History Group Speakers and Meetings 2026

We have a varied and very interesting programme of speakers at our meetings in 2026.

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 also very happy to offer local history and heritage walks. If you would like to explore the village, or have a particular theme in mind, please message us via the Contact Us page.

Tuesday 27th January

AGM AND SOCIAL **7PM** AT MARKFIELD COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Our annual general meeting and social is a good opportunity to discuss the general running of the history group, etc.…. and the social aspect is a lovely chance to enjoy some food, drink and chat to each other.

This is for current and new members – if you aren’t a member already but would like to be – please attend and join on the night.

Tuesday 17th March

MEDIEVAL STORYTELLER

Speaker: GARETH KING, as MARK OF ASHBY

Join Mark of Ashby for an evening in the middle ages. He travels as far away as Wales, London and France telling stories in return for food, drink and a floor to lay his head for the night.

Find out what lessons can be learned from mice, how fairies can make you rich or sore and why it is a good idea not to make big commitments in advance!

We are very pleased to welcome our speaker Gareth King back for a 3rd time, on this occasion as Mark of Ashby! He is truly entertaining, so we are looking forward to an evening of learning and fun in Gareth’s own unique style!

Tuesday 19th May JOSEPH MERRICK – WHO WAS HE REALLY?

Speaker: JOANNE VIGOR-MUNGOVIN

Most Leicestershire folks have heard about Joseph Merrick, “The Elephant Man” – he was born in Leicester in 1862, but who actually was he and what is his story?

His life has been distorted and exaggerated - as depicted in the 1980 film, from cruelty to rescue by Dr. Treves. The truth is quite different……..

Our speaker, local historian Jo Vigor-Mungovin, has done extensive research and published a book about Joseph. We are very much looking forward to welcoming her and hearing this fascinating story.

Tuesday 28th 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, with further details nearer the time.

Please note that advance booking may be required, as numbers may be limited.

Tuesday 15th September

14 PUBS IN MARKFIELD!!!

Speaker: LAURENCE LOCK

YES - that’s right, there really were 14 pubs in Markfield at one time – but when was that??? Where were they all??

Come and learn about them from Laurence, who is one of our members and has undertaken extensive research into the history of Leicestershire pubs.

Tuesday 17th November

CARDINALS, CHARIOTS AND QUEENS

MATHEW MORRIS

Have you ever wondered about the hidden history of your local parks? Join Mathew Morris for a talk looking at the archaeology of three of Leicestershire’s best loved parks, Abbey Park, Burrough Hill Country Park and Bradgate Park.

Why are they there? What was there before? Hear about Ice Age hunters, Iron Age charioteers and Tudor cardinals and queens, all have left their mark on the park landscapes we enjoy today.

Mathew is an archaeologist, writer and public speaker, passionate about communicating archaeology to new audiences. We have been lucky enough to welcome Mathew several times before and are thoroughly looking forward to hearing another fascinating talk.

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. Advance bookings are not usually taken in advance.

Light refreshments are served afterwards at no extra charge, 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.