# Bradfield Historical Society > The local historical society of Bradfield Berkshire ## Posts - [Summer outing to Aldworth - St Mary’s Church and the Aldworth Giants and the Aldworth Millennium Tapestry on 15 July 2026](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=623): Bradfield Historical society Summer outing to Aldworth – St Mary’s Church and the Aldworth Giants and the Aldworth Millennium Tapestry on 15 July 2026 The BHS summer outing was a resounding success, offering a memorable exploration of local heritage just a short distance from home.  The excursion for 48 of the BHS members to St Mary’s Church at Aldworth provided an unforgettable afternoon filled with medieval history, stunning local craftsmanship, and excellent company. The day’s itinerary seamlessly blended ancient legend with modern commemoration, well-received by all attendees. Our sincere thanks to our hosts and speakers, Dr Christopher Paterson and Sarah… - [2nd November 2026 - A Fascinating insight into English Rural Life in the Medieval Period](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=620): A Fascinating Insight intoEnglish Rural Life in theMedieval Period Speaker: Barnaby Bucknall Monday 2nd November 2026 (Doors open from 7:00pm) Barnaby is a graduate of History from theUniversity of York, who focused on theMedieval period. Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [28th september 2026 - The history of Beekeeping](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=618): The history of Beekeeping Speaker: Adrian Doyle Monday 28th september 2026 (Doors open from 7:00pm) Adrian has been Chair of Newbury DistrictBeekeepers and runs a beekeeping companywith over 200 hives that has won severalnational awards Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [29th June 2026 - More than Beer, Bulbs and biscuits - Reading's other Industries](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=616): More than Beer, Bulbs andBiscuits – Reading’s OtherIndustries Speaker: Jo alexander-Jones Monday 29th June 2026 (Doors open from 7:00pm) While Reading is rightly renowned for its baking, brewing and seed businesses, the town had many lesser-known industries that brought with them prosperity and, just as importantly, jobs for the wider population. In a time when most companies were privately owned, we will explore four of these companies and the people who owned them – Huntley, Boorne & Stevens (iron and tinsmiths), The Reading Ironworks, Poulton (brickworks) and Serpells (biscuit manufacturers). Jo Alexander-Jones has a passion for local history and especially… - [27th April 2026 - Ignored, undervalued and overlooked: woman's contributions to science engineering and medicine](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=613): Ignored, undervalued andoverlooked: women’scontributions to science,engineering and medicine. Speaker: Chris Curry Monday 27th April 2026 (Doors open from 7:00pm) This presentation will look at women’saccomplishments and celebrate theirscientific and engineering achievements inwhat will be an informative and, at times,somewhat amusing talk. Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or… - [23rd Februrary 2026 - Dispelling the myth of the sinking of the titanic](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=610): Dispelling the myths of thesinking of the Titanic Speaker: Tim Maltin Monday 23rd Februrary 2026 (Doors open from 7:00pm) Since its sinking in 1912, dozens of myths andconspiracy theories have circulated about The Titanic –from the actions of crew and passengers, to how thetragedy could have been avoided. Titanic expert TimMaltin will separate fact from fiction. Tim Maltin is a British author, historian and TV presenter. He is also one of the world’s leading experts on the Titanic and the author of three books on the subject. He co-wrote and presented with Jeremy Vine the landmark and award-winning BBC Radio… - [03rd November 2025 - Not all Beer and skittles](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=602): Not all Beer and Skittles Speaker: Sue Ellis Monday 3rd November 2025 (Doors open from 7:00pm) The British love their pubs and history suggests our enjoyment of beer and brewing is long-standing. This talk is a gentle, and hopefully amusing, ramble through the history of brewing, beer, breweries and pubs from the Romans to the present day, with some examples of pubs and breweries from the local area, as well as a look at pub ephemera. Sue Ellis is a local historian in the Thatcham and Newbury area who has taken the idea of hands-on research seriously in researching this… - [29th September 2025 - The swing riots](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=596): The swing riots – With a local focus Speaker: Dr David Peacock Monday 29th September 2025 (Doors open from 7:00pm) The Swing Riots were an outburst of revolt byagricultural workers in England in 1830, with WestBerkshire among many areas affected. From farmto farm, they smashed threshing machines anddemanded food and an increase in wages. DrPeacock looks briefly at the causes of the riots andrelates events to the local area.David Peacock researches, writes and gives talksabout the history of the Newbury area from theStone Age to the present day. He is the author ofThe Story of Newbury (2011) and Newbury RomanCemetery… - [30th June 2025: History of Reading School](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=583): History of Reading School – its 900th Anniversary year Speakers: Ken Brown & Chris Widdows Monday 30th June 2025 (Doors open from 7:00pm) Reading School was established shortly after the founding of Reading Abbey in 1125 by Henry I. In the early years, pupils were taught by Benedictine monks training young men for the priesthood. During its 900 years there have been various re-openings and changes in location, from the Abbey to the Hospitium of St John and later the site of the old town hall. Currently, Reading School is a single academy status grammar for around 1,000 boys, ranking… - [DORCAS WARD. MA (Cantab)](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=587): At our April meeting Dorcas Ward MA (Cantab.) was installed as Honorary President of the Bradfield Historical Society. Born and raised in Copyhold Farm next to the War Memorial, in Bradfield Southend, she has always been the person to go to if one had any questions about the village and the surrounding area. Her mother’s family (the Stevens) had played a prominent part in village life since 1740 and left a considerable amount of records which Dorcas has been able to use in her research. She read History at Cambridge and since she retired has enjoyed writing and talking about… - [28th April 2025: My life as a Cold War spy](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=572): My life as a Cold War spy Speaker: Major general (retd) peter Williams Monday 28th April 2025 (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [24th February 2025: The British Antarctic Survey](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=551): The British Antarctic Survey Speaker: Major (retd) Tony Keely Monday February 24th 2025 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) traces its inception to Operation Tabarin – a Second World War military operation, thence becoming the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) and then BAS. Early days focussed on surveying and some geology, changing focus to environmental matters, meteorology, glaciology and geophysics. In the early 70s, I spent two years down south as a meteorological observer and base commander. Hence I will give a personal view of those times as a FID Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road,… - [The Crofton Pumping Station on the Kennet and Avon Canal by Jonathan Willis](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=548): Written by John Bishop With a booming national economy and Bristol and Reading growing rapidly in the early eighteenth century, transport of goods was crucial. Roads were indifferent and generally poor, and horse drawn wagons very limited in the weight they could carry. Moving materials on water was a different matter. A barge 109ft long and 17ft wide could carry 100 tons of coal. When pulling upstream it would take a team of 12 horses, but just one going the other way if the river was flowing fast. The Avon had been navigable since the 12th Century but passage of… - [The Nabobs of Berkshire by Clive Williams OBE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=546): Written by John Bishop It all began in 1961 when Clive became a great friend of a man who eventually became Professor of Physics in Bengal. “You must come out!”, he said, and so Clive did. In 1998 he went to Calcutta. There, he went to the local cemetery and saw rows and rows of graves of young aspiring entrepreneurs from Britain who had died of disease in their quest for fortune. For every successful Nabod there were thousands of his compatriots who did not acquire vast fortunes but instead met premature death, often without a penny to their name.… - [Shaw House – Speaker: Sarah Somerville](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=542): Written by John Bishop Sarah Summerville had moved to Shaw House from High Clere Castle as “Visitor Service Operator”. The house is run by West Berkshire Council and putting a guide book in place was her immediate priority. Records of the house date back to the Doomsday Book. In 1581 Thomas Dolman built a show-off home specifically designed to attract royalty. And that it did. In 1592 Queen Elisabeth stayed for two nights. Thomas’ father was in the cloth trade and, like John Winchcombe, had acquired vast wealth. Thomas Junior inherited the huge estate around the old house. To prove… - [visit to Pendon: 8th July 2024](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=534): visit to pendon On 8th July 2024, a group of members visited Pendon Museum in Long Wittenham, near Wallingford. With the museum closed to the public, we had exclusive access, allowing everyone an unobstructed view of the three layouts: the fictional Madder Valley, Dartmoor, and the Vale of the White Horse. The detailed models of buildings, some of which still exist in the Vale, were truly impressive.  The Dartmoor and Vale layouts, set in the 1930s, offer a precise depiction of the social history of that era. The visit left a lasting impression on everyone, and a few members even… - [THE HISTORY OF THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CROFTON BEAM ENGINES](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=525): Speaker: Jon Willis Monday 24th June 2024 – 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) The Kennet & Avon canal opened in 1812 to provide goods to the growing cities of London, Reading, Bath and Bristol.  John Rennie and William Jessop were two of the famous canal engineers closely involved.  A major challenge was how to provide water to the summit of the canal at Crofton.  Amazingly, the solution of a steam operated beam engine pump can still do the same job today. Jon is an engineer who spent a large part of his career planning and developing railways to support the… - [29th April 2024: The Nabobs of West Berkshire](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=430): The Nabobs of West Berkshire Speaker: Clive Williams Monday 29th April 2024 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Clive Williams lives locally and, thanks to Indian connections, he became interested in the East India Company (EIC).  He discovered that in the C18th, Berkshire was known as ‘the English Hindoostan’; numerous retired merchants and employees of the EIC, known as Nabobs, an Anglicization of the Urdu word Nawab, settled in the county.  Englefield, Basildon Park and Purley Hall are the three nearest Nabob properties to Bradfield, but there are another seven just in West Berkshire.  Clive, a solicitor by profession, is uniquely… - [The History of the Falkland War by Brigadier Colin Tadier and Professor Martin Parsons.](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=509): Written by John Bishop The Falkland Islands became a British Colony in the 19th Century. The settlement soon grew as a deep-water port, specialising at first in ship repairs. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, Port Stanley was a major stop for ships travelling through the Straits of Magellan. The rough waters and intense storms found at the tip of the continent forced many ships to Stanley Harbour, and the shipping industry helped to drive the island economy. Later it became a base for whaling and sealing in the South Atlantic and Antarctic and was an important coaling station… - [Jersey. A Royal Peculiar.](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=493): Written by Martin Parsons Brig. (Retd) Colin Tadier gave a fascinating talk on the island of Jersey from the perspective of a proud Jersey man who can trace his family back to the 14th century. As well as providing a potted history from Neolithic times to the present day he explained the intricate details of the Jersey Royal potato, which has to be grown on the island to be worthy of the name and the Jersey cow which is the second largest milk producing breed in the world behind the Holstein-Friesian. The fact that between 1820-70 the island was a… - [25th September 2023: Jersey - A Peculiar of the Crown](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=261): JERSEY – A PECULIAR OF THE CROWN Speaker: Brigadier (retired) Colin Tadier Monday 25th September 2023 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Commissioned into the Royal Artillery, Colin served in the British Army throughout the world for 37 years, attaining the rank of Brigadier. For the last eight years he was a Director in the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. As a proud Jerseyman, with family ties going back to the 13th Century, he will provide an overview of Jersey’s history and significance, alongside other interesting facts and anecdotes. And yes, he will cover: Jersey potatoes & cows, the German Occupation, as… - [26th February 2024: ROMAN SILCHESTER](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=267): Speaker: Prof. Michael Fulford Monday 26th February 2023 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Professor Michael Fulford was promoted to Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading in 1988, following previous appointments as Reader (1985) and Lecturer (1974).  He is a Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and was appointed CBE in the New Years honours 2011. Silchester has been a major aspect of his archaeological research.  The Roman town of Silchester is unique among the towns of Britain.  The Roman Emperor Nero has his stamp on tiles used in the settlement.  Roman… - [6th November 2023: The History of the Falkland Islands War](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=428): The History of the Falkland Islands War Speaker: Peter Walker & Martin Parsons Monday 26th February 2024 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [30th September 2024: Shaw House – Berkshire’s Hidden Gem](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=435): Shaw House – Berkshire’s Hidden Gem Speaker: Sarah Somerville Monday 30th September 2024 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [4th November 2024: Donnington Castle](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=437): Donnington Castle Speaker: David Peacock Monday 4th November 2024 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Dr David Peacock will give a fascinating, illustrated introduction to the history of Donnington Castle (near Newbury), including the family who built it in the 14th century, connections to the Chaucers and a Queen of France, plus a brief look at its role in the English Civil War, which led to the destruction of much of the building. David Peacock researches, writes and gives talks about the history of the Newbury area from the Stone Age to the present day.  He is the author of The… - [Penelope Stokes speaking on Georgian Newbury](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=442): Written by John Bishop There was a clear expectation that we would hear an account of life in Newbury from 1700 to 1800. Penelope has just published her excellent book “Georgian Newbury”, which covers everything about life in Newbury, schools, shops, the corporation, doctors and disease, crime and punishment, politics and protest, and the importance of church and chapel. But we were privileged to much more.  Penelope chose four characters, all of whom, regardless of wealth or upbringing, made a substantial difference to the lives of their fellow men. John Collet was a London born doctor of high esteem. He… - [Jack of Newbury, David Peacock](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=448): Written by John Bishop In the hundred years from 1450 to 1550 the English woollen industry enjoyed great success and brought great wealth to the nation. Sales were to the continent through Antwerp and beyond. This was the result of clothiers organising the rural cloth industry in the West Country, Suffolk/Essex, the Kentish Weald and Newbury and its surrounds to produce cloth that London merchants required. To do this they allocated extensive capital to cloth production: buying wools, sorting and dyeing them, organising their carding and spinning, putting the yarn out for weaving. In some cases they owned the mills… - [Trails of Evidence: A History of Forensic Science , Chris Curry B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=446): Written by John Bishop This was a brilliant presentation given to a packed audience in the Cricket Pavilion in Bradfield. The word forensic comes from the Latin word “forensis”, meaning forum, the scientific investigation of evidence used in court, that we all love to watch on our television screens. So, although Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times, forensic evidence showed that only one of those blows killed him. There were numerous examples given of those who were pioneers in developing this work, and some distressing examples of those whose crimes were discovered because of forensic evidence. Take Edward Culshaw, who… - [Copyhold farm in the 1940’s](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=440): Written by Dorcus Ward This was to be Dorcas Ward’s last presentation to the History Society. It was prepared during lockdown when her cousin Gill’s 5 year old granddaughter was doing a project on “Then and now”. Gill wanted a picture of their old carthorse Tinker, and although no picture was at hand the flood of memories generated by the project was carefully documented. Dorcas first showed pictures of the very modest farm house, now changed into two large modern homes. In the mid 40’s Copyhold Farm was surveyed by the National Institutes of Agricultural Engineering which meant the owners… - [Map Making & Military Intelligence Brigadier (Retired) Peter Walker OBE, FRICS](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=444): Written by John Bishop Peter served for 37 years in the Army, much of this time being as a specialist in surveying, mapping and geospatial intelligence. Subsequently he continued to work for a further 13 years until 2018 as a civilian in this specialist discipline. Peter described some of the limitations in mapping 300-400 years ago when maps were very crude. It was not until the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745 that in the first detailed survey in the UK was undertaken. This survey was led by General William Roy, from 1747 to 1755. Scotland was mapped on 37 sheets, a… - [Pottery Demonstration & History of 9th Century Persian Pottery](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=81): How fortunate we are to have Andrew Hazelden, an accomplished potter with a showroom now based at Hewins Wood Farm, in Bradfield. His life as a potter all started when he went to work at the pottery based in the old Smithy in the main street at Aldermaston. He worked under Alan Caiger Smith in a team of 8 potters. Alan, known nationally as a potter, was also sought after for his knowledge and writing on tin glaze and lustre-ware pottery. Andrew worked with him for 20 years, along with many apprentices who learnt the skills in this block-wood floor… - [26th June 2023: The History of Sutton Seeds](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=115): The History of Sutton Seeds Speaker: Jane Sutton Monday 26th June 2023 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Founded by John Sutton in 1806, Suttons is an internationally renowned supplier of seeds and other horticultural products. Originally located on Market Place, Reading, the business concentratedon growing and supplying corn. In 1840, the company established a laboratory to test its seeds for germination and purity – a practice that became law 80 years later! Royal patronage was received in 1858 from Queen Victoria and the Royal Warrant has been bestowed on the firm ever since. Jane Sutton is a 5th generation descendant… - [24th April 2023: Live Pottery Demonstration & History of 9th Century Persian Pottery](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=96): Live pottery demonstration & history of 9th Century Persian pottery Speaker: Andrew Hazelden Monday 24th April 2023 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Andrew Hazelden studied ceramics at the Epsom School of Art & Design and trained under Alan Caiger-Smith of the renowned Aldermaston Pottery. He is an expert in tin glaze earthenware and reduction fired lustre. Andrew has now set upHewins Wood Farm Pottery in Bradfield. He will demonstrate throwing a pot on the wheel and talk about the amazing Persian history of tin glazed pottery. He will have samples of his work on display Write up: Pottery Demonstration &… - [27th February 2023: Jack of Newbury](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=231): Jack of Newbury Speaker: Dr David Peacock Monday 27th February 2023 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Jack of Newbury was a wealthy Tudor cloth-producer and exporter on an industrial scale who led Newbury men to war during Henry VIII’s reign.Jack of Newbury was the subject of David’s Ph.D. with the University of Reading in 2004. He will give a very well-researched, informative and fascinating presentation on ‘The Winchcombe Family and the Woollen Industry in Sixteenth-Century Newbury’. Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per… - [7th November 2022: TRAILS OF EVIDENCE A HISTORY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=426): TRAILS OF EVIDENCE A HISTORY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE Speaker: Chris Curry Monday 7th November 2022 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [26th September 2022: MAP MAKING AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=424): MAP MAKING AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE Speaker: BRIG. PETER WALKER Monday 26th September 2022 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [27th June 2022: GEORGIAN NEWBURY](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=422): GEORGIAN NEWBURY Speaker: PENNY STOKES Monday 27th June 2022 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [24th April 2022: COPYHOLD FARM BRADFIELD IN THE 1940s](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=420): COPYHOLD FARM. BRADFIELD IN THE 1940s Speaker: Dorcus Ward Monday 24th April 2022 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [24th February 2020: HISTORY OF DEVIZES TO WESTMINSTER CANOE RACE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=418): HISTORY OF DEVIZES TO WESTMINSTER CANOE RACE Speaker: Peter Walker Monday 24th February 2020 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [11th November 2019: OLD SCHOOL TIES](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=416): OLD SCHOOL TIES Speaker: PROF. MARTIN PARSONS Monday 11th November 2019 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [30th September 2019: FROM WAYLAND WORKHOUSE TO HOSPITAL TO CLOSE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=413): FROM WAYLAND WORKHOUSE TO HOSPITAL TO CLOSE Speaker: Dorcus Ward Monday 30th September 2019 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [17th June 2019: READING IN THE 1950s](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=407): READING IN THE 1950s Speaker: STUART HYLTON Monday 17th June 2019 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [2nd April 2019: MICHAEL FARADAY’S INVENTIONS](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=405): MICHAEL FARADAY’S INVENTIONS Speaker: MICHAEL GREEN Monday 2nd April 2019 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [25th February 2019: COLD WAR GREENHAM](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=403): COLD WAR GREENHAM Speaker: PROF. ANDY KEMPE Monday 25th February 2019 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [12th November 2018: BRADFIELD UNION WORKHOUSE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=401): BRADFIELD UNION WORKHOUSE Speaker: DORCAS WARD Monday 12th November 2018 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [24th September 2018: HISTORY OF MEDICINE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=399): HISTORY OF MEDICINE Speaker: DR IAN BULLOCK Monday 24th September 2018 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [25th June 2018: HISTORY OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=397): HISTORY OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY Speaker: GRAEME POTTS Monday 25th June 2018 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [23rd April 2018: A ROMAN BLACKSMITH](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=395): A ROMAN BLACKSMITH Speaker: DR DAVID SIM Monday 2nd February 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [26th February 2018 : THE EVACUATION OF GERMAN CHILDREN](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=393): THE EVACUATION OF GERMAN CHILDREN Speaker: PROF. MARTIN PARSONS Monday 26th February 2018 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [13th November 2017 : RUSHALL FARM 12th CENTURY – PRESENT](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=391): RUSHALL FARM 12th CENTURY – PRESENT Speaker: LADY SIAN CRISP Monday 13th November 2017 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [12th June 2017 : HOUSE TO HOUSE IN BRADFIELD 1851](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=389): HOUSE TO HOUSE IN BRADFIELD 1851 Speaker: DORCAS WARD Monday 12th June 2017 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [27th March 2017: LADY JANE GREY. 9 DAYS QUEEN](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=387): FARMING IN BRADFIELD 1750-1914 Speaker: NICOLA TALLIS Monday 2nd February 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [31st October 2016 : COACHES AND COACHHORNS](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=385): 31.10.16 COACH GUARD COACHES AND COACHHORNS Speaker: COACH GUARD Monday 31st October 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [14th August 2016 : IMAGINARY WALK. BRADFIELD CHURCH/COLLEGE](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=383): IMAGINARY WALK. BRADFIELD CHURCH/COLLEGE Speaker: DORCAS WARD Monday 14th August 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [6th June 2016: DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF WW2 UK EVACUATION](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=379): DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF WW2 UK EVACUATION Speaker: PROF. MARTIN PARSONS Monday 6th June 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com - [2nd February 2016: FARMING IN BRADFIELD 1750-1914](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=411): FARMING IN BRADFIELD 1750-1914 Speaker: Dorcus Ward Monday 2nd February 2016 7:30pm (Doors open from 7:00pm) Bradfield Cricket Club Pavilion, Heath Road, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6HH (Car Parking Available) There is no entry fee, but a donation of £4 per person towards expenses would be appreciated. No advance booking required. Organised by Professor Martin Parsons, Dorcas Ward, Bob Lyon, Chris Curry, Barnaby Bucknall and Gordon Patterson. For further information, contact Gordon on 07764 476361 or gnpatterson@btconnect.com ## Pages - [Brief History of Bradfield](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=168): The Berkshire village of Bradfield has a rich history.  This shows in its still farmed and wooded landscape, radiating out from the nucleus of old manor, with church and mill and the largely Victorian Bradfield College,  to seventeenth century farmsteads and smaller  nuclei {hamlets?] of twentieth century residential  development. The Romans left ruins of a villa and pottery; the Saxons tales of battles, church foundations, and the name Bradefelt (broad fields); the Normans a detailed description in the Domesday Book, and absentee overlords. These led to a family called Langford, who settled in Bradfield, built a church and brick manor house,… - [Committee Members](https://bradfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=142): Martin Parsons Martin is a retired Professor of Modern History and formerly the Director of the Research Centre for Evacuee and War Child Studies which he established in 1997 at the University of Reading. He is considered by his peers as a world expert on the short and long-term effects of war on children which was the focus of his PhD and has lectured all over Europe and the USA. He has also been involved in TV and Radio programmes in the UK, USA and Germany and was part of the team which won the Sony Gold Award for best… [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)