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All walks are available for private hire and most walks can be performed as talks or lectures.
Talks currently available
Entertaining talks on the history of the city of Chelmsford performed in period costume. There are currently ten themed talks available and all can be performed in around 60-90 minutes, accompanied by a PowerPoint slide show presentation.
1.The Essex Women who rocked the boat These are the true stories of ten local ladies who influenced local and national history. Virtually walk in the footsteps of the Essex Women who rocked the boat! Meet the local women who fought for equality and their rights! Discover the history of the Essex Girls from the 15th century Witches to the retailers of the 1960s. From the campaigners for Anti Slavery to the secret factory workers of WW11, we will take you on a journey back in time to when women found it tough to be heard in a “man’s world”. These were all ordinary local ladies but each had remarkable drive and passion that made them special.
2. The Forgotten History of Chelmsford This talk is an insight into some of the history of the city that may have been lost in the mists of time. The commentary will explain the origin of the name and how the Romans and then the Normans played their part in shaping the now city centre. This evolution story will cover how Chelmsford changed from an agricultural town with a coaching stop on an old Roman road into a hive of manufacturing and technology with a direct rail link to the capital and the rest of the world.
3. The Yellow Brick Road history tour This is a new virtual historical tour from Chelmsford Museum which covers the old manor of Moulsham. A large development started to happen in this area in 1839. A number of new buildings appeared; some built in locally made yellow brick, hence the title. There are many fascinating stories to be told about the history of people that then became local residents and these will be relayed while we take our virtual tour around the area.
4. The Evolution of Moulsham Street Moulsham Street, named by the Saxons, is perhaps the oldest street in Chelmsford and has a past which predates the city centre. This talk covers the history of the hamlet from before the Roman occupation, through Saxon and Medieval imes up to the industrial revolution and the present day. Over that time the street has seen many dramatic changes, but hidden away are some fine examples of the area’s evolution which you will discover during this talk.
5. Chelmsford’s Industrial Heritage Talk The industrial revolution arrived late in Chelmsford, but once here magnificent inventions soon came to light. Why not find out how these clever ideas came about and how some have had a lasting effect on our planet and beyond.
6. Talk on the History of Chelmsford High Street 1860 to1960 A talk featuring the recent history of the town centre before the coming of the large shopping centres and pedestrianisation. This will bring to life tales about the shops in the High Street, some of which are still there and some that are sadly no more.
7. The Chelmsford streets that lost their character A vitual tour starting in Tindal Square walking down Tindal Street to New London Road, recreating the lost shops and buildings of the area which the people of Chelmsford once knew so well.
8. My Blue Plaque Challenge This is a personal quest I have taken on following an invitation from Chelmsford City Council to increase the number of people in Chelmsford recognised by a Blue Plaque. As I have now been involved with this process, on a voluntary basis for a number of years I feel I have almost perfected it. Behind each plaque are some wonderful stories about local people each of which I thought more than deserved this special honour.
Over the years many individuals have had a great influence on our town - now a City. Some are acknowledged by blue plaques and others are not celebrated at all. So who were they and what part did they play in our history? They are; Winifred Collins the singer, Thomas Dennis the ironmonger, Richard Coates a canal builder, Dr Benjamin Pugh a doctor surgeon, John Braithwaite Engineer, and Godfrey Isaacs the who saved the Marconi Company.
10. Mr Marconi and the Birthplace of Wireless 1898 to 1922 The story of how Chelmsford played a key part in the evolution of wireless from Morse code and the RMS Titanic to pioneering radio broadcasts and the early days of a new broadcast organisation which later became known as the BBC.
11. The Secret Wartime device made in Chelmsford This talk links a device found in your domestic microwave oven with a successful hi-tech Chelmsford company and the “Code Breakers” at Bletchley Park. The story is the result of research into history that was until recently deemed to be classified information.
Details Each talk can be performed as required (real or virtual) to an audience of up to 80 people. If presenting in person, for larger groups a personal address system may be required. To display the presentation, a laptop, projector with stand and a 54 inch wide screen can be provided. The cost per talk will be dependent on the size of the group and travel required. For availability please call Alan on 07779 931401 or E-mail cityhistorywalks@gmail.com |
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Last updated 21/01/25 |