Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society Publishes Autumn Programme


Season begins with the story of Brentford's gas works

Brentford gas worksBrentford gas works . Picture: BCLHS

September 15, 2023

The Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society is returning to the Chiswick Memorial Club for its programme of talks for autumn. The events can also be access by Zoom technology allowing.

The season begins on Monday 18 September with David Shailes talking about his research into Brentford gas work.

Monday

18 September 7.30pm

The story of Brentford's gas works

An illustrated talk by David Shailes, sharing his recent research. The coal gas industry created technical innovation, improved lighting and raised living standards for the poor. It took over Brentford's Victorian river front but has now completely disappeared. David is one of our committee members and heads the Brentford Voice Heritage & Conservation group.

Monday

16 October 7.30pm

 

Celebrating the refurbishment of Boston Manor House, Brentford

John Collins, Hounslow's Historic Houses Manager, has overseen the multi-million pound, award-winning restoration of Boston Manor House. He will show how a greater understanding of the building and recent research about its occupants have informed the new presentation for visitors

Monday

20 November 7.30pm

 

Sutton Court Farm in the 1720s: Chiswick’s largest 18 th century farm

Daniel Burfordfarmed the huge Sutton Court estate. In this illustrated talk James Wisdom will use the inventory created when Burford died in 1726 to reveal his home, its furnishings, his farm buildings, his animals, his fields and what he grew.

Monday

18 December 7.30pm

 

Gifts & bequests in local wills

At the time of year when people are thinking about presents, Val Bott will share some anecdotes from her study of the wills of 18th century local residents. Besides buildings and land they left personal possessions, silverware, furniture and clothing as well as gifts of money to family, friends, servants and business partners.

 

You may also be interested in

● Hogarth's House: TheAt Home with the Hogarthsexhibition continues until 1 October, admission free

● Talks from the London Luminaries group, October and November 2023

Fourteen West London historic houses, including Boston Manor House, Gunnersbury Park Museum and Hogarth's House, run talks programmes. Tickets for the autumn series on the theme of Love and Death can be booked here for free but donations welcome

● Gunnersbury Park Museum: a major exhibition about the sci-fi film and television industry in West London will open in late October. Admission free

 

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