Newsletter – September 2015
August 13th, 2015The first recorded establishment of Almshouses we were told by Ned Williams our speaker this month, date back to the 10th century in York built by King Athelstan. They were based on a Christian tradition of providing a place of residence for poor, old and distressed people. However, you can still see them today in places as near as Bewdley and even in fishing ports such as Padstow. They are usually distinguished by plaques and in Droitwich you can find some entitled for the benefit of ‘Decayed Saltmakers’.
We seem to have a number of centenary anniversaries this year. In addition to the First and Second World War anniversaries we also have the signing of Magna Carta in 1215 and the battle of Waterloo in 1815. There are some more quirky anniversaries. In 1715 the first Doggett’s Coat and Badge rowing race was held on the River Thames and if you had been in the right place at the right time you could have bought Stone Henge at auction for £6,600 in 1915.
However, the anniversary I want you to be most interested in is the battle of Agincourt in 1415. At our next meeting on Tuesday 3rd November we have a presentation by Max Keen entitled ‘King Henry V and Agincourt: England’s Greatest Three Hours?’. He will be wearing armour in the style of the period. From experience we know he will be both enlightening and also very entertaining. Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see home page for details and contacts.