History of Bath Research Group

Welcome to the

History of Bath Research Group

The History of Bath Research Group was founded in 1986 with the objective of bringing together historians who were actively engaged in research in the Bath area. Over the years many have published on different aspects of local history (including studies in the journal Bath History) and have given talks at our meetings. We also welcome those who simply wish to learn more about Bath's history and to support us in the work that we do, to attend our regular talks and visits, or to follow us through this website.

Spring/Summer 2022 - Two Walks and a Delayed AGM

28-April-2022 Due to timing issues we have had to move the AGM from 11th April to 31st May. The AGM includes a talk by Aletta Stevens & Chris Davies with the title 'Mr Prins’s Journey to Bath and the Story of the Bath-Alkmaar Barrel Organ'. However, the two walks on our original plan are still taking place, the first through Limpley Stoke and Freshford, the second a look at Georgian Box.

Previous Meetings [Sample Images]

We Also Produce and Publish

Bath Historical Directories 1790s-1930s

Latest Publications Available from Our Website:

Next Meeting

AGM followed by: Mr Prins’s Journey to Bath and the story of the Bath-Alkmaar Barrel Organ
Speakers: Aletta Stevens & Chris Davies (Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association)
Our AGM will be followed by the following talk: In 1940, Dutch-Jewish refugee Eli Prins from Alkmaar arrived in Bath after a last-minute escape from the Nazis. As a member of the Air Raid Precautions during the war he met Jimmie Wills of the Rotary Club. Together they instigated the adoption of Alkmaar and a fundraising campaign to help the child victims of the Dutch Hunger Winter. This act of solidarity inspired a friendship that has lasted for more than 75 years. Aletta Stevens’s book gives a vivid reconstruction of the escape, chronicles the experience of war in both cities, and reveals how the friendship developed. Chris Davies will talk about the barrel organ that is currently on view at the Guildhall and was used to collect money for Alkmaar.

St Mary's Bathwick Church Hall

31-May-2022

06 : 30 : PM

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N.B. As we move back into our pre-pandemic meeting spot, St. Mary's Church Hall, we welcome both our members and visitors to the meetings, however, we encourage the wearing of masks for those who are able to. We are exploring the possibility of videoing our meetings so that those who are unable to attend may view our talks online after the event. If you wish to know more about the meeting please contact our secretary, using the Enquiries form