About Us
Welcome to H.O.B.S!
At History on Broad Street (HOBS), our mission is to share the passion for Bromyard's heritage with every member of our community. Our community space and gift shop serve as a vibrant center for history enthusiasts and visitors. Conveniently located on Broad Street, we are a popular destination for history buffs and tourists eager to immerse themselves in the fascinating and diverse history of Bromyard. Inclusivity is at the core of our values, and we strive to ensure that the magic of our town's past is accessible to all members of the community.
Have you ever heard the wise words of Albert Einstein? He once said, "To uncover the future, delve into the past." We are dedicated to inspire others through our team of passionate history enthusiasts and experts. They are true connoisseurs of Bromyard's rich heritage, ensuring that our community space and gift shop are brimming with historical knowledge and excitement.
And here's a little something to note: we are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. So, whenever you find yourself in the neighbourhood, make sure to drop by and let us embark on a captivating journey through Bromyard's extraordinary past together!
Local Crafts @ HOBS
Prepare yourself to explore the dynamic realm of local arts and crafts giftware at HOBS! We are absolutely ecstatic to present the extraordinary talents of Bromyard's skilled artisans and craftsmen. With our thoughtfully curated collection, you now have the opportunity to bring a fragment of Bromyard's illustrious history, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and cultural significance right into the comfort of your own home.
But that's not all – by supporting our giftware, you are not only contributing to our self-sustainability but also enabling us to strategically allocate resources. This financial prudence empowers us to reinvest in initiatives that genuinely enhance Bromyard's heritage, leaving a profound and enduring social impact. So, let us come together and celebrate the extraordinary creativity and allure of Bromyard while making a tangible difference in our community!
Bromyard History Society
Established in 1966, Bromyard History Society was created with the aim of cultivating interest, enjoyment, research, and publication in the realm of Bromyard's local history. The society is headquartered at The Local and Family History Centre, conveniently located at No. 5, Sherford Street in Bromyard. In 1999, the society purchased the Centre, and with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it was opened to the public in May 2003.
The Centre, staffed entirely by volunteers and without regular financial support from local authorities, is home to an exhibition space, research room, and an extensive archive. Its remarkable collection of heritage resources has garnered widespread admiration from researchers and the general public alike.
Membership in the Society is open to all, with an annual fee of £18 for individuals and £25 for families. Members enjoy a variety of monthly events throughout the year, including engaging lectures, guided outings, and social gatherings. Additionally, the Centre hosts an annual exhibition, while the Society continues to publish several books and an annual journal featuring articles on local history and accounts of their activities..
The Research Room at the Centre is conveniently located on the first floor, right next to the Archive Store. If needed, there is a lift available for easy access. Our friendly staff are always ready to assist you in retrieving microfilms and fiches of censuses, parish registers, newspapers, and other valuable materials from our extensive archive store.
Our knowledgeable staff can also provide guidance on which items are suitable for copying, taking into consideration factors such as age, condition, and format restrictions. Please note that there is a charge for using personal digital and other cameras to photograph images.
For your convenience, we offer internet access and a vast collection of census, parish register, and newspaper records, which are available on microfilm or microfiche and can be accessed through our computers or reader.
To ensure a smooth visit, we recommend booking equipment in advance. You can do this by post, telephone, or e-mail. If visiting in person is not possible, our Centre also provides a research service.
Exhibition Space
The annual exhibition held at the History Centre on Sherford Street is a remarkable showcase of the extensive research carried out by our dedicated members.
It is through these exhibitions that we have had the opportunity to publish numerous books as well. This year's highly anticipated exhibition, aptly titled "Read All About It!", was inaugurated in June by none other than Lady Susanna McFarlane, who graciously serves as the Society's esteemed Patron.
The exhibition presents a captivating collection of photographs and articles meticulously sourced from our vast archive of local newspapers, spanning an impressive 140 years. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday occurrences and remarkable events that have significantly shaped the history of Bromyard and its surrounding district.
Membership
The BDLHS membership offers a range of benefits, including:
- Access to the Society's extensive Library and valuable collections, which include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, newspapers, directories, indexes, registers, and more.
- Personal research assistance from our knowledgeable Library and research staff.
- A subscription to the BDLHS Annual Journal, featuring articles on local history and accounts of our activities.
- Complimentary entry to our monthly talks on topics of historical interest.
- Significantly discounted excursions to sites of historical significance, led by well-informed guides.
- The gratification of supporting an organization that advocates for the preservation of our history and culture, and the stories that shape them.
