For 75 years AWE has proudly played a role of critical national importance, helping to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. In 1950 Aldermaston became the site of the UK government’s atomic weapons programme, initially named ‘High Explosive Research’, under the supervision of British Manhattan Project veteran William Penney. […]

Edwina was married to Lord Louis Mountbatten and was one of the wealthiest women in Britain. She had a very hard start to life but once she moved to London she was the darling of the social set – World War II put an end to all that […]

Talk starts with an overview of Henry’s life – Ian puts forward two reasons for why he behaved so badly in his later years. A brief outline of both Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn’s lives and the plot against Anne, finishing with a few notes on Jane Seymour […]

In the middle of the 19th century, a large Roman cemetery was discovered in an area now near Sainsbury’s in Newbury.  Containing both cremations and inhumations, the cemetery was quickly destroyed with most items discarded and the whole discovery poorly documented. Local historian Dr David Peacock tells the […]

In 2026 the University of Reading celebrates the 100th anniversary of the granting of its charter, the only UK university to be created between World War I and II. The talk outlines the university’s history from its origins in Reading town centre in the late 1800s and its links […]

Commencing with a description of the history of biscuits from ancient times, we then look at Reading through the centuries as far as biscuit making is concerned. Three main companies are discussed in depth: their rise and later decline. A large number of biscuit varieties are mentioned which […]

The long life and many achievements of this remarkable Victorian lady, widely credited as the founder of a professional nursing service. Paul will talk about the people and place associated with her and look at the Crimea of today shortly before the Russian occupation in 2014. Share this […]

During World War II men of Rover Scout age were called up to serve in the armed forces. This is a little told story of their service to the country and scouting. Working in POW camps in Germany, on river Thames security duties and volunteering for SOE were […]

The Elizabethan mansion at Shaw, near Newbury has many fascinating stories to tell. Built from the profits of the cloth trade in 1551, it has since enjoyed visits from royalty including Queen Elizabeth I. The house is now a visitor attraction, business and conference centre.  Many of its […]

A Norman legacy in North East Hampshire, hidden amongst trees and often unnoticed by passersby and motorists. This talk will tell of the rise and fall of this monastic building, its architecture and its survival as a parish church, through, the unfailing patronage of Queen’s College Oxford. Share […]

Alan Turton is a military historian specializing in the English Civil War and the following period.The talk will cover the story of the ordinary British soldier at the time of the expansion of the empire in Canada and India as well as threats of invasion at home. We […]

Alan Turton is a military historian and will talk about Basing House from its Tudor origins to it’s role in the English Civil War. Alan was curator at Basing House for twenty four years and has been involved in Civil War re-enactments at the site. Share this page

Why was the Spitfire fighter so important to Britain? Why was it produced in sheds and garages spread around Central Southern England? What was built in Hangar 5, Tadley? What happened to Hangar 5? Are there any Tadley Spitfires left Richard of TADS Project Group will tell us […]

The British love their pubs and history suggests our enjoyment of beer and brewing is longstanding. This talk is a gentle and hopefully amusing ramble through the history of brewing, breweries and pubs from Romans to the present day, with some examples of local pubs and breweries. As […]

Medieval Knights, Chaucer, a queen of France and a Civil War siege all feature in the story of Donnington Castle just outside Newbury. A small castle on a hilltop with commanding views. Only the gatehouse and an outline of the walls survive. Local historian David Peacock will talk […]