Who We Are
The origins of our society lie in a small band of enthusiasts keen to further the study of the history of their community, and to publish books in which such knowledge would be available “for all comers for all time”.
The Walthamstow Antiquarian Society held its first season of talks and activities during 1914 – 1915 and began publishing immediately. Some members continue to be active in researching local stories, others of us enjoying hearing and reading about their discoveries.
The Society was responsible for establishing a museum in the old Vestry House in 1930 as well as later taking a lead in founding the world renowned William Morris Gallery.
During the 1980s the name was changed to Walthamstow Historical Society and we became a Registered Charity.
Today the Society continues to arrange an annual series of talks and during the summer months a popular series of guided walks which explore the history of different parts of Walthamstow. Members also receive regular newsletters and are entitled to purchase our range of publications at cost price.
Whether you were born in Walthamstow, live here or used to live here, if you have an interest in how our community has been shaped by people since pre-Roman times, we hope you will consider joining us.
WHS is managed by a committee of trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held in the Spring.
The current officers are:
Chair: Mark Hough
Treasurer: Neil Houghton
Secretary: Vacant
Publications Secretary: David Chapman
Social Media Secretary: Graham Richards
Membership Secretary: Jacqueline Baker
Committee member: Rhiannon Finamore
Monthly Talks Meetings
Walthamstow Historical Society holds nine monthly meetings a year, where we have a presentation from a speaker who is an expert on either the local history of Walthamstow, or a subject that relates our interests. In the past year we’ve had talks on Dick Turpin, Leytonstone’s Alfred Hitchcock, Mudlarking in the Thames, the history of retail shops, Copped Hall, Epping (built by a Walthamstow family), Fullers Builders of Beulah Road, amongst others.
We currently meet at St Saviour’s Church, Markhouse Road, which has a good bus service, off road parking and is only 15 minutes walk from St James’ Street Station on London Overground. Meetings start at 7:15pm for light refreshments, registration and the sale of publications. We gather for the speaker to begin at 7:45pm promptly. Most talks are around 45 minutes long and, allowing for questions and answers, we usually conclude at about 9:00-9:15pm.
Entry to the talks is free to members, however, we ask non-members to contribute £2 towards our costs. With annual membership at £10 per individual, it is cheaper to join than pay as you go! Also, members get our publications at cost price.
We do not meet in July, August and December. Occasionally, the meeting date is changed, in order to fit around our host, St Saviour’s. This is for specific religious festivals.
After the lockdowns during the pandemic, we also offer occasional talks via Zoom, rather than face to face. While not exactly ideal for those who like meeting together, we found it does enable some people who live away from Walthamstow, or who are unable to get out of their home, a chance to participate.
Summer Walks Programme
During July, August and September, we offer guided walks around Walthamstow with specific themes. These last about two hours and do not cover vast distances. We have to limit the numbers for health and safety reasons, so early booking is advisable.
All talks and walks details are published in our Newsletter, on our website and on our Facebook Page