Local History Talks 2025

Next talk Friday 26 September 2025 The Varvill family: 19th century entrepreneurs David Harbourne  Over the course of the 19th century, the Varvill family put a unique stamp on trade, commerce and industry in York. They manufactured world-class woodworking tools, supplied iron and steel to the construction industry and owned properties from modest cottages in Micklegate to a mansion on The Mount ... but by 1900, they were broke. David Harbourne will tell the story of a remarkable family.

'Thank you for tonight's talk. Fascinating! Concise, accurate and left you wanting more, or at least looking at the area in a new way. What could be better?'

'As new members we thoroughly enjoyed the talk and the photographs last night and are looking forward to the next one.'

'An interesting insight not only to the Poor Laws in the 19th century, but also into how historical researchers work and the sources they use.'

'Absolutely fascinating talk, thank you.'

'Thank you! Great maps'

All talks this year will be held at Clements Hall, starting at 7.45 pm.

Please note we are unable to let you in until 7.30pm, because of earlier activity in the Hall. 

Friday 24 January 2025
Stories from Micklegate

Susan Major

Micklegate, the ‘great street’ of York, is a fascinating street, sweeping in an elegant curve from Micklegate Bar’s Royal entrance down to the Ouse Bridge. But how much do you know about those historic buildings that line the street?

Our latest project group have been investigating the origins of every building on Micklegate, who lived there and who was trading there from early times to the modern day. They've already uncovered many stories, which we'll be presenting at this talk.

Friday 21 March 2025
The Women’s Penitentiary in Bishophill

Tee Bylo

Friday 23 May 2025

The history of Rowntree Park

Anne Houson

Friday 26 September 2025

The Varvill family: 19th century entrepreneurs

David Harbourne

Over the course of the 19th century, the Varvill family put a unique stamp on trade, commerce and industry in York. They manufactured world-class woodworking tools, supplied iron and steel to the construction industry and owned properties from modest cottages in Micklegate to a mansion on The Mount ... but by 1900, they were broke. David Harbourne will tell the story of a remarkable family.  

Friday 21 November 2025
The Terry family and business

Stan Young

You can become a member of the History Group for a small sum of £5 for the year, which gives you reduced fee (£1) to talks and walks. You can add £5 to pay for all the talks this year, details here. Non-members are also very welcome, see here. 

Please note in 2025 we are offering online only membership for £5. This type of membership entitles the member to view recordings of the talks at home on a computer or tablet. The online member would receive the link automatically as soon as the recording is made, usually a week or so after the live talk. We record all the talks that we are allowed to by the speakers. Very occasionally a speaker does not wish to be recorded. 

Contact us by email chlhg.membership@gmail.com, or alternatively leave a note at Clements Hall.

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