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.

We are developing a range of history and heritage walks. If you're interested in exploring the village, or have a particular theme in mind, please message us via the Contact Us page.

Tuesday 18th November

HISTORY OF MARKFIELD QUARRIES

Speaker: COLIN SHARPE

Learn more about the fascinating history of the granite quarries in and around Markfield, at our final meeting of the year.

Granite has been quarried locally at least as far back as Roman times and has shaped the landscape. Commercial quarrying started at Markfield Hill (now Hill Hole) in the 1850s and at Cliffe Hill in the 1870s, employing many people. Some innovations even made the national and international news. Markfield Hill and Bardon Hill quarries were started by the same partnership.

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. There is no need to book in advance.

Light refreshments are served afterwards, with the opportunity to chat with other people and the speaker.

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

The Arriva 29A bus service Leicester/Coalville/Swadlincote and the LC15 service both stop at The Green. The 29 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 (January to January). Half-fees are charged for new members joining from September (£4 for individuals and £7 for couples/families).

New members are welcome to join at any of the meetings.

Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each meeting, which includes the light refreshments after the talk.