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2025 Programme
2025, Wednesday 8th January
Aske Hall: the families and the designed landscape
Val Hepworth
Passed through various lineages following the Norman Conquest, the Aske Hall Estate was eventually acquired in 1727 by Sir Conyers D’Arcy (c.1685–1758). His initial improvements established the groundwork for the historic gardens and parkland, a vision later expanded by Sir Lawrence Dundas and his heirs from 1763. During this period, both Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and John Carr of York were engaged to provide their expertise. Val’s presentation will explore these families and the evolution of the storied landscape at Aske.
2025, Wednesday 5th February
Bridget Talbot: the heart of Kiplin
Dr Tom Banfield (Kiplin Hall)
Miss Bridget Talbot OBE (1885–1971) was the last private owner of Kiplin Hall. Though an earl’s granddaughter, she was, nevertheless, a courageous and independent woman. She worked on the Austro-Italian Front during the Great War, invented a device that saved hundreds of lives at sea and, finally, fought to save Kiplin for the nation. Tom’s talk will form part of the celebration of Kiplin Hall’s 400th anniversary in 2025.
2025, Wednesday 5th March (venue: The Georgian Theatre Royal)
Players on the Richmond Boards
Dr Declan McCormack (author of Theatre and Associational Life in Northern England 1760–1815)
Samuel Butler established Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal in 1788 and managed one of the most successful provincial theatre companies of the period. While charting that success, this talk will present new findings about several of the actors, including the abolitionist James Stanfield, who wrote the first words ever spoken on the Richmond stage; the Princeton-educated American stroller, Henry Finn; and Richmond-born Jane Wallis, protégé of the Lord Chancellor and propagandist in the war against Revolutionary France.
2025, Wednesday 2nd April
Half-day site visit to Gillingwood Hall with the landscape archaeologist, Tim Gates, to precede his evening lecture
2025, Wednesday 2nd April
Gillingwood Hall: a fine Jacobean mansion
Tim Gates (landscape archaeologist)
Gillingwood Hall, a fine Jacobean mansion built by the Wharton family in 1600–10, was destroyed by fire in December 1750 and replaced by a farmhouse. Recent investigation has documented a hitherto unsuspected terraced garden, contemporary with the early house. In the period leading up to the fire, both the house and the garden were extensively modified and updated, most probably under the supervision of the architect Daniel Garrett. This talk will bring the story up to date. There will be the opportunity for members to take part in a site visit of Gillingwood Hall earlier in the day, led by Tim.
2025, Wednesday 7th May
Middleham Castle: new findings and recent scholarship
Dr William Wyeth (English Heritage)
English Heritage has recently completed a new scheme of interpretation at Middleham Castle. This talk will outline some of the new stories and ideas which have emerged over the course of this project. Beginning with the castle’s creation in the 12th century, the talk will discuss new findings and recent scholarship, which will help to broaden the story of the castle and its community.
2025, Thursday 15th May
Swinton Park - Visit
2025, Wednesday 4th June
Robert Adam and Thomas Chippendale at Nostell
Kerry Bristol (University of Leeds)
Nostell in West Yorkshire remains a landmark commission for both Robert Adam and Thomas Chippendale. Kerry’s lecture will examine the intricate nature of their professional partnership, investigating the periods when they collaborated and when they practiced independently at the estate. The discussion will consider whether the late 18th-century architect held definitive authority, or if the artisans responsible for furnishing the interior could command significant influence.
2025, Thursday 17th July
Nostell Priory House and Gardens (National Trust) - Visit
2025, Wednesday 3rd September
The Stockton & Darlington Railway
Chris Lloyd (The Northern Echo)
This presentation explores the foundational origins of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the pioneering line that set the world in motion. Commemorating its bicentenary this month, Chris will share the compelling stories that defined the early years of this historic railway.
2025, Wednesday 1st October
Lead mining in Swaledale
Helen Guy (Keld Resource Centre)
Tracing the heritage of lead mining in Swaledale from its Roman origins, this talk examines the methods used and the social fabric of the industry. Helen will discuss the vital roles played by women and children, the daily experiences of mining families, and the factors that led to the sector's eventual decline toward the end of the 19th century.
2025, Wednesday 22nd October
The Melsonby Hoard - Richmond School
Tom Moore, Professor of Archaeology at Durham University
Discussion on the findings from a local metal-detectorist near Stanwick iron age fort, the second such discovery in the area (the first in the 1840s).
The scale and historical importance of the find, the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork, horse harnesses, wagons, which has opened up many insights and lines of inquiry into late-Iron Age Britain. Some of the finds are unique, evidence of which has never been seen before from Iron Age Britain.
For more details see below.
2025, Wednesday 12th November (note the change of date)
A Yorkshire Year: folklore, customs and traditions
Catherine Warr (author of A Yorkshire Year)
Tracing the heritage of lead mining in Swaledale from its Roman origins, this talk examines the methods used and the social fabric of the industry. Helen will discuss the vital roles played by women and children, the daily experiences of mining families, and the factors that led to the sector's eventual decline toward the end of the 19th century.
The Melsonby Hoard.
Tom Moore, Professor of Archaeology at Durham University, gave a highly entertaining and informative talk about the Melsonby Hoard.
The Iron Age find discovered by a local metal-detectorist near to Stanwick Fort.
Professor Moore could barely hide his enthusiasm and amazement at the scale and historical importance of the find, the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork, horse harnesses, wagons raise money for the conservation and jewellery yet found in Britain, which has opened up many insights and lines of enquiry into late-Iron Age Britain.
Some of the finds were unique, such as the remains of a four-wheel wagon, evidence of which has never been seen before from Iron Age Britain.
Two particular details brought out by the Professor were, firstly, that Stanwick was much more than a Hill Fort, but rather a Royal site; secondly, the fact that two hoards had been found on the site, which were contemporary with the Stanwick Hoard, discovered nearby in the 1840's. Hence, the title of his talk was 'The Melsonby Hoards'.
A Wikipedia search for the Melsonby Hoard will provide more details.
Plus a number of external links
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A video of the hoard by the Yorkshire Museum;
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A Historic England page on the hoard;
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Durham University website on the hoard;
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A BBC Countryfile gallery of images
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A Youtube video from Durham University.
During the day, two archaeologists from Durham University,
Faye McLean and Henry Morris successfully ran workshops with various year groups at both Richmond School and St Francis Xavier School.
Before he began his talk, Professor Moore presented a prize to 11- year- old student George Rowbotham, who was the winner of the Heritage Quiz, organised by the Civic Society as part of the Heritage Open Days in September.
Described by his parents as 'History mad', George would have been especially delighted to have received his prize from a university Professor.
A Hoard Conservation Fund has been set up by the Yorkshire Museum:
With cheques: Payable to York Museums & Gallery Trust
or BACS Transfer:
Please reference: MHOct25
Account Name: York Museums & Gallery Trust
Account Number: 45152550
Sort Code: 40-47-31
