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Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum

Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum

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About This Event

The Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum returns to Ravenshead Village Hall on 24 October 2026. Talks on varied historical topics will be presented from 09:00 with tickets priced between £9 and £10.

We are returning to Ravenshead for another day of interesting and varied talks on Saturday October 24th

Programme:

9.30am Registration and Refreshments

10.00am Welcome

10.15am Dave Mooney: Nottingham’s Drury Hill caves.

11.30am James Wright: The Buildings Archaeologist.

12.30pm Lunch & Book Stalls

1.30pm Mark Dawson: ‘Robin Pudds’, Notts desserts.

2.45pm David Barton: William Cavendish of Welbeck and Bolsover - the first Duke of Newcastle.

4.00pm Close

Our Speakers:

Dave Mooney is a musician, tour guide and President of the Nottingham Historical and Archaeological Society. He has written a number of books, including on Nottingham's sandstone caves. This talk looks at the history of the famous Drury Hill Caves (now known as the City of Caves), charting what is known of their construction, loss and rediscovery, their narrow brush with destruction and their rebirth as a major tourist attraction. Along the way we will meet tanners, archaeologists, air raid wardens and cybermen.

Dr James Wright will talk about his new book ‘The Buildings Archaeologist’, the first book in over 25 years to offer clues for discovering the secrets of Britain’s ancient buildings, looking at how historic architecture has been studied and conserved. Puzzles around why some buildings were listed and others not, will be solved. The book acts as a field guide to the written records, tree-ring dating and archaeology which help us to investigate the age, development, and social history of ancient buildings.

Dr Mark Dawson is a local food historian. He received a doctorate from Nottingham University in 2007 for his study of food and drink in the Willoughby households at Wollaton and Middleton in the Tudor period and has been researching food history for two decades now. His talk ‘Robin Pudds’ is about traditional Nottinghamshire puddings, fact or fiction; a survey of puddings that have been ascribed to Nottinghamshire and a consideration of whether they are genuinely local.

David Barton’s special interest is in the history of 17th century Nottinghamshire; he has previously talked to us on 'John and Lucy Huchinson'. Today his subject is the life and achievements of a local Renaissance Prince, William Cavendish, the first Duke of Newcastle: aristocrat, politician, military commander, famous sportsman, tutor to the Royal Princes, architect, author and patron of the arts. David is the current Secretary of NLHA.

Book and Display Stands

If you would like a Book or Display stand, please contact David Barton at secretary@nlha.org.uk The stands are free, but all stand holders should buy a Forum ticket. Stands will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Description supplied by the event organiser.

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Frequently asked questions

Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum takes place on Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 10:00.

Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum is held at Ravenshead Village Hall in Nottingham (11 Vernon Crescent, Ravenshead, NG15 9BP).

Tickets for Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum range from £9 to £10. Live prices and availability are shown on Eventbrite.

Tickets for Nottinghamshire Local History Association Autumn Forum can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.