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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March
Spring 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 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 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 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 informationWalk: West Bromwich Guided Walk led by Andy Foster
Walking tour of West Bromwich
Wednesday 11th March 2026 will take us down West Bromwich High Street, the longest one in the Black Country, and along neighbouring streets. The walk will be led by Andy Foster and starts at 10.45 a.m.
Talk: Chicago and Liverpool Architectural Links by Tony Murphy
This is a talk exploring links between Liverpool & Chicago in the 19th century and features that connect the skyscrapers of America with Liverpool.
More informationWalk: Burley in Leeds, Led by June Diamond
See how the Leeds suburb of Burley emerged as a Victorian centre on this walking tour led by the Victorian Society’s West Yorkshire group.
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 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 informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Little Milliner’ by Duncan Campbell Scott
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 informationVisit: National Liberal Club
Attendees will have a tour of the extremely fine interiors of this Grade 1 listed building and a fabulous afternoon tea.
More informationWalk: Halifax ‘perhaps the best Victorian town centre in England’, Led by Mike Ashworth
Halifax has an incredible wealth of surviving listed Victorian public, civic, commercial and industrial buildings in and around a fairly compact centre.
More informationApril
Guided Tour of Dewsbury Arcade and West Yorkshire Victorian Society AGM
Our 2026 AGM takes place in Dewsbury, a fine West Yorkshire market town which was once the heart of the ‘shoddy’ wool recycling industry. Our AGM venue, the 1889 Holton and Fox designed Grade II* Town Hall, has recently been renovated and the Grade II 1899 Arcade (optional hard hat tour) is currently being repaired and refurbished.
More informationTalk: Alfred Waterhouse – High Victorian Architect
As work on renovating Manchester Town Hall draws to a close, it is a fitting moment to revisit his career and be reminded of his finest achievements in a talk given by Alexandra Fairclough, a specialist in architectural heritage..
More informationTalk: 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