Events
The Victorian Society runs a diverse programme of events including visits, walks, online talks and weekends away. These are publicised to members below and in the ‘Blue Sheet’ which is mailed with our membership magazine, ‘The Victorian’, in February, June and October. Members receive priority booking.
The Victorian Society is an CPD provider recognised by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Our recorded online talks can be found in our shop here. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover over 80 lectures on Victorian and Edwardian architecture, architects, and related themes including railways.
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December
Victorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Gerrard Street Mystery’ by John Charles Dent.
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, with stories from Canada.
More informationTalk: Thomas Harrison and the Greek Revival in the North West
A talk by Dr Debbie Challis, Creative Producer of the Portico Library Manchester on Thomas Harrrison (1744-1829) the influential architect and bridge engineer known for his contribution to the Greek Revival in the Northwest, including designing the Portico Library.
More informationJanuary
Online Lecture: Mapping Dorset’s Victorian and Edwardian Buildings by Michael Hill
This talk reveals the Victorian and Edwardian architectural gems of Dorset.
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘Do Seek Their Meat from God’ & ‘Strayed’ by Charles G D Roberts
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, with stories from Canada.
More informationAGM & Talk: Liverpool Regional Group AGM + The Albert Dock Talk, by David Roscoe
Liverpool Regional Group’s AGM at 1:30 pm will be followed at 2:00 pm by the story behind the construction of the Albert Dock and its opening in 1846.
More informationVisit: Nineteenth-Century Furniture at the V&A. A Visit led by Max Donnelly
Max Donnelly, Curator, Furniture and Woodwork 1800-1915, will present a gallery talk at the V & A museum.
More informationVisit: An 1890s House in Clapham
This is a rare opportunity to see the colourful and atmospheric candlelit interiors of this house in Clapham.
More informationVisit: Manchester Group 60th Anniversary Celebration
A celebratory day to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society, including the following: talks from a number of the specialists involved in the Rochdale Town Hall restoration project; guided tours of the building, the Square and Broadfield Slopes; a two course lunch; an opportunity to meet friends old and new.
More informationLunch: New Year Lunch at Browns
Our New Year Lunch will be at Browns in the Bull Ring, in their private dining area, The Mezzanine.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026: Heroines and Heroes of the Arts and Crafts Movement – 7 talks for 6
Our speakers will be drawing on a large amount of new research, much of which is highlighting the often-neglected role played by women.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026: Heroines and Heroes of the Arts and Crafts Movement – 7 talks for 6
Our speakers will be drawing on a large amount of new research, much of which is highlighting the often-neglected role played by women.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 1: Philip Webb by Max Donnelly
Max Donnelly will discuss Phillip Webb’s works as a designer of domestic interiors.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 1: Philip Webb by Max Donnelly
Max Donnelly will discuss Phillip Webb’s works as a designer of domestic interiors.
More informationFebruary
Talk: The Leicester School Board by Neil Crutchley
Neil Crutchley will discuss the architecture of the Leicester School Board.
More informationTalk: “Sheffield’s Globe Theatre & Cavern Club Combined” with Steve Wood
An introduction to the city’s footballing heritage through the eyes of its surviving Victorian Buildings, with Steve Wood.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 2: Gertrude Jekyll: ‘Artist Gardener Craftswoman’ by Caroline Ikin
Caroline Ikin will discuss Gertrude Jekyll’s decorative arts and interiors.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 2: Gertrude Jekyll: ‘Artist Gardener Craftswoman’ by Caroline Ikin
Caroline Ikin will discuss Gertrude Jekyll’s decorative arts and interiors.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 3: Edwin Lutyens by Clive Aslet (In-Person)
Join us to hear Clive Aslet as he discusses the work of Edwin Lutyens.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 3: Lutyens and the Arts & Crafts Movement by Clive Aslet
Join us to hear Clive Aslet as he discusses the work of Edwin Lutyens and the Arts & Crafts Movement.
More informationVisit: Lambeth Palace Library and Church of England Archives
Discover the variety of archival material in Lambeth Palace covering churches, cathedrals, housing and other buildings.
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘Krag, the Kootenay Ram’, by Ernest Thompson Seton
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, with stories from Canada.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 4: Phoebe Anna Traquair by Elizabeth Cumming
Our speaker, Dr Elizabeth Cumming, has documented Traquair’s life and art for nearly half a century, and will discuss her findings tonight.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 4: Phoebe Anna Traquair by Elizabeth Cumming
Our speaker, Dr Elizabeth Cumming, has documented Traquair’s life and art for nearly half a century, and will discuss her findings tonight.
More informationVisit: Tour of the Linnean Society of London
Join expert staff for a tour of the Linnean Society of London, the world’s oldest learned society devoted to biology and natural history.
More informationMarch
Talk: Building Stories with Robin Hughes of Hallamshire Historic Buildings
Buildings are worth saving because they are great storytellers, but teasing out those tales can unexpectedly become an Odyssey in itself. Join Robin Hughes of Hallamshire Historic Buildings on his quest as he visits a pub with no beer, hears heavenly voices in a churchyard, seeks missionaries and moneymen in Mayfield and spins a yarn about a cotton mill in Kelham.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 5: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald by Robyne Calvert
Their partnership will be analysed by Robyne Calvert, a cultural historian specializing in the art, architecture and design.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 5: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald by Robyne Calvert
Their partnership will be analysed by Robyne Calvert, a cultural historian specializing in the art, architecture and design.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 6: May Morris and the Art of Embroidery by Lynn Hulse
May Morris (1862–1938), was well-known in her lifetime for her pioneering expertise in ‘art embroidery’.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 6: May Morris and the Art of Embroidery by Lynn Hulse
May Morris (1862–1938), was well-known in her lifetime for her pioneering expertise in ‘art embroidery’.
More informationSpring Online Lecture Series 2026 7: Christopher Whall by Peter Cormack
Whall’s achievement will be discussed by Peter Cormack, a noted scholar of post-medieval British and American stained glass.
More informationSpring Lecture Series 2026 7: Christopher Whall by Peter Cormack
Whall’s achievement will be discussed by Peter Cormack, a noted scholar of post-medieval British and American stained glass.
More informationApril
Talk: Henry Seebohm, Sheffield Steel Owner and Ornithologist, with Paul Hobson
Henry Seebohm was arguably the most well-known ornithologist in the late Victorian period, yet he has sunk into obscurity since his death in 1895. This talk looks at his life.
More information