Start of our new programme
As the risks from Covid appear to be receding we have made a tentative start to a new programme of events. It is probably needless to say but this programme may need to change if circumstances deteriorate.
We start off in September together with Penybont History Society when Lloyd Lewis will give us a talk on The People who left Radnorshire for America.
Sadly none on the Mayflower, but Lloyd will explain the Radnorshire way of crossing the Atlantic, and what became of the families afterwards. This is at Penybont Community Centre [on the A44, parking at the rear] on Friday September 17th at 7pm. There will follow a trip to the Pales Quaker Meeting House in Llandegley [park at the Quarry] on the Sunday 19th September, 2pm with tea and a look around the displays at the Thomas Shop in Penybont.
On Friday October 8th 7pm we are having a talk from Philip Hume at New Radnor Village Hall entitled The King’s Writ does not run here: The Welsh Marcher Lordships.
Philip is also leading our day outing on the Saturday October 9th which is a day trip to Montgomery to see the Castle, and a talk and look at the architecture and history of the town with local historians visiting the Museum. 11 am at the castle picnic or arrange your own lunch, tea together somewhere. Own transport.
I want to hold a Coffee Morning and Book Sale. We have been donated a large number of history, archaeology and general books, and a few local ones for us to sell to provide funds for our library and archive. Suggestions for a venue please
The AGM will be on Saturday November 13th at 2pm in the Metropole in Llandrindod when we shall all have the opportunity to meet our new President and hear about our exciting project to produce a new history of Radnorshire.
Our delayed Society Anniversary dinner is rescheduled for Friday December 3rd at 6.30pm the Metropole.
Fuller details of the last 2 and the list of the Winter Walks will be sent out with your AGM papers.
Library now open
We are very pleased to announce that the Library and Archive are now open. There are still Covid restrictions in force so masks must still be worn within and social distancing enforced. In order to control distancing within the limited space available, we ask anyone wishing to visit the Dolmynach house to contact the librarian, Brian Matthews beforehand.
Notes and Queries: New Pages on Website
Our Secretary, Elizabeth Newman, has compiled a set of Notes and Queries which has been sent out to members whose email address we hold. they can also be viewed through this website.
Issue 1 is HERE
Issue 2 is HERE
Issue 3 is HERE
Issue 4 is HERE
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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