the late summer of 1480.

SATURDAY 4 APRIL        

RICHARD III AND SHAKESPEARE

Multi-media presentation by Dr Allan Phillipson

A multi-media evaluation of how Shakespeare depicted the Wars of the Roses in the plays Henry VI and Richard III.  How does this compare with actual “history” and how was Shakespeare influenced in his content by politics and contemporary prevailing historical accounts ?

This will be a special two hour presentation with a mid-point break for refreshments.

SATURDAY 2 MAY          

MEDIEVAL PILGRAMAGE – FAITH, FUN OR FOLLY ?

Illustrated talk by Emeritus Professor Nicholas Orme       

Nicholas Orme's lecture will cover pilgrimages of all kinds and for all reasons: piety, seeking health, and enjoyment of travel.  He will also consider those who regarded such journeys as foolish and shrines as misleading and how critics finally won when the Reformation came.

SATURDAY 6 JUNE         

MEDIEVAL GLOUCESTER

Illustrated talk by Dr. Nicholas Herbert  

A view of general life in the medieval city plus a detailed evaluation of industry, physical development, trading connections and how it was  governed.

SATURDAY 4 JULY          

THE COTSWOLDS DURING THE WARS OF THE ROSES

Illustrated talk by Tim Porter      

An in-depth overview of events during the period and how these impacted on the life in the area.  Tim will discuss buildings, churches, people and the landscapes of the Cotswolds.  In the latter topic we will look at the battles of Nibley Green and Edgecote.

This will be a special extended meeting with Tim giving the presentation in two parts with a mid-afternoon tea break.

SATURDAY 1 AUGUST  

FIELD TRIP:  A SELECTION OF CHURCHES IN THE CIRENCESTER AREA

A leisurely day in the Cotswolds where we will visit some local church “gems”.  The day will conclude with an optional cream tea.  Full details will be issued later.

SATURDAY 5 SEPT          

THE BATTLEFIELD AT MORTIMER’S CROSS

Illustrated talk by Gary Ball, Project Manager, Mortimer’s Cross Battlefield Project            

Controversy persists in respect of the actual site of the battle and a new archaeological investigation has been introduced to assess the two sites currently in contention.

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER              

BRANCH AGM

followed by an illustrated talk on SUMPTUARY LAWS by Angela Iliff

An overview of the laws in general with special focus on those introduced during the reign of Edward III.

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER            

LAST CHAMPION OF YORK: FRANCIS LOVELL: RICHARD III’s TRUEST FRIEND

Talk by Steve David        

Lovell grew up with Richard in the household of Warwick the Kingmaker and remained a loyal supporter even after Richard’s death at Bosworth.  The talk will review the life of Lovell, his devotion to the Yorkist cause and his mysterious disappearance after the Battle of Stoke Field.

SATURDAY 28 NOV or SATURDAY 6 DEC               

CHRISTMAS GATHERING

The actual date and format for the meeting will be made available later.