The Bromsgrove Society - Pride, Preservation, Progress

Bromsgrove Rousler 2018

The latest edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, the popular local history magazine, is now available. The 2018 edition – number 33 in the series – is packed with interesting articles that open up new perspectives on Bromsgrove’s history.

Topics in this year’s Rousler include:

• The Park Gate Inn: A Short History
• Piper's Hill, Dodderhill Common, Hanbury Woods
• Jean Davidson: A Life of Service
• William Chance: A Brutal Wife Abuser
• ‘Goldengrove’: A Poet’s Vision of His Local Roots (Part 2)
• The Nick Hedges Collection
• Book Reviews

As well as being sold through local outlets, the Rousler is again available as a paid download through this website. Back issues are also available to download.

An index to all editions of the Rousler back to 1986 is available as a free download.

Society remembers First World War

Bromsgrove Society Chair Pat Tansell was among those invited to lay a wreath at Bromsgrove's war memorial as part of the Armistice Centenary commemorations. She is pictured (centre) with Jo Slade (left, Vice Chair, laying a wreath on behave of the Bromsgrove Court Leet) and Isobel Jarrett (right, President). Click 'Read More' for further pictures from the day.

The Story of Finstall

The latest book by local author, and Bromsgrove Society member, Jennie McGregor-Smith tells the story of Finstall, from the Civil War through to the 1940s.

At first sight nothing much has happened in Finstall, but look further and there are stories to tell. In the 1640s there was a surprising connection with the Civil War. Early in the eighteenth century there was the Ellins family of Rigby Hall. Later, more and more wealthy men from the industrial Midlands came here to create their estates, particularly the Albrights and the Brettells. Women, too, had a tremendous effect on the neighbourhood, notably Miss Catherine Albright and her niece Miss Jocelyn.

The book travels from the tiny hamlet with just a blacksmith's workshop on the Alcester Road and a few small farming dwellings. It tells the story of many changes and goes up to the attractive village we have today with its Village Hall, the corner shop, the Cross Inn, and Dusthouse Lane and Pikes Pool Lane which even today still feel like true countryside.

Book Launch by Councillor Caroline Spencer, to which all are invited, at The Cross Inn on Thursday, 8th November at 3.00 pm, when books will be on sale.

Published by Brewin Books (www.brewinbooks.com) at £14.95 or will be available from the author (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 01527 872422) and this website at a reduced price: £12.00 plus postage.