The Bromsgrove Society - Pride, Preservation, Progress

Summer School 2024

This year's Bromsgrove Summer School will be held on 9-11th July. It offers three courses over the three days, celebrating the rich agricultural, industrial, architectural and cultural history of Bromsgrove and district.

This year's topics are:

• Tues 9 July: The Canal World, presented by Tony Condor, former Curator of the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester. There will be an afternoon visit. SOLD OUT.
• Weds 10 July: Benjamin Sanders and Button Making in Bromsgrove. Pat Tansell, former Chair of the Bromsgrove Society, will present new findings from a recent project. There will be a visit to sites associated with button making in the afternoon.
• Thur 12 July: The Inns & Public Houses of Bromsgrove, presented by local historians Jenny Townshend and Julian Hunt (authors of Bromsgrove - The Story of a Market Town), including findings from the latest research. There will be a town walk and visit(s) in the afternoon. SOLD OUT.

To access the booking form or book online, click 'Read More' below.

Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.

Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.

We are very sad to announce the death of Jennie McGregor-Smith who died on 15th September, aged 85.

Jennie was not just a Founder Member of the Bromsgrove Society, she was its instigator. It was her letter-writing and campaigning over the preservation of the town's history that brought together a nucleus of people to discuss the formation of a civic and heritage society, and she personally organised the Society's inaugural meeting in May 1980.

She was closely involved in arts, music and community activities in Bromsgrove and beyond for many years, and wrote several popular books on local history. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, 12th October at 2pm at Redditch Crematorium. Family flowers only, please. Donations in Jennie's memory can be made to Help Musicians. All enquiries to James Giles & Sons (01527 872318).
 

Bromsgrove Town Numbering

Have you ever tried to locate where your ancestors lived in Bromsgrove but been unable to find it?

Property numbers in Bromsgrove can be confusing, especially in the High Street, as historically the numbering was completely different to how it is now. Before the 1950s, the High Street was numbered from the north (Strand) end in a circular arrangement, whereas today the numbering is from the south (St John’s Street) end on alternate sides of the road.

Local historian Jenny Townshend has compiled a short note to explain it all. You can access it for free here.

Don't forget, there's loads of information about Bromsgrove people and places in the book Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town, which Jenny co-authored with Julian Hunt. It's available in our online shop.

Remembering Bromsgrove's Dambuster

On Tuesday 16th May, the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, the Society held a ceremony at Avoncroft Museum to commemorate Dambuster Pilot Flight Lieutenant Bill Townsend, who lived in Bromsgrove.

Members of the Bromsgrove Society were joined by the Royal British Legion Bromsgrove Branch, the local RAF Association, members of Bill Townsend's family and other guests. It was a fitting day to remember the 123 brave man who were involved in the famous operation during WWII.

The Society's Facebook page has a selection of photographs from the event and the Bromsgrove Standard has published a full-page article.

After the official unveiling at the museum the plaque was installed at Bill's home at 42 Marlbrook Lane, Marlbrook. An account of Bill's role in the raid is in the current edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, which can be purchased here. 

Bromsgrove Rousler 2023

The latest edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, the popular local history magazine, is now available. The 2023 edition – number 38 in the series – features a fascinating mix of personalities and events that have helped shape Bromsgrove’s history.

Topics in this year’s Rousler are:

• School Reorganisation in the 1970s
• Memories of Stoke Works
• T. D. Thomas and the Stourbridge & Kidderminster Bank
• Finstall Park School
• Bringing Water to Bromsgrove
• Bromsgrove Market in the 1930s

Members will receive their copies shortly.  Find a local stockist.

See here to purchase the Rousler from our online bookstall (leaves this website)

Rouslers make an ideal Christmas present, especially for friends now living elsewhere,
and we can post to any address in the UK free of charge.
Back issues and a wide variety of books can be bought through our online bookstall.

Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town

Order your copy of our new history of Bromsgrove

The Bromsgrove Society's new book Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town is written by well-known local historians and Bromsgrove Society members Jenny Townshend and Julian Hunt, and chronicles the history of Bromsgrove over the last one thousand years. Based on extensive original research, the authors present an exhaustive account of the town’s development, from a medieval settlement to a prosperous market town and industrial centre whose influence extended across the whole of North Worcestershire.

Click below for further information and how to order your copy.