Our next Redditch History Society meeting is coming up on Monday 13th July at 2pm, at our usual home — the Oasis Christian Centre on Plymouth Road, just by the Bus and Train Stations.
This month we’re welcoming Dr Richard Churchley, who many of you will know as one of the most knowledgeable historians of the Needle District. His work covers everything from local trades and buildings to the ups and downs of everyday life in times that were often anything but gentle.
Richard’s illustrated talk digs into local law and order before 1850 — rural crime, social unrest, class conflict, and how people made their voices heard long before anyone had the vote. Expect Captain Swing, the Luddites, the Chartists, and even a few Redditch‑area riots to make an appearance. It’s a fascinating look at how communities kept mischief-makers in line before there was a police force, and how ordinary people protested when the world around them started to change.
As always, Richard brings clarity, humour, and solid historical accuracy — it promises to be a really engaging afternoon.
We meet from 2–4pm on the second Monday of each month. Non‑members are very welcome (£4 entry), and refreshments afterwards are just 50p.
Future talks include A History of the Fish Hook, Historic Redditch and its Postal System, and plenty more local and general history topics.
More details about our 2026 season are on the website: www.redditchhistorysociety.org.uk, or you can pick up our leaflet at Redditch Library or The Palace Theatre.