The Forest of Dean Local History Society

Registered Charity Number 1094700

The Society was founded in 1948, since when it has grown both in size and in prestige, to the extent that we now have over 300 members, literally world wide and are recognised both locally and nationally as a dynamic and forward-looking Society.

The primary aim of the Society is to encourage local historical and archaeological research in the Forest of Dean and its environs.

We hold lectures during the winter on appropriate topics, in various places in the Forest area. Some are given by our own members, other by historians and archaeologists from further afield. In the summer we arrange field trips to places of historic interest. Some are full or half-day excursions by coach, but local guided walks in town and country are also arranged.

Many of our members are carrying out their own historical researches, on a wide range of topics. Our interests range from pre-historic and medieval times to the very recent past. This work is carried out in the field, in libraries, record offices and other places where documents are to be found. Members of the Society will always help beginners to find the documents they need.

A newsletter is circulated to members each January, May and September, to keep everyone informed of the Society's activities. We also publish a journal ‘The New Regard Of the Forest of Dean'. This contains reports of archaeological and historical research carried out by members and is published for sale annually.

A modest subscription, payable in October each year, covers the costs of all indoor lectures and mailing of regular newsletters. If you are interested in the history and archaeology of the Forest of Dean or any part of Gloucestershire west of the River Severn, join the Forest of Dean Local History Society.

For more details take a look at our website – www.forestofdeanhistory.org.uk