Upcoming talks and events
Frittenden Historical Society’s season runs from October to April and meetings are held on the last Tuesday of those months (excepting December). We meet in Frittenden Memorial Hall and start promptly at 8pm, except for our new season opener in October when we offer a ‘welcome back’ with refreshments from 7pm.
Visitors are welcome to all talks at just £5 per visit. Membership from October to April is £15 per person.
Transport can be arranged within the village if required, please contact us if you need assistance.
The History of Morris Dancing
Tuesday 27 October 2026 from 7pm
Our new season opens with some social time to renew your membership, have some refreshments and enjoy catching up with other members.
From 8pm we will hear the story of one of England’s oldest traditions from local historian, Melanie Gibson-Barton. Hear the truth about the ‘black face’ tradition.
Hear about the history of the most English of dances … or is it? A fun talk giving the story of the many different style of Morris danced in one of England’s oldest traditions and hear the truth about the ‘black face’ tradition. An opportunity to understand the dancing seen regularly seen outside the Bell and Jorrocks.!
Old Kent Carols
Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 8pm
The many, many local carols around the country are often forgotten, but they’re wonderful to sing – so for more than a decade Gavin Atkin and his group have been bringing some of Kent’s almost forgotten carols back to life. They’re very different to the same few carols we hear in church or on TV each year, and that difference makes them interesting, joyful and fun to sing!
The Arts and Crafts Movement
Tuesday 26 January 2027 at 8pm
The late 19th century saw the start of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, bringing in a change in the value society place on how things were made. Stephen Harmer will explore how the movement influenced garden design.
Tidal Thames
Tuesday 23 February at 8pm
Tidal Thames – it’s folklore and traditions. Exploring the rich tradition of lore and legend in the tidal reaches of London’s River, including pagan gods, riverside taverns, ghosts, ceremonials, frost fairs, tales of smuggling and pirates. Our river guide is Mark Lewis.
Ashford’s Worst Day
Tuesday 30 March at 8pm
On 24th March 1943 Ashford experienced the worst single air-raid, in terms of death and injury, to occur in Kent during the Second World War. Ed Adams has spent many years researching the Second World War’s impact on Kent and has uncovered the full story of this event.
Pilgrimages and Travel in the Middle Ages
Tuesday 27 April at 8pm
What possessed people to trudge hundreds of miles, often in appalling conditions and sometimes perishing on the way? Imogen Corrigan will consider this question and also how there was a shift from spiritual wandering in the Anglo-Saxon period to religious tourism in the days of Chaucer’s pilgrims. She will also look closely at travel in general and the hazards of the journey: how did people organise themselves for long journeys and how safe was it? How should they provide for themselves and where might they find help? From maps and motivation to souvenirs and shrines, this lecture discusses travel in the round as well as specifically for spiritual reasons.