Events, Exhibitions and Talks

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Flitwick Library Talks

Talks are free and there is no need to book unless otherwise indicated.

• To the Manor Born - A phrase used by Shakespeare and the title to a popular 1970s TV show but what does it mean? We take a look at manors and the documents they created drawing on examples from Bedfordshire Archives to show that manorial documents are fantastic sources for family and social history. 2022 marks the centenary of the Law of Property Act that brought to an end the manorial system of landholding that had been in place since before the Norman Conquest and the end of a 30 year project by The National Archives to make the Manorial Document Register available online so this is a good time to take a look at these documents, which are often neglected as difficult to use, to see how a little effort can bring rewards. 
  15/09/22 1.30-2.30pm

• Introduction to palaeography: “That looks amazing”.. But what does it actually say? Come along and learn the basics to decipher and read historic handwriting using examples from Bedfordshire Archives. During the session, you will become familiar with recognising letterforms and learn strategies to deal with challenging documents. 13/10/22 12.30-2.30pm to book: email the archives at archive@bedford.gov.uk or call on 01234 228833. 

• Beyond Bunyan: Bedfordshire’s Other Authors – Looking in-depth at a series of ‘forgotten’ or less well-known authors including the fourth Poet Laureate Nicholas Rowe, novelist Mark Rutherford, and the ‘Bard of Woburn’, George Castleden. The talk examines the work and lives of these writers as well as specifying material of interest held regarding literary artefacts more generally in Bedfordshire archives. 10/11/22 1.30-2.30pm. 

• Family History for Beginners is the ideal way to help your get started researching their family’s history. Learn how to start your search, the basic foundations, the records and resources available and how and when to use them. Get started on your family’s story. 8/12/22 12.30-2.30pm to book: email the archives at archive@bedford.gov.uk or call on 01234 228833. 

Luton Library Talks

•  Beyond Bunyan - 29th September 2.30-3.30pm

•  Palaeography - 3rd November 2.30-4.30pm Same booking rules as above apply. 

• Manors - 24th November 2.30-3.30pm

• Family History - 2.30-4.30pm Same booking rules as above apply. 

 Please keep an eye for new events as we regularly update this page.