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), with town 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 27 October 2026, 7pm
Wine Monkey (Borough Parade), Chippenham
Historical Murder Club
In December 1863 a coal hawker was found deceased in a ditch on the borders of Wiltshire, and the trial for his possible murder was held in Chippenham.
Who was he, and where did he come from?
Who were accused of his murder?
Did justice prevail in the end?
This interactive club session will explore a true crime from Chippenham's past, assessing all the evidence collected at the time, and bringing our modern perspective and knowledge to the case to assess if the right judgement was made.
£10pp members & first time attenders (no obligation to continue attending).
£5 for under 18s
£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 10 November 2026, 7pm, Wine Monkey - Was Chippenham a non-conformist hot spot?
Tuesday 24 November 2026, 7pm, Wine Monkey - What's the deal with the Wilts & Berks canal?
Tuesday 8 December 2026, 7pm, Wine Monkey - How did the railway change Chippenham?
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
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Are there tales from the workhouse?
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What businesses were there on Factory Lane?
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Who were Chippenham's greatest MPs?
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Destroyed Chippenham (Part 1)
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Educating Chippenham
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.