The Barnes and Mortlake History Society was founded in 1955 by a group of enthusiasts. The Society promotes interest in the local history of Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Original research is encouraged and there is an active research group which meets six times a year.
Experience has shown that the Society plays a wider role in the local community than its terms of reference might suggest. Our meetings, visits and other activities are justifiably popular with our 400 members and are well known for their friendly atmosphere. They attract broad and enthusiastic support from both members and guests.
Four newsletters are delivered to members each year. These provide current details about meetings, visits and other events as well as containing articles of local historical interest, news concerning the Society and individual members, and reports on visits and lectures.
From September to April each year the Society presents a lecture each month (with a December break). The emphasis is on local history but our programmes are varied and include a wide range of historical and local topics. The lectures are free to members but non-members are very welcome and are asked to make a payment of £2.
During the summer at least two day-long trips are arranged for members. These trips are usually made to historic houses and they are very popular as they also present an ideal opportunity for members to become acquainted. Shorter trips to local places of interest are also arranged as are escorted walks around our own neighbourhood.