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14
May
2025
The Foundling Hospital and Newbury + BAM
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May 2025
The Foundling Hospital and Newbury + BAM
Thomas Coram’s Foundling Hospital in London depended upon good-hearted mothers in the provinces to nurse babies abandoned by their desperate mothers. Between 1750 and 1780 hundreds of these foundlings were sent to Newbury, some fostered for a few years and a few staying for the rest of their lives. Surviving correspondence attests to this remarkable story and a particular local hero, Dr John Collet.
A History of Wargrave + BAM
The village of Wargrave is on the Berkshire bank of the River Thames between Reading and Henley. The parish includes the hamlets of Crazies Hill and Hare Hatch.
Online Family History Advice Clinic
Are you just getting started in family history and wanting guidance as to how to proceed? Or are you stuck at a particular "brick wall" and need some help?
A Man and his Shed – The Story of Cowley Concrete + BAM
From fence posts to beams for Chiswick Flyover, join us for a nostalgic talk on Cowley Concrete and its founder Herbert Mullard.
Basildon Park House & Gardens
This visit to Basildon Park is organised by Computer Branch as part of the special events to celebrate the 50th birthday of Berkshire Family History Society. It is open to members and non-members alike. The visit includes a tour of Basildon Park House with knowledgeable guides in each room. Plus the opportunity to explore the extensive grounds.
Modern Marriages
How to deal with partnerships where no marriage, or divorce, is recorded.
Stories from Berkshire’s Graveyards
This is the second of three talks in the Spring Potpourri Talks Series. Discover some of the history and stories of Berkshire's burial grounds.
Getting the most out of your Membership Workshop
Are you a relatively new member of the Society? Want to get the most out of your membership? This informal workshop will introduce you to the range of benefits that you have available to you. Questions welcomed. Open only to members of Berkshire Family History Society.
Reading Abbey Quarter Tour & Cream Tea
In medieval times, Reading was the site of a great royal abbey - a religious community centred round a magnificent church - one of the largest monasteries in Europe. It was formed in 1121 by Henry I and closed in 1539 on the orders of Henry VIII. Our walk will explore the rich history of the Abbey Quarter with abbey guide and expert John Painter. We finish with a cream tea in the Centre for Heritage & Family History.
Drop In Advice Session
Bring your questions, problems and ‘brickwalls’ … and get some new ideas and advice from members of the Berkshire Family History Society.
Apprenticeship Records – History and Sources with Case Study + BAM
Learn about the history of apprenticeship and the numerous sources available for family history research. Discover how these sources helped research a ‘brick wall’ ancestor.
Hospitium to Workhouse via the Oracle: Social Care and Welfare in Reading from the Middle Ages to 1900
Although modern concepts of “welfare” might have been alien, from the Abbey to the creation of Battle Hospital Reading did provide for housing, “relief” and health care for its people. This presentation is a survey of what was done, including the work of the Abbey, almshouses and the Corporation.
June 2025
Face-to-Face Family History Advice Clinic
Just beginning your family history research and need some advice? Baffled by so many competing research websites? Banging your head against a brick wall? Or struggling with some other issues? In this one-to-one session, one of our seasoned advisors will help you make some progress
June Natter Group
Informal discussion group, facilitated by Chad Hanna and Gillian Stevens. Topics are chosen by the group on a monthly basis. End time varies. Free to attend, but pre-booking required.
Conference: The Victorians
Our 50th Anniversary Conference will span social and family history over the sixty-three years of the reign of Queen Victoria. Topics include Victorian records in The National Archives, factory work, death and the Victorians, crime and punishment, The Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Victorian soldier. The line-up of speakers is headed up by historian, author and TV presenter Professor Kate Williams. Early bird discounts available until 31st March.
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