Welford and Weston Local History Society

27/03/2026

The Bell

Welford-on-Avon.

27/03/2026

Welford-on-Avon. An old glass colour slide.

26/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17o81LRi8z/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/02/2026

Last Wednesday we visited Ragley Hall.

As the ancestral home of the 9th Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford, Ragley Hall is steeped in a remarkable family history. 50 of us enjoyed an exclusive guided tour of the State Rooms with excellent guides, where we learnt about the estate’s colourful history, starting with the initial design process by architect Robert Hooke in 1860. We liked hearing about all the different stories behind the paintings, furniture and rooms, particularly the modern mural at the end. After a chance to relax and chat over tea and coffee, some of us also chose to explore the gardens, stables and carriage collection. The grounds were brightened by a carpet of snowdrops on a sunny winter's day with fantastic views of the Warwickshire countryside.

19/06/2025

We’ve had an amazing day today visiting Lord Leycester’s hospital in Warwick, a home for retired and injured servicemen and women, similar but much smaller to the famous Chelsea hospital. The hospital was endowed in 1571 by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester but the building has been occupied since the 1300’s. Our talk was led by the Master herself who had a huge knowledge of the history. We then had a delicious afternoon tea- what a great day!

10/01/2025

Tuesday 14th January, from 10 am to 1 pm, Warwickshire County Record Office. Free drop-in session featuring 'Lady Dorothie Feilding at War', a recently published biography by Christine Cluley.

During World War I, Lady Dorothie served as a volunteer nurse and ambulance driver on the Western Front. She became highly decorated for her service and the heroic contributions of this British heiress are brought to life in Christine's book.

To celebrate this publication, there will be a drop-in session at the Warwickshire County Record Office (Priory Park, Off Cape Road, Warwick, CV34 4JS) on Tuesday, the 14th of January, from 10am to 1pm. This is a free event with refreshments provided and no need to book beforehand. At 11am, Christine will give a presentation. There will be signed copies of the book on sale (cash or cheque) at a discounted price, as well as documents relating to Lady Feilding on display.

07/02/2024

It's not long until our next evening talk. Join us to hear Peter Coulls talk about the story of Umberslade Baptist Chapel, a non-conformist estate chapel, and the estate owners, the Muntz family; 18th century immigrants to Birmingham from Bohemia.

Tuesday 20th February, 7.30 pm (open for tea and coffee from 7 pm) at Aylesford Primary School Hall, Aylesford School, Tapping Way, Warwick, CV34 6XR.

WLHS members free, non-members: £3 payable on the door, no need to book.

Photo courtesy of Peter Coulls and the Our Warwickshire community website, creative commons licence.

05/02/2024

The scaffolding around the tower is starting to come down, at last, and the repainted blue and gold weather vanes on the pinnacles are already catching the light. Soon the shields will be revealed, in all their splendour. Here's the one representing the arms of the first earls of Warwick, the de Newburghs. It was Roger de Newburgh, the second earl, who granted the charter for the college of St Mary in 1123.

11/01/2024

Top Secret Warwickshire, the new book by Michael Layton, focuses on the key role that Warwickshire played during World War Two and the so-called Cold War period that followed. This book seeks to remove the veil of secrecy which surrounded many aspects of life during these periods and pays tribute to the many professional members of the Armed Services as well as volunteers and members of the community who lived or served in Warwickshire. The book is packed with images of the time and personal recollections. It costs £15.95 and can be purchased via www.brewinbooks.com and Amazon.