A Winter Scrapbook from Brentford & Chiswick History


Val Bott & Janet McNamara to look at harsh winters in the past

The Thames frozen above Kew Bridge, 14 January 1891The Thames frozen above Kew Bridge, 14 January 1891. Picture: BCLHS

December 18, 2022

A very timely talk is to be hosted this week by the Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society about the impact of harsh winter weather in the area.

The online illustrated talk by Val Bott & Janet McNamara takes place at 7.30pm on Monday, 19 December and will offer glimpses of past life in winter – a joyous time for some, grim for others.

Using newspaper reports of the weather and charitable work, images of the frozen Thames and canal in Brentford, details of local entertainments, Christmas postcards of Brentford & Chiswick from local publishers, and greeting cards designed by local artists, they will outline how earlier generations of Chiswick experienced freezing temperatures..

There is an illustrated Christmas poem by artist Jessie McGregor, who lived in Stamford Brook plus a script of a Chiswick mummers play from the 1840s, recited by boys begging for money in the street!

Ticket holders will be admitted from 7.15pm to allow people to get settled before the formal start at 7.30.

There will be no charge to join this event, but you must reserve your place via Ticket Tailor – your ticket will provide the Zoom joining details.

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