Talks and Tours for groups
Somerset Archives and Local Studies works towards the preservation of the archives of the historic county. As part of our outreach programme we provide a series of talks on the research topics and history of Somerset and tours of the Somerset Heritage Centre to Somerset groups and societies.
Visits and in-house talks
Our talks and lectures can either be given at your regular meeting place, via Zoom, or groups can visit the Somerset Heritage Centre. Talks normally last for about an hour and include a PowerPoint presentation of relevant records from our collections. There is always time allowed at the end for questions.
Talks we offer
- An introduction to Somerset Archives
- Researching your Somerset Family
- Researching your Somerset House
- Archaeology from the Archives
- Crime and Punishment
- Nature in the Archives
- Puzzles, Posers and Practice - the Trials and Tribulations of an Archivist
- Somerset Women
- Tales from the Quarter Sessions: Somerset’s criminal past
- Travelling the Past - a look at travel diaries from Somerset
- Wills and Probate
Please be aware that some talks have limited availability so if possible, please suggest several dates and an alternative talk option.
Tours of the Somerset Heritage Centre
A behind the scenes tour of the Somerset Heritage Centre, which explains the work of the varied teams which make up the South West Heritage Trust. Tours are available Monday-Thursday, with the usual start times of 10.30am or 2.30pm, and normally last from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. We are also able to offer evening tours. Please be advised that the tours do involve a lot of standing and walking, but are all on the ground floor.
How to book
Please complete the relevant form below and return it to the Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Taunton, TA2 6SF or email it to somersetarchives@swheritage.org.uk. If you would like to discuss a booking please telephone us on 01823 278805.
Charges and Conditions
- Talks to local county groups (on or off site or online): £60
- Out of county talks: £60 (plus additional travel expenses fee)
- Online talks: price on application
- Tours: £50 (for maximum of 15 people), £100 (for maximum of 30 people)
- We can accommodate up to 40 people for talks held at the Heritage Centre and tour groups up to 30 people, but we will talk to groups of any size elsewhere.
- Due to high demand, we can only give a talk to a group every two years.
- All fees are to be paid in advance. Cheques should be made out to South West Heritage Trust.
We ask that talks and tours are not recorded without prior permission from the speaker. Please contact us to discuss this at the time of booking.
If unforeseen circumstances arise on the day of the talk or tour, such as adverse weather, we may have to consider postponing the event or changing the venue; this will always be done with consultation with you.
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