Events - Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service

The workshop is aimed at those who have used the archives before but would like help in reading script.  The focus will be on secretary hand which is used in many of our Elizabethan and Stuart documents.  It will be a practical session to introduce participants to letters, numbers and abbreviations with the opportunity to have a go at reading some short documents.

Participants should bring their own paper and pencils.  A magnifying glass may be useful.

Join Archivists behind the scenes for a tour of what is unique, special and treasured about Worcestershire Archives and their wonderful collections. In honour of Women’s History Month, this tour will focus on remarkable women with local stories and connections, including the aviator Sheila Scott, nurse and social reformer Florence Nightingale and some of the many unsung Worcestershire women.

Upcoming dates are: 1st Apr & 29^th Apr

Ever pondered the evolution of your County? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you with our Local Studies Book Club! Explore a wide range of books covering Worcestershire’s people, natural history, dialect, landmarks, buildings, waterways, transport, justice, medical and social care/support. Many reference original historical records cared for by our archive team. These books are so special, they can’t be taken home so there will be no ‘reading homework’! Instead you will be asked to select a book or two, have a brief read of it and feed your thoughts back to the group.  It’s the perfect opportunity to socialise and share what you have learned in a friendly space.

The case of Bella in the Wych Elm has excited interest since the remains of an unidentified woman were found in Hagley Woods 83 years ago.

Over the years, theories as to who she was and why she was killed have abounded. For this talk we will use West Mercia Police archives, held by WAAS, to explore the facts of the case and, in partnership with the University of Worcester, lecturers in policing will look at how the case was conducted. A local playwright, Sarah Hutton, will then look at how press coverage distorted the facts of the case. In her latest play Sarah seeks to get behind the notoriety and present Bella as a real person.

Please join us for what will be a fascinating evening.

Interested in researching the history of your house? Or perhaps you are interested in another building.

We are running a free drop-in session where a member of staff will be on hand to offer advice and tips, as well as introduce you to the variety of resources available for house history in Worcestershire. This event is intended as a Q&A and resource overview, not extensive one-to-one assistance with research.

No booking required.

The case of Florrie Porter, found murdered in Lickey End in 1944, has not received the same amount of attention as that of Bella in the Wych Elm.

For this talk we will use the documents deposited with us by West Mercia Police to explore the facts of the case. Despite the involvement of US Military Police and witnesses to Florrie’s movements prior to her murder, her murderer has never been identified.

In partnership with the University of Worcester, lecturers in Policing will discuss how in times of war violence against women increases. Dr Charley Barnes from the English, Media and Culture department will then explore how the lives of victims are often forgotten in the midst of the notoriety of the case.

Come and join us for an evening guaranteed to make you think!

Do you have a treasured letter, book or album in need of a bit of care and attention?  Why not bring it along for our Book and Paper Conservator to take a look at for advise on how to care for it for many years to come?  From suggestions for packaging and storage to discussing options for repair, your special items deserve the same care as our archives.

No booking required.

Documents in our collections tell us the Battle of Worcester began in the early afternoon of 3rd September 1651 on a floodplain to the south of the city, near to where the Rivers Severn and Teme merge. Thanks to an exciting Worcestershire Archaeology project we can now add to this knowledge through material evidence of the battle.

Come to this special Behind the Scenes tour to find out more, and get up close to these captivating documents and fascinating finds!

A workshop to introduce you to the resources available at The Hive to get you started on your family history journey.

No previous experience necessary, but please bring any family information you already have (names/dates/places) with you on the day, along with a Worcestershire Library card* to allow access to the computers, if you wish.

*If you do not have one, please bring ID to get one on the day.

Join Archivists behind the scenes for a tour of what is unique, special and treasured about Worcestershire Archives and their wonderful collections. Highlights will include a letter sent from Titanic, Shakespeare’s Marriage bond, documents from the reign of King Charles I and II and the Worcestershire photographic survey.