History Society's 2011 talks programme gets underway

A record turnout of more than 120 people were present to hear the first talk of the Hexham Local History Society's 2011 season last month. Andy Bates, a skilled leatherworker who is helping to revive this ancient craft in the town, gave an interesting account of the history of the leather trades in Hexham. The suitability of the surrounding land for raising cattle and sheep, the presence of fast flowing streams for washing hides and skins, and the archaeological discovery of ancient handtools, led Andy to suggest that leather working in the area had origins back in prehistoric times. It was of importance to the local economy long before the more recent period, from the 17th century onwards, for which we have good documentary evidence. He highlighted the 'Hexham Tans' the gloves for which the town was famous, and the decline of the widespread hand stitching cottage industry during the 1800s.

The Society's next talk takes place at Trinity Methodist Church Hall on Beaumont St. at 7.30pm on Tuesday, Feb 8th, when Professor Peter Rushton of Sunderland University will cover 'Dangerous Words: Sedition in the Anglo-American Atlantic World, 1600-1776'. Drunken Jacobites, disappointed Cromwellians, rebellious Americans, and revolutionary enthusiasts - all were prosecuted for uttering seditious words in the 17th and 18th centuries. Professor Rushton's exploration of sedition seeks to establish what ordinary people thought of their governments in the past. Visitors are welcome, at a price of £2, which includes light refreshments. Further details are available from the Secretary on 01434 601237