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
By Gillian Waters. ----- The famous outlaw Robin Hood, has been the subject of books, TV series and Films. We all know the stories of Robin and his band of merry men but do you know who he really was and where he came from?Gillian is a Medievalist by training, who is intrigued by the… Continue reading Was Robin Hood A Yorkshireman?
By Alex De Gier. ----- Mother Shipton - Knaresborough’s own one woman tourist attraction. She forecast the end of the world and aeroplanes. Didn’t she? Alex, will guide you through the myths and legends surround “England’s Nostradamus”.Alex is our Society Chairman. He is a long-time resident of Knaresborough with interests in both local and family… Continue reading Mother Shipton- The Myth and The Truth
By Tim Neale Its 1066 and England is being threatened from North East and South. King Harold must face down those that would claim his throne. Tim will explain the background and significance of the precursor battle to that at Hastings.Tim is a member of the Stamford Bridge Heritage Society. "Our December meeting, on Tuesday… Continue reading The Battle of Stamford Bridge
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
By Brian Forshaw We all know that Knaresborough is an ancient and historical market town but what do we actually know of the place and its people from 400 years ago.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… Continue reading 18th century Knaresborough
By Pete Finan From prehistoric times people have settled in the Nidd Valley. With its prominent position on a crag the town became strategically important in early times and its hinterland and position on the river meant it developed as a major market centre. Throughout time people have been attracted here for numerous reasons and… Continue reading The people who settled in Knaresborough
By Claire Joia The Castle Mills are prominent on Waterside but there was more to this industry than one mill and one company. Claire will talk us through the development of the industry and the people involved in it over the centuries.Claire is a volunteer at Knaresborough Museum Association and has been researching the linen… Continue reading The Linen Industry in Knaresborough
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
By Maria Grazia Leotta Maria will talk to us about Richard III – Monster or Martyr? Richard was King of England from 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty, and its branch the House of York. His defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field marked… Continue reading Richard III – Monster or Martyr?
By Kathy Allday Kathy will introduce us to twenty Knaresborough people and their interesting war stories. Kathy studied for an MA in Archaeological Heritage Management at York University and her talk highlights the recent exhibition in the Knaresborough Heritage Centre.
By Alex De Gier Alex is our own chairman and will be telling us about the Poor Law and the Workhouses of Knaresborough.
By Rob Snow Rob is one of our regular members and last year talked to us about Mary Tudor. This year he will explore the Not so Golden Years of Elizabeth the First, Mary’s half-sister. They were both daughters of Henry VIII, though Mary was the daughter of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, while… Continue reading The Not so Golden Years of Elizabeth
By Suzanne Coulson This follows the interesting talk presented last year by Claire Joia, who introduced us to the Knaresborough Linen Industry. Note! This meeting will be in the Challoner Hall at the rear of the school.
By Peter Finnan Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Putin and Ukraine. Pete is a retired Head of History at King James’s School and a member of our Society. He will no doubt take us through the troubled history of the area as it relates to today.
