Events
Throughout the year, we offer a range of events for members and non-members. These include regular speaker evenings covering topical interests – for example we have included subjects varying from preserving the green belt to youth interests in St. Albans. Following the success of online speaker meetings in 2021 we now plan a mixture of in person and online meetings as part of our regular programme.
There is an Annual General Meeting when all members are invited to give their views on past and future happenings in our city.
The highlight of the year is our Awards Evening where we celebrate best practice in current architecture and design – for both buildings and our green spaces. Currently this is held every two years with the next one due in 2023.
Additionally, we participate in the St Albans Residents First Weekend and Heritage Open Days, and arrange visits to other interesting and historic towns.
Upcoming Events
Our 2023 programme will appear here shortly and includes both online and in person events.
These two talks follow the installation of a blue plaque for Edward (Ted) Warner at his family home to commemorate this remarkable hero.
The first talk will set the context of what became known as The Great War, also referred to as World War I. Caught up in this deadly conflict between the Allies and the Central Powers, was the ordinary soldier, Edward Warner, who sacrificed his life in an heroic act to defend a British Army position during the battle of Ypres in Belgium. Who was this brave private and what did he do to deserve posthumously the Victoria Cross?
There is no fee but donations (c. £5 a person) to fund more blue plaques in St Albans would be most welcome. For registration, please contact: blueplaquesstalbans@gmail.com
Past Events
This talk by Civic Society Committee Member Peter Newby will look at the unusual origins of the protection and management of cultural heritage. It will explore the conditions that led to legislative and other actions in the United Kingdom up to the present day and will assess the issues threatening heritage conservation in St Albans.
Hugo Hardy, RIBA, is our speaker at this joint meeting with Hertfordshire Association of Architects.
This an St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society event at which David Grocott will share his research into the life of John Ball and the manner of his subsequent political exploitation as the supposed fountainhead of a specifically English form of socialism. To coincide with the unveiling in St Albans on Friday 25 February of the plaque to his memory, this is one of two talks on John Ball and the events of 1381. Tickets cost £8 per talk with proceeds to be used to fund future blue plaques in the city.
For further information and to register, click here.
This an St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society event at which Dr John Morewood, explores the effects of the Peasants’ Revolt locally in St Albans and nationally. To coincide with the unveiling in St Albans on Friday 25 February of the plaque to his memory, this is one of two talks on John Ball and the events of 1381. Tickets cost £8 per talk with proceeds to be used to fund future blue plaques in the city.
For further information and to register, click here.
Registration link available here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
College Street did not exist before 1824, although the name is evidence of a previous history. Using available on-line data (and with help from others) it is possible to trace the outlines of how it came into existence and was gradually developed. With a fair bit of licence, the lives of some of its inhabitants can be re-imagined in the context of the growth of St Albans and local industrial society over 100 years or more. This talk, by Robert Pankhurst, will be held online using Zoom.
Awards Evening for members and invited guests
The Maltings Arts Theatre 7.00pm for 7.30pm start
Refreshments – FREE
A day trip to Hever Castle, Royal Tunbridge Wells with a special Tudor tea.
£39 per person including discounted entry to the Castle
More details of the schedule here
Places are booking up fast
Anne Boleyn – a scheming, ambitious strumpet, or the tragic and innocent victim of court politics and events? Can Anne Boleyn be regarded as one of the most highly-educated and forward-thinking of English queens, with a passion for the new learning and reform of the sixteenth century? Or was she only interested in having a good time and enjoying court life? In this talk, Valerie Shrimplin will examine controversial aspects of Anne’s life, from her early background and romance with King Henry VIII – to her role in the Reformation, and events leading to her trial and (spoiler alert!) execution in 1536.