A friendly way to explore the local area’s past together – no lectures, no stuffy rooms, just walking, talking, pub chats, and stories you won’t find in the guidebooks.
• Up to four sessions a month (walks repeated, one weekday, one weekend), alternating walks and pub/cafe evenings.
• Choose a membership, a flexi pass, or just drop in.
• Fascinating tales, good company, and plenty of surprises.
• Extensive information and/or notes received after each meeting
A friendly regular meet-up for curious locals who love stories from the past, hidden landmarks, and great company.
Next meetings
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Wine Monkey (Borough Parade, Chippenham), 7pm
Are there tales from the workhouse?
Together, we’ll explore the world of Chippenham's poor and destitute over the centuries, via the various buildings constructed for their use in the area, and those who decided what happened to them.
Was it really like Oliver Twist?
What did you do to end up there?
How come the workhouse had a band?
Who were some of the town characters that resided there?
This friendly and interactive club session will explore the history of the town's most vulnerable citizens and how they navigated both society and the institution that housed them. We'll investigate different characters and stories from within its walls.
£10pp members & first time attenders (no obligation to continue attending).
£14 drop-in (if you've been before & decided not to become a member)
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Forthcoming meetings
Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Past topics include:
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Are there secret tunnels under Chippenham?
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Just who were the Awdrys anyway?
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Why did Chippenham have two riots?
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Chippenham myths and legends
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How much of Chippenham did John Provis build?
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What was life like at the steam laundry?
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Did women's suffrage reach Chippenham?
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Where are Chippenham's lost pubs?
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The many faces of the Grammar School
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What stories does Greenways have to tell?
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What was made in Chippenham?
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Chippenham's Greatest Hits
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Who lived at Rowden Hill House?
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What's the deal with Chippenham Clift?
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Historical Murder Club
Prices
Taster meeting - £10pp (no obligation to continue attending).
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
1 meeting per month (walk or cafe) member - £10pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
2 meetings per month (walk or cafe) member - £20pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
3 meetings per month member - £30pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Flexi pass member (six meetings of your choice, 6-month expiry) - £60pp
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Drop-in meeting - £14pp (for previous attenders who have chosen not to become a member).
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Members will also receive subject-themed materials after each meeting has concluded. It is possible to just receive the materials and not attend in person - please ask.
Lucy will provide payment information when booking is made.
It is also possible to pay in cash in person, on the day.
Accessibility
Walks will always go at the pace of the slowest attender. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids welcome.
Lucy is also happy to use assisted hearing devices, large and dyslexia-friendly fonts, and make other adaptions for inclusivity.
Going forward, it is hoped to offer online membership for those unable to attend in person - please stay tuned.