Welcome to The Radnorshire Society
The Radnorshire Society, established in 1930, is concerned with the archaeology and history of the historic county of Radnorshire (now part of Powys).
We welcome new members, whether they live in Radnorshire or further afield. Benefits of membership include access to our Archive and Library, a copy of the current year’s Radnorshire Society Transactions, plus lectures and field visits to local sites of interest.
An Executive Committee manages a programme of public lectures and excursions, oversees the running of the Society’s local history library, (including its important archive of Radnorshire related material), and deals with a wide range of enquiries from correspondents world-wide.
The Field section is the research arm of the society. It organises a separate programme of talks, research, and field trips, and also publishes an annual illustrated newsletter.
The Transactions of the Society is issued annually in a bound volume and is an important scholarly publication incorporating academic research and archive material.
Radnorshire from Above by Chris Musson
The Society has just reprinted Radnorshire from Above by Chris Musson, one of the pioneers of the application of aerial photography to archaeology. This superb book is a celebration of the history, archaeology and landscapes of Radnorshire as seen from the air. This highly popular and acclaimed book has been out of print since its first printing rapidly sold out in early 2014. It is lavishly filled with amazing and beautiful photographs accompanied by Chris’s informative and authoritative text. The stunning images of traces still visible in the landscape show the county’s history spanning over 4,000 years.
Radnorshire Society Facebook Page
The Radnorshire Society has just started a Facebook page to showcase views, news, observations and any other information on the history and culture of Radnorshire. This is an open forum so all input is encouraged, not only from Society members but from everyone who has an interest in this old county. Other societies with a common aim are also welcome to post information of their Radnorshire activities.
A few posts have already been posted and we hope over time that this will expand significantly as the Page becomes more widely known. This is your Page – drop in and join the conversation. Bookmark it, tag your friends, share it and like it: 👍
Archive and Library
Thanks to the great work by Lloyd Lewis and the Librarian Brian Matthews and many others, the Society’s Archive and Library continues to develop as a centre for research into the history of Radnorshire. The Society’s extensive collection of books, documents and photographs are available to researchers and the curious. The work of cataloguing the growing collection continues and ensures that it is readily available in appropriate surroundings and is easily searched. Society members and others are encouraged to visit Dolmynach House and see for themselves. There is a wealth of information for everyone with an interest in Radnorshire history. The Library and Archive is open Tuesday mornings or by special appointment.
See our Library page for more details.
Some past talks and interesting books
Owain Glyndwr and the Battle of Pilleth
The Battle of Pilleth, 1402, was a great victory for the Welsh forces under Owain Glyndwr over those of the English forces of Edmund Mortimer. The story of this important battle, also known as the [...]
The Lost Elementary Schools of Radnorshire
REPORT OF RADNORSHIRE SOCIETY AGM LECTURE 2019 ( BY CLIVE BARRETT) This year's post AGM lecture “50 becomes 14: The Lost Elementary Schools of Radnorshire” was delivered by the Radnorshire Society's former Secretary and present [...]
Lost farms of the Elan Valley 1500-1900
Talk by Lloyd Lewis Lloyd has traced the history of Elan Valley farms and the families who lived in them from the time of Henry VIII until the start of the 20th Century. This important [...]
The Geology of Radnorshire
Radnorshire Society Lecture Friday 19 October 2018 The Geology of Radnorshire by Dr Joe Botting 8.00 p.m: Village Hall, Llanddewi Ystradenni Admission free – all welcome
New Book: Radnorshire Wills and Other Historical Papers
By John Cole and Michael Faraday This book, edited and published by Michael Faraday, is essentially a homage to John Cole who wrote many articles which have been published in the Transactions of our Society. [...]
New Book: Edward I’s Conquest of Wales
The first scholarly account of the English conquest of Wales to be published for 100 years is now available. The book provides insights into the character of the chief protagonists with an analysis of the [...]
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