CHIPPENHAM ANNUAL HERITAGE LECTURE – 14 JUNE 2022

A lecture by Louise Ryland-Epton on ‘Bremhill Parish Through the Ages’ at St Andrew’s Church in Chippenham.

 The Bremhill Parish History Project began in 2018. Its objective was to research, explore, record and communicate the history of the Bremhill community in various forms, including a book (and chapter for a Victoria County History Trust volume), a website, a heritage trail and resources for local schools. The resulting book Bremhill Parish Through the Ages was researched and produced in collaboration with the community and published in December 2021. It won the Alan Ball award for the best local history book published in 2021. 

 Much of the book illuminates the history of the parish through the experience of those who lived there. They include eccentrics, those who suffered or were oppressed, and those who stood up to injustice or broke the conventions of their time. Many of the most fascinating stories are about women and working people, who typically do not find their way into history books. In this lecture, the book’s principal author, Dr Louise Ryland-Epton shares her favourite stories and insights into the creation of a volume that features the research, writing and oral testimonies of those in the parish, together with insights from other historians and geophysical investigation collected as part of the project. 

 You are cordially invited to the first Heritage lecture since Covid at St Andrew’s Church. Admission is free but donations can be made to St Andrew’s Church. This is a joint lecture organised by Chippenham Civic Society and Friends of St Andrew’s Church. 

Doors open at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start. Light refreshments will be available. Further information can be obtained from Mike Stone on stone48@live.co.uk.