Handsworth Historical Society was formed in 1952 and since 1978 has occupied half of the building known as ‘Handsworth Old Town Hall’. This is a Grade 2 listed cruck cottage built about 1460 and we run our half of it as a community museum about Handsworth.
It contains many exhibits/displays and a host of accessible local records.
As well as opening to the public on dates shown below, We also try to help with family history and other enquiries about the area’s past, and welcome visitors/groups at other times by appointment. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit for your group/school.
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME 2022
(If Government restrictions change, please check with us whether meetings/events are still going ahead)
Tuesday 11 January at 2pm
Frost Fairs – Nigel Metcalfe explores the fairs that were held on the frozen River Thames in the past
Saturday 22 January
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 8 February at 2pm
George Tangye’s Musical Box – member David Lewis’s family heirloom with interesting connections
Saturday 19 February
Coffee Morning (celebrating the Society’s 70th anniversary on the 20th)
Tuesday 8 March at 2pm
Timber-framed Houses – Ian Bott looks at local buildings, including the Old Town Hall of course!
Saturday 19 March
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 12 April at 2pm
Pumping Stations – The Revenge of Dr Wilmore – a Victorian melodrama – with Vanessa Morgan
Saturday 23 April
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 10 May at 2pm
Enamelling – Karen Brown talks about its history, application and changes
Saturday 18 June
Coffee Morning (or afternoon tea/garden party)
Saturday 2 July
Afternoon Tea
Saturday 23 July
Coffee Morning
Saturday 20 August
Coffee Morning
Saturday 10 September
Heritage Open Day. 10.00am to 5.00pm. Free admission/refreshments available.
Tuesday 13 September
Annual General Meeting plus A One-Way Ticket – Nigel Metcalfe’s history of the London Necropolis Railway
Speaker Meetings: New Church Centre, Winleigh Road (off Church Lane), Handsworth Wood, B20 2HN,
at 2pm on second Tuesday, January to May and September to November (adjacent car park).
Members £2.00, visitors £3.00, including refreshments.
Coffee Mornings: Old Town Hall, corner of Slack Lane/College Road, Handsworth, B20 2JL, 10.00am to 1.00pm. Admission free.
NB: Apart from Coffee Mornings and other events, the Old Town Hall will only be open by appointment in future.
For more information please contact: Janice.1@live.co.uk
Or call: 07846 615802
