Wednesday 17 July 2024, 2.30 / 3pm

EHHS Open and Members' Meeting

Summer Social

A short talk on an Edmonton Hundred heroine, with wine and nibbles, coffee, tea - and a chance to buy our publications at bargain prices

 

Priscilla Wakefield: Pioneer, Author and Activist for the Poor

An illustrated talk by Margaret Burr

Priscilla Wakefield (1751-1852) of Tottenham, in the Edmonton Hundred, is a largely forgotten pioneer.. A well-connected Quaker, famous in her lifetime, she was actively engaged in social action and the alleviation of poverty in Tottenham. Having to support her own family, Priscilla set her mind to business and one of the few work opportunities open to women at the time – that of writing and publishing books. A successful author of 17 children’s books covering a range of subjects, including natural science, she also wrote about feminist economics, published by a radical publisher in 1798. Her philanthropic activities helped improve the lives of women and children.

Referred to today as the 'Mother of Microfinance', in addition to her business-like approach to writing and publications, Priscilla established local charities and a school, as well as founding the first Penny Savings Bank in England.

Jubilee Hall, Parsonage Lane, Enfield, EN2 0AJ (getting there).

Doors open 2.30 pm for refreshments, 3 pm for meeting.

(Non-members welcome, £2)

 

Wednesday 19 June 2024, 7.30 / 8pm

EHHS Open and Members' Meeting

Robert Paul:

Old Themes and New Discoveries

Illustrated talk by Prof. Ian Christie

Robert Paul was the still under-appreciated founder of cinema in Britain, starting in 1895 and eventually running a major studio in Muswell Hill until 1909. Most of his 800 films are lost (like much early cinema), but happily, surviving prints keep turning up. In this talk, I'll explain how he got into the new 'animated photogrpahy' business, and report on a recent trip to Norway, one of his favouirite destinations, where I was able to retrace his 1903 expedition. And also share some recent discoveries from archives and collectors.

Ian Christie is Professor of Film and Media History at Birkbeck College.

Jubilee Hall, Parsonage Lane, Enfield, EN2 0AJ (getting there).

Doors open 7.30 pm for refreshments, 8 pm for meeting.

(Non-members welcome, £2)

Wednesday 15 May 2024, 7.30 for 8pm

EHHS Open and Members' Meeting

Ian K. Jones: Recent Research on Enfield Palace

This talk will be an overview of the work being done to produce as detailed an account of the history of the Manor, Palace and School demolished in 1928 and replaced by Pearsons as the limited sources permit and will concentrate on its last 500 years. This covers its refurbishment for the Princess Elizabeth, its occupation by the botanist Robert Uvedale, the cedar and its around 150 years use as a school before becoming a post office and a political club. School pupils ranged from Theophilus Hastings, 8th Earl of Huntingdon and the engineer Frederick Bramwell to a member of the Bazalgette family and an early aviator.

Ian Jones is an EHHS member and Chairman of Enfield Archaeological Society

Jubilee Hall, Parsonage Lane, Enfield, EN2 0AJ (getting there).

Doors open 7.30 pm for refreshments, 8 pm for meeting.

(Non-members welcome, £2)