Local History Talks 2026

Next talk Friday 27 November 2026 7.45pm The changing story of the Odeon site on Blossom Street A talk by Jenny Collieson The distinctive classic Art Deco style of the Odeon Cinema on Blossom Street has made it one of York’s landmark 20th century buildings since its opening in 1937.  Over the past 90 years it has survived a number of different owners, many renovations and a period of closure but remains an active film venue under The Everyman banner. However, as our research for the book shows, the Odeon site was a location for popular entertainment before the cinema was built with the establishment of the popular Crescent Café and Danse Hall in the early 1920s.  Prior to this two large private houses with extensive grounds can be seen on the mid 19th century map at this end of the North West side of Blossom Street before the development of The Crescent. One of these houses became the residence of a prominent York Quaker, Fielden Thorp who was also the Headmaster of Bootham School. This talk will look at the fascinating history of the Odeon site, its change of use from a residential to commercial location and some of the stories of the people who lived and worked there.

'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 23 January 2026 

Blossom Street through time

Susan Major

Friday 20 March 2026

York Mystery Plays: the 75th anniversary of their revival

Margaret Scott 

Friday 22 May 2026

Micklegate and Bishophill in close-up

Catherine Sotheran

Friday 25 September 2026

York’s Inner Ring Road: a nightmare dodged or a dream lost?

Peter Thompson

The 1948 plan for York’s inner ring road was inspired by John Bowes Morrell, that seminal figure of York civic life. He envisaged demolishing most of the buildings immediately outside the city walls, to create an uninterrupted view of the mediaeval walls. For our area the 1948 plan would see a major roundabout at the Blossom Street- Holgate Road junction, and while the Odeon Cinema would survive, all buildings between it and Micklegate Bar would be demolished, along with Scarcroft School and many streets in Clementhorpe. This talk will outline the many possible modifications to the 1948 plan over the next 25 years and how we have escaped with the inner ring road we have today.

Friday 27 November 2026

The Changing Story of the Odeon site on Blossom Street

Jenny Collieson

Changes to membership fees

In 2026 we will be offering two types of membership:

• Full Membership at £10 pa (with free entry to all talks)

• Online Membership at £5 pa (with links provided to recordings of our talks).

Non-members are very welcome to come to our talks, paying £3 per talk.

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

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