Welcome

If you have an interest in Essex history, or in supporting the county's archive of original documents in a variety of practical ways, then the Friends of Historic Essex is the group for you.

Our regular Newsletter contains news, articles, and updates on activities. The Editor, Deborah Peers, part of the ERO outreach team, welcomes letters and articles for publication.

The Friends provide funds to help the ERO purchase books, documents, materials and equipment which might otherwise be beyond its means. Most recently the Friends have supported the purchase, and conservation, of a document comprising a large bound volume containing a hand-drawn key map of the parish of Great Tey. This includes seven hand-drawn sectional maps of Great Tey, a plan of the buildings and gardens in the village of Great Tey, a plan of Pope's Farm in the parish of Chapel, and a hand-written survey. Date c. 1808. The volume will remain in the ERO with a facsimile copy being made for the parish of Great Tey.

Opportunity to help in a more hands on way comes when the ERO holds events such as one-day conferences or special lectures.  Most recently these have included such themes as Essex in the First World War, Essex Gardens, and The Petres of Thorndon Hall.

During 2011 the one-day conference programme will include Dedicated Followers: Fashion in History, which will look at fashion in an historical context and what costume can reveal about the past.  There will also be a one-day conference on Local History: Our History aimed at local historians involved in recording or preserving the history of their town, village or community.

These events are always very popular and require booking in advance.  Refreshments and a buffet lunch are included in ticket price.  For further information on the ERO programme of events call 01245 244620.

To get the fascinating flavour of how a detailed research project can start and be carried out, please follow the link to the Thomas Salt project.

Membership is only £10 per year with a host of benefits.

A committee meeting was held on Monday 16th May 2011 and another will be held on Monday 17th October 2011 at the Essex Record Office.  The 2011 Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 30th July at the Queens Hall, Halstead.

Read 'A Review of the first 40 years'. An insight into how the friends were formed.

© 2011