Box Library Local History Hub Talks Spring 2026
We are now taking bookings for free talks in the Box Library Local History Hub sessions for 2026. 
​Please note that talks for the year will all commence at 10am. Talks so far planned are:


​Thursday March 12 10am-11.30am
Crime & Punishment
Claire Dimond-Mills

Local historian Claire recreates the story of crime in Box over 1000 years and how punishment was meted out, ranging from payments to victim families, transportation to penal colonies, and execution.

There are interactive sections where you can play a part as a Box jury in evaluating the circumstances and reaching a decision in some of the most intractable crimes occuring in the parishes of Box and Ditteridge.

Thursday April 16 10am-11.30am
Kingsdown Lunatic Asylum and the MacBryan Family
Dr Peter Carpenter

A review of one of Britain's oldest private mental facilities and the amazing story of the family who ran the institution in the first half of the 20th century. 

Peter reveals the toll that the asylum took on the family and the tragic story of Gerrard Truman Magill MacBryan, who sold the house to persue his desire to be the Rajah of Sarawak and claimed to be about to marry Princess Margaret.

​Thursday May 14 10am-11.30am
Centenary of Box Rec: A Curious Story
Alan Payne

Saturday 30 May 10am-11.30am
Your Memories of Box Rec
Open Exhibition

The story of how Box Parish Council acquired the Recreation Ground has never been fully told before. Why did the Northey family sell it to GJ Kidston who then gifted it to the council? They were both tryting to preserve an interest close to their hearts and put various conditions on the arrangement.