By Karen Adams Karen Adams originates from York, a city full of history, and although had first thought of becoming an architect and adding to the future landscape, instead her career path lead her to archaeology in 1986. In 2001 she moved to the East Riding and worked as a freelance archaeologist.In 2013 Karen became… Continue reading What Did The Romans Leave (for us to find)

By Brian Forshaw - The intriguing history of the family that lived at Scriven Hall from the 14th century for more than 500 years. Brian has been resident in Knaresborough since 1968 and a member of the Knaresborough Historical Society for most of that time. Author of the books - From Castle Yard to Stockwell… Continue reading The Slingsbys

By Rob Snow - A look at the reputations of Mary Tudor and Margaret of Anjou

Mark Anthony Smith will tell us of some of the more surprising facts that he has discovered about the area in his years of researching the history of the Forest of Knaresborough. He will examine the forgotten places and the famous and infamous people, who’s descendants remain amongst us today, highlighting fascinating stories that lay… Continue reading The Forest of Knaresborough

By Gillian Waters - The infamous Murder in The Cathedral when the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered in 1170. Who were the men who committed the act and why?Gillian is a Medievalist by training, who is intrigued by the connection between families and local and national history and has taught in schools, universities and in… Continue reading Who Killed Thomas Beckett?

By Tony Morgan - Explaining the history of York in Tudor times, the people who lived there and the people who influenced their lives. Expect Royal visits, rebellions, religious unrest, plague and earthquakes!Tony is a resident of Tadcaster whose initial interest and fascination with the story of Guy Fawkes has led him to further research… Continue reading True Tales of Tudor York

On Palm Sunday 1461, in atrocious weather – howling wind, driving sleet and snow – the armies of two disputing Kings of England fought all day on a plateau of land a dozen or so miles south-west of the great medieval city of York. A talk by a representative of the Towton Battlefield Society

By Jackie Glew - The story of the 11 men from Knaresborough charged and jailed for rioting and the extraordinary response of the people of the town.Jackie researched the story of this episode in the town’s history for the Knaresborough Museum Association. Her book on the subject has been published this year.

By Peter Finan - The infamous First World War engagement which took place in Northern France from July to November 1916. 3 million men fought in the battle of which 1 million were killed or wounded. Pete will tell us the personal story of just four of those men.Pete is retired Head of History at… Continue reading A Walk on The Somme

Last year Rob took a look at the reputations of Mary of Anjou. This year Rob’s subject is Mary Tudor, another Queen that history may have painted in an uncomplimentary way. Has she been harshly treated and should she be more deserving of a sympathetic hearing. Rob taught for many years in the History Department… Continue reading Mary Tudor

Gillian Waters will speak to us about “Place Names & Peoples". We were invaded by thousands of Celts, Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings or does the place name evidence tell a different story?Gillian is an experienced educator with substantial experience of classroom, on-line and museum education, having taught in schools, universities and museums for over… Continue reading Place Names & Peoples