WhereCanWeGo Logo

Back

This is a Past Event and has been archived.

Click Here for Current Events in this Area.
Caversham Park – 930 Years at the Centre of History Talk

Caversham Park – 930 Years at the Centre of History Talk

First recorded in the Doomsday Book, Caversham Park has played a surprisingly central role in English, British and international history for nearly a millennium.

It was the seat of the so-called ‘best knight whoever lived’. The Manor of Caversham was embroiled in the Reformation. It was owned by cousins of Elizabeth I – who not only gave their name to current streets in Reading – but guarded Mary, Queen of Scots. Caversham Park both entertained the first two Stuart Kings and became a prison for Charles I. Learn about its role in the Glorious Revolution, the War of Spanish Succession, and its connections to the American War of Independence.

The estate became a refuge in the First World War. It was taken over by the BBC during the Second. Hear how it became a centre for intelligence throughout the Second World War, the Cold War and the ‘War on Terror’.

Find out more in this fascinating talk by speaker Dr Stephen Goss.

After the talk, tea/coffee and cake will be available (included in the price). Pre-booking is preferred, but you can pay on the door, if there are spaces available.

Image: W. and J. Walker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

This talk is organised by Berkshire Family History Society CIO, a registered charity number 1204390.
event dateThursday 13 Jun 2024
venue addressThe Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3BQ
event times2-3.30pm

£5
telephone 0118 950 9553 for latest times or cancellations.
Spread the word
This is a Past Event and has been archived.

Click Here for Current Events in this Area.

Similar Current Events

VE Day Anniversary Lunch and Talk
Thursday 8 May The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Stories from Berkshire’s Graveyards Talk
Thursday 22 May Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Reading Abbey Quarter Tour & Cream Tea
Friday 23 May Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
The History of Reading’s Cinemas Talk by David Cliffe
Thursday 12 June The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Marlow Town Walk
Tuesday 24 June Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Coffers, Clysters, Comfrey and Coifs: the lives of our C17th ancestors
Thursday 26 June Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Wantage Town Walk
Friday 4 July Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Reading Greyfriars - from prison to parish church Talk
Thursday 10 July The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
From Log Cabin to the Palace of Westminster… and other true stories
Thursday 24 July Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
Katesgrove, Reading, Walkabout
Tuesday 12 Aug 2025 Organisers - The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading
VJ Day 80th anniversary lunch and talk
Thursday 14 Aug 2025 The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading