Dudley history festival expands to 30 free events
A four-week programme of talks and events will explore the area’s history at Dudley libraries this autumn
This year’s Dudley Libraries History Festival has been extended to feature 30 free events running from Monday, September 28, to Saturday, October 24.
Among the highlights is former Black Country Bugle editor John Butterworth MBE, who will discuss the newspaper at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on September 29 at 2pm.
Other talks include Ned Williams on the Black Country in the 1930s at Wordsley Library on October 21 at 11am, and Mary Bodfish exploring whether King Richard III really was a wicked tyrant at Long Lane Library on September 30 at 11am.
Damian Carter will present Shadows, Secrets and Strange Tales – The Dark History of Himley Hall at Gornal Library on October 7 at 7pm, while Quintin Watt will reveal Tales from the Coroner’s Casebook at Brierley Hill Library on October 20 at 2pm.
Malcolm Dick OBE will explore the relationship between the West Midlands and the slave trade at Halesowen Library on October 15 at 2pm.
Kevin Goodman will discuss conman Aaron Geismar at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on October 17 at 12.15pm, and will also examine the grave robbers’ trade at Gornal Library on October 15 at 7pm.
The festival is organised by GLL, which runs 13 Dudley libraries and the Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on behalf of Dudley Council under the Better brand.
Rocco de Gregorio, GLL library manager, said: “This year’s line-up is exceptional, with a fascinating range of talks and speakers to choose from.
“All events are free, but spaces are limited so booking is essential.”
The full festival programme is available online.