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, issued annually in a bound volume, 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.
Archive and Library Open
Thanks to the great work by Lloyd Lewis and the Librarian Brian Matthews and others, the Society’s Archive and Library are now open. This is a landmark event for the Society as our extensive collection of books, documents and photographs are available to researchers and the curious. The major task of moving the contents to its new quarters in Dolmynach House, Rhayader and its cataloguing ensure that the collection is readily available in appropriate surroundings and is easily searched. Society members and others are encouraged to visit the Dolmynach House and see for themselves. There is a wealth of information for the serious researcher and the casual browser – everyone with an interest in Radnorshire history will find it a stimulating and informative visit.
See our Library page for more details.
Latest News
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
Knighton Literary Festival
Knighton is holding its first Literary Festival throughout this October. Every Tuesday morning during this month there will be an opportunity to meet a host of authors coming to talk about their latest work. This [...]
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 [...]
The Future of our Hills
Powys Uplands, Policy and Brexit Day seminar - Expert speakers - Open to all Saturday 21 October, 10am to 4pm Knighton Hotel Knighton LD7 1BL The Powys uplands have been shaped by traditional upland farming. [...]
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