History Group speakers and meetings 2025

We have a varied and very interesting programme of speakers at our meetings in 2025.

All are very welcome to come, you do not need to be a history group member. Full details of the venue, times, etc. are at the bottom of the page.

Tuesday 20th May

MURDER AND MAYHEM IN MEDIEVAL LEICESTER

Speaker: MATHEW MORRIS

Local archaeologist Mathew Morris will recount gruesome tales from medieval Leicester - including the bell ringer murdered by the vicar on Christmas Eve, the Franciscan friars hung drawn and quartered for treason, and the criminal deeds of the Bushby brothers.

Find out how archaeology and historic sources, like the town's medieval coroner's rolls, provide complementary evidence which enriches the story of Leicester.

We are pleased to welcome back Mathew, who is an excellent speaker, best known for his work with the University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

Tuesday 22nd July

VILLAGE WALK

Join us for a walk of discovery, looking at the history of Markfield. This will again be part of the Festival of Archaeology.

We will explore part of the old village, encompassing the lower and upper Green, lower Main Steet, Forest Road and Queen Street. Providing a glimpse into village life in times past, we will pick out notable older buildings, together with more recent changes and the expansion of housing over the years. The walk will take approximately one hour.

Please meet from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, at the lower part of The Green, opposite the Methodist Church, Main Street, LE67 9WD.

Parking is available on nearby streets, please be considerate to local residents. The Arriva 29 bus stops nearby and the 29A runs by the top end of Main Street.

The walk is free of charge, however donations are welcomed. There may be some slippery steps along the route, so you are advised to wear suitable footwear.

Tuesday 16th September

MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING BRITAIN’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Speaker: DAVID SLEIGHT

Find out how Britain’s historic buildings and monuments are protected and repaired as part of our heritage, to protect them for future generations to enjoy and cherish.

David worked for English Heritage for many years and now has his own building conservation business.

Tuesday 18th November

HISTORY OF MARKFIELD QUARRIES

Speaker: COLIN SHARPE

Granite has been quarried locally at least as far back as Roman times and has shaped the landscape. Commercial quarrying started at Hill Hole in the 1850s and at Cliffe Hill in the 1870s, employing many people. Some innovations even made the national and international news. Learn more about the history of the quarries in and around Markfield.

Colin is a member of our history group and enjoys sharing what he has discovered and learnt.

Meeting Venue

Meetings are held at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) LE67 9WD, starting at 7.30pm. The Church is fully accessible.

Car parking is available around The Green, please be considerate to residents.

The Arriva 29 bus service Leicester/Coalville/Swadlincote stops at The Green. The 29A stops near the top of Main Street, a 5-10 minute walk.

Please note that children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Charges

Group members attend meetings at no extra charge. Annual membership is £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/ families. Half-fees are charged for new members joining from September. New members are welcome to join at any of the meetings.

Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each meeting; and to consider a donation for the village walk.