Box Library Local History Hub Talks Autumn 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.
Our talks so far have been very well attended with full audiences, so please book your place in advance.
Please note that talks for the year will all commence at 10am.
Our talks so far have been very well attended with full audiences, so please book your place in advance.
Thursday 10 September
Box Church: Heart of Community
Alan Payne recalls our village ancestors whose stories are recorded in Box Church and churchyard. They were notable residents in their time, but many of them have been forgotten because the families have left the area. They include the Bowdler family who re-wrote Shakespeare, the Wiltshire family of early quarry-owners who owned much of Box Hill including the Rising Sun pub, and fabulous memorial hatchments to Queen Anne and Samuel Webb.
He reveals both good and bad stories of previous Box vicars, many of which have not previously been revealed. Find out more about the community of Box recorded in Box Church.
Box Church: Heart of Community
Alan Payne recalls our village ancestors whose stories are recorded in Box Church and churchyard. They were notable residents in their time, but many of them have been forgotten because the families have left the area. They include the Bowdler family who re-wrote Shakespeare, the Wiltshire family of early quarry-owners who owned much of Box Hill including the Rising Sun pub, and fabulous memorial hatchments to Queen Anne and Samuel Webb.
He reveals both good and bad stories of previous Box vicars, many of which have not previously been revealed. Find out more about the community of Box recorded in Box Church.
Thursday 8 October: Allen Maps of Box
Where You Live in 1626
Jonathan Parkhouse explains the significance of the earliest map of Box and the Allen cartographic family. Some of Box's great historic treasures are the maps of the area made by the Allen family in the 1620s and 30s. They give our earliest view of the past with details of rivers, roads and buildings recorded at a time between the death of Elizabeth I and the English Civil War. The maps record the occupiers of individual fields and crops grown, medieval field strips used for communal village farming, and how the village originally appeared.
Jonathan's is followed by an open discussion of areas in Box as determined by members of the audience at the talk, in order to explore the history of their properties. Come and find out more about your area.
Where You Live in 1626
Jonathan Parkhouse explains the significance of the earliest map of Box and the Allen cartographic family. Some of Box's great historic treasures are the maps of the area made by the Allen family in the 1620s and 30s. They give our earliest view of the past with details of rivers, roads and buildings recorded at a time between the death of Elizabeth I and the English Civil War. The maps record the occupiers of individual fields and crops grown, medieval field strips used for communal village farming, and how the village originally appeared.
Jonathan's is followed by an open discussion of areas in Box as determined by members of the audience at the talk, in order to explore the history of their properties. Come and find out more about your area.
Thursday 22 October
History of Ditteridge
Canon John Ayers explains the development of the ancient hamlet of Ditteridge. He displays some of the prehistoric settlement finds and the discoveries from the Roman Villa located in 1817. John explores the historic features in Ditteridge Church including evidence of the early Norman Church which can still be seen.
The talk explores the people who inhabited the area and the houses which emerged in the hamlet from the mid-1400s to new properties built on old Glebe land. It’s a unique chance to discover the story of the area.
History of Ditteridge
Canon John Ayers explains the development of the ancient hamlet of Ditteridge. He displays some of the prehistoric settlement finds and the discoveries from the Roman Villa located in 1817. John explores the historic features in Ditteridge Church including evidence of the early Norman Church which can still be seen.
The talk explores the people who inhabited the area and the houses which emerged in the hamlet from the mid-1400s to new properties built on old Glebe land. It’s a unique chance to discover the story of the area.
Book Your Place
As space is limited please book your place through Box Library or by contacting [email protected]
As space is limited please book your place through Box Library or by contacting [email protected]