Memorials of Old Somerset. ed FJ Snell. Bemrose & Sons Ltd, London, 1906, p.168 (public domain
I am sure that you are all aware that in 2025 we will be celebrating 175 years since the foundation of SANHS in 1849, and at the beginning of March we will be holding several special events with this in mind.
Exhibition at Taunton Library
In the week of 3rd to 7th March 2025, we will be holding an exhibition in Taunton library which will show the history of SANHS over the last 175 years. We aim to include some of the most prominent members – such as Harold St George Grey and Mick Aston as well as information on the purchase of Taunton Castle in 1874 by the society and the first displays held there. And of course, some of the exciting work and projects that we are involved with at the moment. We will be selling books and of course sharing information about joining the society to the general public.
Day of lectures and memories in the Wyndham hall
It has been a huge advantage to the Society to be able to use the Wyndham Hall again, and especially so as we can use it for a day of lectures to celebrate SANHS 175 years. We will have a full day of short talks – lasting about 20 minutes each! The aim is to build a picture of life in Somerset 175 years ago, 1849 – a time of huge innovation and development. There will be a lot of topics to cover, such as:
- Female founding members;
- Somerset archaeology in the mid nineteenth century;
- Somerset Architect CE Giles;
- Land drainage on the levels;
- Brewing in Wiveliscombe;
- Changes in communications (roads, canals, railways);
- What we were eating in the mid 1850s – poor and wealthy.
This will be a day of opportunities to share ideas and for long standing and new members meet each other.
Visits and Trips Out
We are planning several visits, perhaps copying the visits by the first members of SANHS back in 1849.
Volunteers take a well-earned tea break while working on the repairs to the Wyndham Hall. Photo Lizzie Induni 2023.