MHHS Programme Notes 2026 / 27

September 9th

Harborough Moviemakers film: 'The Battle of Naseby'

***  Note: this is a change from the original programme.  ***

October 14th 

Alan Shaw: ‘The History of Firearms: Pistols’       

The talk centres on handguns which are over a century old focussing on pistol design and use, from the oldest firearm circa 11th century to the (relatively) newest i.e. World War 1. Types include Matchlocks, Wheel-Locks, Box-Locks and Flintlocks. More recognisable pistols are represented by revolvers and automatic handguns from well-known manufacturers such as Colt, Smith & Wesson, Mauser, Browning, Luger and Webley.

November 11th  

Dr. Alan Charles Breeze : Celtic Gods & Paganism in Ancient Leicestershire

The ancient Celtic people of Leicestershire were the Corieltavi (sometimes written 'Corieltauvi'), a name meaning 'warband of the many rivers'. Their ruling class was a ferocious warrior aristocracy, best known from the gold and silver coins of the Hallaton Treasure. These, together with such Celtic place-names as Trisuantona 'she who is great and very loving' or the River Trent, give an idea of their society and beliefs, their gods and goddesses, their magnificent jewellery and armour, their druids and bards, their conception of the Other World (a place of feasting and happiness), and how aspects of all these are found in later legends of King Arthur.

December 9th  

Alan Langley: 'The Victorian Village: East Farndon in the 19th century'

The life of a typical village in the age of Victoria was one of a largely self-sufficient community, with several farms, two pubs, a school, vigilant police, charities to help the poor and a church with a Rector who sometimes wielded real influence. This describes East Farndon and probably most small settlements in the nineteenth century. Luckily the local paper gives us some wonderful detail of the life of the community.

2027

January 13th  

Steph Mastoris: John Fothergill: Eccentric Landlord of the Three Swans

Although justly famous for his memoirs of inn-keeping, and especially at The Three Swans here in Harborough, John Fothergill's earlier life was perhaps even more interesting. This talk by a former curator of the town's museum will outline Fothergill's life and adventures before arriving here in 1934 and some events when he was landlord of the Three Swans.

February 10th  

Mike Stroud: Kelmarsh Hall

Kelmarsh is a village and Parish in West Northamptonshire some 7.5 miles south of Market Harborough and 12 miles north of Northampton. It is an ancient place dating back to at least 1086. This lecture is about the village, estate, Kelmarsh Hall and the occupiers of the land that made Kelmarsh what it is today. We will learn about the wealthy landowners, the building of the Hall, the families who considered it their home and of the famous trendsetters who occupied the building during the 1920s and 30s. We will also hear about the Halls time in the later part of the 20th Century up to today. 

March 10th  

Dr Philip Irwin: The Green Bicycle Mystery

In July 1919, a young woman set out on a quiet country cycling trip and never returned. Her body was later found on a lonely Leicestershire lane, and attention soon focused on a man seen riding a distinctive green bicycle in her company shortly before her death.

A trial followed that gripped the public and divided opinion. The evidence, both compelling and elusive, left questions that have never been fully settled. This talk explores the case of Bella Wright, examining the people, the testimony, and the lingering uncertainties—and what may really have happened.

April 14th  

Mike Burton: The History of Rockingham Castle

This unassuming little fortress has a surprising history. It has been at the heart of national events as a castle, royal fun palace, and the home of one go-ahead family. 1000 years ago it was one of England’s greatest castles and a beloved home to her medieval kings. It was mauled in the civil war, but Victorian Britain’s greatest writer adored it. It’s a place which has never lost its charm.

May 12th  

Linda Jones: The History of Hallaton

Hallaton is a picturesque village about 8 miles from Market Harborough, but it is not just a beautiful village it has a fascinating history. Spanning 4,000 years, with evidence through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, the Romans, the Normans, and a scintillating medieval period with extensive pilgrimage, Linda Jones will tell the story through video and pictures with passion and enthusiasm. Highlights will be the discovery of the Hallaton Treasure, St Morrell’s Chapel, the Motte and Bailey Castle, St Michael & All Angels Church, right up to the extraordinary tradition of Bottle Kicking which still takes place every Easter Monday.

June 10th  

Outing: - to be announced.