Wollaton Historical & Conservation Society

"Who Lived at the Admiral Rodney in the 18th century?"

Fascinating insights into the lives of the people who lived in Wollaton's public house between 1680-1790.

Julia King is our speaker.
(WHaCS member and family history researcher.)

AGM followed by:
"The Canary Girls of Chilwell."

A short history of the Chilwell Munitions Factory, the “VC Factory”, and the women who turned yellow and even lost their lives in their contribution to making it the most productive shell producing unit in the First World War.

Liz Adamson is our speaker.
(WHaCS member.)

This is a change to our planned talk and speaker due to ill health.

Following an excellent talk from Liz, we wanted to share the link she provided to the Imperial War Museums and "A Day In The Life of a Munitions Worker".

"The Good, The Bad and the (B)ugly."

Strange insect stories from throughout history.

We'll visit 14th century France on the search for beetle justice; 1920s Australia to meet an heroic moth; find out how bees were heating up the Cold War in SE Asia; and generally check in on old friends, ancient foes, and strange neighbours.

Linda Birkin is our speaker.

"East Coast Main Line Disasters."

The East Coast Main Line runs through our region from Peterborough to Doncaster on its way between London and Edinburgh. As the author of a definitive book on the topic, Adrian Gray can explain how accidents and disasters influenced the gradual improvement of safety down the years with some graphic illustrations of what went wrong, including famous accidents at Doncaster and Grantham.

Adrian Gray is our speaker.

"Stanton on Film."

A compilation of black and white and colour film footage, both professional and amateur, taken at the iron works between the 1930s and the 1980s showing the production of iron, spun and iron pipes and concrete pipes.

Stephen Flinders is our speaker.

"Nottingham's Caves - Exploring Hidden Histories."

An insight into the fascinating history of Nottingham's caves and their many uses over 800 years, from medieval workshops to dwellings and air raid shelters.

Chris King is our speaker.

"Anthony Woodville - Sophisticate or Schemer."

Based on her biography of Anthony Woodville, published in spring 2024, Danielle will explore whether Anthony Woodville, brother of Queen Elizabeth Woodville and thus brother-in-law to Edward IV, was really as bad as some have portrayed him, or was he really a man of many talents?

Danielle Burton is our speaker.

"The Empress and the Washerwoman - St Peter's through Women's History."

From the Empress Matilda and Margery Doubleday, the "Tudor Laundress", to Annie Freeman, "Canary Girl", and enslaved "Congo Mary", women have left their mark on this remarkable, yet often overlooked, building. The ancient church of St Peter's has stood on its rocky outcrop in the centre of Nottingham, in some shape or form, since 1108 and is a document of nine centuries of women's history: local, national, and international.

Dorothy Mountford is our speaker.

AGM followed by:
"The Nottinghamshire Coroner - Medieval to Modern Times."

Dr Didcock is an Assistant Coroner and will delve into the long history of, and fascinating stories from, the coronial service, both national and local.

Dr Elizabeth Didcock is our speaker.