The Grosvenor Museum Society’s
Tuesday 15th September 7.30 pm
Gareth Williams
Knowsley and The Earls of Derby
Knowsley Hall stands as one of Britain's most remarkable historic estates and the ancestral home of the Stanley family - Earls of Derby since 1485 - for more than six centuries. From the 1st Earl's pivotal decision at the Battle of Bosworth to the 14th Earl's American tour and his tenure as Prime Minister on three occasions, this talk explores the fascinating story of the Earls of Derby, and their influence within the Northwest region and, indeed, far beyond.
Gareth Williams is Curator of the Derby Collection
Tuesday 13th October 7.30 pm
Dr Anthony Annakin Smith
The Early Neston Collieries: Seven Reasons Why They Were Remarkable!
Dr Annakin-Smith’s talk looks at the many reasons why the early collieries at Neston deserve to be better known as they were both unique and extraordinary. We will hear about underground canals, the region’s first steam engines and tales of devastating sabotage! Anthony is a local historian with a diverse range of interests often focused on maritime and industrial history in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Tuesday 10th November 7.30 pm
Sir James Vernon
The RMS ‘Lusitania’. Her loss and the aftermath
The RMS Lusitania was a true leviathan; a Cunard ship of 32,000 tons built in 1907. Powered by steam turbines developing 78,000 horsepower, she had 25 boilers in four boiler rooms with 192 furnaces. She burnt 840 tons of coal per day with a service speed of 25 knots. On 7th May 1915 she was torpedoed off the Old Head of Kinsale. Her loss might have been avoided but for the action or lack thereof by the Admiralty and what happened was, as Lord Mersey (HM Receiver of Wrecks) recorded in his memoirs, ‘a dammed dirty business’.
Tuesday 15th December 7.30 pm
Ken Pye
A Christmas Story
Ken’s talk will be a delightful, fact-filled Christmas stocking of surprises, memories and Christmas facts. It will answer your Christmas queries including the best way to cook sprouts, how should mince pies be served? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Guaranteed to improve your Christmas!
Wine and mince pies will be offered.
Bring along a cracker and party hat!
2027
Tuesday 12th January afternoon lecture, Doors open at 2.00 pm lecture starts 2.30 pm
Jean Finney
Witches and Superstitions – their effect on modern culture.
We might like to think that in an age of scientific rationalism we are free from the effects of demonology. Not so! Jean Finney is a much-acclaimed performer and historian who has entertained us on two previous occasions and is returning in response to popular demand.
Wednesday 24th February 7.30pm
Lauren Johnson
Margaret Beaufort – Survivor, Rebel and Conspirator, Mother and Grandmother of Kings
Margaret Beaufort was one of the most remarkable and influential women of the Middle Ages. Married at twelve; a mother and widow at thirteen; Margaret survived the Wars of the Roses, and two further marriages, to see her only child ascend the throne as the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Join historian Lauren Johnson as she brings Margaret Beaufort vividly to life. Lauren’s much acclaimed biography of Margaret Beaufort was published in 2024 and is re-published in paperback in 2026. Lauren has also published biographies of Henry VI and the early life of Henry VII.
This lecture is a celebration of Wendy Hazlehurst.
Wine and Prosecco to be offered.
- Members free admission.
- Guest admission £10
Tuesday 9th March 7.30 pm
Alison Utting
Aggie of Gobowen – a dramatic presentation
Dame Agnes Hunt was Shropshire’s pioneering orthopaedic nurse. Performer Alison Utting brings Dame Agnes’ memoirs to life, captivating audiences with tales ranging from her childhood adventures in Australia and Tasmania to the inception of ‘The Baschurch Home', which grew into the renowned orthopaedic hospital at Gobowen which bears her name.
Tuesday 13th April 7.30 pm
David Hearn
The Social and Cultural Revolution that was The Beatles
John, Paul, Ringo and George were together for just 8 years but the cultural revolution they launched continues today and impacts far beyond music and musicians. David’s richly illustrated and informative talk is certain to prompt many memories of the 1960s and onwards.
Thursday 13th May 7.30 pm
Jessie Petheram
Randoph Caldecott: Illustrating Victorian Life
Best known as a hugely popular illustrator of children’s books, Chester-born Randolph Caldecott was a wide-ranging and varied artist, admired by Gauguin and Van Gogh. He illustrated novels and travel books, drew cartoons, caricatures and architecture, and exhibited sculpture, paintings and drawings.
This talk looks at his life and his work, asking whether the apparent nostalgia in his work was an escape from an increasingly industrialised world.
Jessie Petheram is Senior Curator at The Grosvenor Museum, Chester
- Admission charges payable on the door:
- Grosvenor Museum Society Members £3.00
- Guests £6.00
- Except 24th February lecture when special admission arrangements apply.