Events

The Lighthorne archive is continually expanding and contains diverse and interesting material. This presentation explains some of the most interesting items in the archive.

• Why was the telephone box the subject of a discussion in a 1952 parish council minute book? Why was the local constable called out?
• View the 1870 hymn and anthem book especially printed in Warwick for St Laurence’s Church.
• Why was a Lighthorne youth transported to Norfolk Island and Australia in 1844?
• What did we see when we opened up the Verney vault in 2015?
• View the original artwork for the 2000 village sign, designed by local resident Tony Hunter.

The answers will be revealed in a general interest presentation by our archivist, Colin Such, who will bring with him several items from the archive.

A Powerpoint supported talk on the romantic, chivalrous and tragic story of a superhero – facts, fiction and tradition – a legacy of the town of Warwick in literature, folklore and music.

Trevor Langley is a retired teacher with 40 years experience, specialising in teaching hearing-impaired children. He regularly speaks to societies on many topics associated with his home town of Warwick.

Emma shares her research on this Elizabethan manuscript for the Corporation of Warwick Town Council. Originally intended as a minute book, it evolved into a personal diary of the Town Clerk, John Fisher, who recorded notable events in the Council’s activities. The book provides a fascinating account of life during the Tudor period.

Local historian, Emma Bromley, produced a thesis on this Black Book as part of her degree in Medieval English and History at the University of Birmingham. She is producing a current edition of the Black Book for the Dugdale Society.

A  talk on the development of British Agriculture with a particular focus on a few of the key innovators especially in the period of the 17^th to 18^th centuries and especially on developments in productivity since the 1950s.

John graduated First Class from Cambridge in 1971, being top student in his year and awarded a college scholarship. Following on from that, he obtained a Research Fellowship and Lectureship at Nottingham University. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds Fellowships at both the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College and his chair is at De Montfort University. In 2004, he was awarded the OBE for services to agriculture and education

“Received, A Blank Child” was the title of an article in Household Words written by Charles Dickens in March 1853. It refers to the printed form of petition obtained from the porters’ lodge by mothers who wished their children to be admitted to the Foundling Hospital in London.

We will discover how Thomas Coram, a sea captain, established the Foundling Hospital supported by William Hogarth and George Handel. Together they transformed the Hospital into the country’s first public art gallery and one of London’s most fashionable venues. Hogarth encouraged leading artists to donate their work and Handel held benefit concerts of the Messiah in the hospital’s chapel. It was the place to be seen and to be seen helping.

Josette is the Chair of the Lighthorne History Society.