The Holderness Historian

Category: Events

  • It’s Showtime!

    It’s my turn this month for the Hedon History Talk, and we’re going to the Magdalen Fair!

    What began as a medieval feast day for the Blessed Mary Magdalen turned into a week of the most amazing sights you could wish to see in Georgian England: death-defying feats, giants and dwarves, waxwork spectaculars, anarchic puppet theatres and much more. All the fun of the fair… and plenty of things that weren’t so much fun, from murderous coppers to anti-semitism.

    Using an 18th century Hedon ballad, contemporary newspaper reports and archive material, we’ll look at the rise and fall of Hedon’s most famous fair. No need to book, just turn up and pay £5 on the night at the Royal British Legion, Magdalen Gate (fittingly!), Hedon, HU12 8JP, 7pm.

    “In words all the wonders could never be told — the way to enjoy is to come and behold!”

  • The Wages of Sin

    I’m back at the British Legion tomorrow night to talk about sin! We’ll be looking at what St Augustine’s church can tell us about the medieval concept of sin (including an exciting new discovery I’ve made), the history behind the stories of Hedon’s wrongdoers, and the punishments that were meted out from public humiliation to the House of Correction.

    Come along to hear about gargoyles, murderous monks, troublesome women and a shoot-out at the Town Hall — the Devil lurks around every corner in Hedon!

  • Old Flames

    If anyone is in a romantic mood tonight, my Hedon History Talk this month (tenuously linked to Valentine’s Day) is Old Flames: Love & Lust in Holderness Past.

    Although there is a bit of romance, I’m not really the hearts-and-flowers type, so expect more scandal than soppy stuff: Hedon’s medieval sex workers, our own version of the Tinder Swindler, and a 19th century antiquarian with a dangerous secret life…

    WARNING: contains “adult” language (one word in particular that might cause offence) and subject matter. If this sounds like your sort of thing, come to the Hedon Royal British Legion (Magdalen Lane), 7pm, Thursday 26th February. £5 on the door.