Meeting – 15th October

Discover the Fascinating History of Inns and Alehouses in Bury St. Edmunds

Step back in time and explore the rich history of inns and alehouses that were once the bustling centers of community life. Join us for an engaging history talk, “The Inns and Alehouses of Bury St. Edmunds”.

In this fascinating talk, local historian Mr. Martyn Taylor will delve into the stories behind some of the most iconic inns and alehouses in Bury St. Edmunds, exploring their role in shaping community, social life, and local culture.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of traditional pubs, or simply curious about the roots of British social life, this talk offers a lively and informative journey through the ages.

About the Speaker: Mr. Martyn Taylor is the Chairman of The Bury Society.
Want to know more? Click through to https://www.burysociety.com/

Tuesday  15th October 2024
Doors open 7.00pm
The history talk starts at 7.30pm

Guests: £3.00pp
Members: Free (Annual membership £12.00pp)

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Call For New Speakers

Are you passionate about history? Do you have unique insights and research to share with an engaged audience?

Newmarket History Society is seeking passionate and knowledgeable speakers for 2024/2025.

We Are Looking For:

  • Experts in [Specific Areas of History or Themes].
  • Engaging presenters with a track record of effective public speaking.
  • Academics, authors, and professionals with unique historical insights.

    How to Apply:
    Submit your proposal by 30th September 2024 at info@newmarkethistory.org.uk including a brief bio, an abstract of your proposed talk, and any relevant speaking experience.

We believe that your participation would greatly enrich our events and inspire our audience. We look forward to your positive response and hope to collaborate with you. Join us in making history come alive!

D-Day 1944-2024

The date that changed the course of history!!

D-Day remains a powerful symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the determination to achieve freedom and peace.
Approximately 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations participated. They were supported by around 7,000 ships and landing craft and 11,000 aircraft.
The successful landings established a crucial foothold in Europe, allowing for further Allied operations that eventually led to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The success of D-Day, while pivotal in the Allied victory in World War II, came at a tremendous human cost.
Estimates of casualties on D-Day vary, but approximately 4,414 Allied troops were confirmed killed, with thousands more wounded or missing.

Remembering the heroes of D-Day is essential to honour their bravery and sacrifice.

Inspiring video of the month!!  Watch this moving tribute to D-Day heroes on YouTube
The Light of Dawn tells the story of Operation Overlord.

Newmarket played a notable role during World War II, contributing to the war efforts. Here are some key points about Newmarket’s participation in WWII.

  • Newmarket was home to RAF Newmarket, an important Royal Air Force airfield during the war. The airfield was used primarily as a satellite station for RAF Mildenhall and was involved in various operations, including training and deployment of bomber squadrons.
    https://newmarkethistory.org.uk/newmarket-at-war/raf-at-newmarket-heath/
  • The airfield supported a range of operations, including the maintenance and repair of aircraft, as well as serving as a base for various RAF squadrons. Notably, it was used by RAF Bomber Command, which played a critical role in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany.
  • The Newmarket Racecourse was transformed into a military hospital, providing care for wounded soldiers. This was part of the broader effort to repurpose civilian infrastructure for the war effort.

Newmarket’s participation in WWII is a testament to the town’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the national effort, showcasing how even smaller communities played crucial roles during the war.

Meeting – 23rd April 2024

We welcome a new speaker Rosie Zanders. Our speaker was a Cambridge Blue Badge tourist guide for over 20 years, and is the author of Cambridge per diem, a collection of Cambridge anniversaries, at least one for every day of the year. In this talk, Rosie will share some reflections on the passage of time, whilst focusing on stories and insights into some of the remarkable people who have inhabited or passed through this historic city. A special mention will, of course be made of the St George’s day and its significance.

Talk title: Cambridge per diem: A Daily Chronicle of Cambridge connections

Tuesday  23rd April 2024
Doors open 7.00pm
The history talk starts at 7.30pm

Guests: £3.00pp
Members: Free (Annual membership £12.00pp)

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Members and guests will have the opportunity to buy Rosie’s book at a discount price of £10. 

Happy Easter

”Easter brings God’s endless blessings. We wish you all the love and happiness this Easter season can bring. 
May you have a blessed and holy Easter”.
Newmarket Local History Society

Easter at Newmarket
All Saints Church
Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda
St Mary Church

Easter Activities in and around Newmarket
Discover Newmarket

How the English Celebrated Easter
English Heritage
Video Easter Parade 1960

Meeting – 19th March 2024

We welcome a new speaker from the National Trust to our next meeting. Mr Allen Burbidge will recount the story of The Hervey Family of Ickworth Park.

You might be familiar with the grand buildings, gardens, and extensive parkland of this National Trust gem near Bury St. Edmunds, but what about the family that owned it?

Tuesday  19th March 2024
Doors open 7.00pm
The history talk starts at 7.30pm

Guests: £3.00pp
Members: Free (Annual membership £12.00pp)

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Meeting – 20th February 2024

Our friend Kevin Boardman returns with an interesting presentation, ‘’Growing up in the 50’s & 60’s in rural Norfolk’’
Was it really the good old days? How much has life changed in those 60 years? Did the bath really hang on the garage wall? Are grocery deliveries really a modern concept?

We invite you to visit Kevin’s website for more information about his published historical research on different subjects. Kevin Boardman Talks

Tuesday  20th February 2024
Doors open 7.00pm
The history talk starts at 7.30pm

Guests: £3.00pp
Members: Free (Annual membership £12.00pp)

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Petition: Save the Bury St Edmunds Archives

Sign the online petition to save the Bury St Edmunds West Suffolk Archives branch which holds Newmarket documents.

Sign The Petition Here

For more information visit Suffolk News

Meeting – 16th January 2024

We are pleased to announce a new speaker. Mr John Berry is the noted Newmarket horse trainer of Beverley House Stables, Exeter Road.

John knows a lot about the history of Newmarket itself. He was one of the instigators of “The Legends of the Turf” Walk of Fame in Newmarket High Street. Legends of the turf and NLHS has been involved in the project since its beginning. Newmarket History
This is a walk of fame set into Newmarket High St. pavements. It has been added to over time, pre-pandemic. The famous characters are both human and equine.

Tuesday 16th January 2024
Doors open 7.00pm
The history talk starts at 7.30pm

Guests: £3.00pp
Members: Free (Annual membership £12.00pp)

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Meeting – 19th December 2023

We warmly invite all members to join the Christmas meeting with an evening of music, food, a history quiz, chats, and a raffle. All good fun!

Tuesday 19th December 2023
Doors open 7.00pm

Members only 

Address: The Stable, 65 High Street Newmarket CB8 8NA
The venue is accessible via lift and/or stairs

Cheers to a successful year!

History of Christmas