Framlingham & District Local History & Preservation Society

In 1953, Mr Harold Lanman, a long established dealer of antiques in Framlingham, held an exhibition of old photographs and artefacts in the Assembly Rooms. As a result of that exhibition, the first constitution was drawn up in 1956, and the Society came into being. Apart from local history aspects, there was always the intention of assessing the effect of proposed developments in the town.

The aims of the Society were to not only encourage and foster interest in the social history of the town and the surrounding district, but also to provide accommodation for all objects given, presented, bequeathed or loaned to the Society.

Prominent figures in those early days were the Reverend Martin Bulstrode, Commander Sitwell, Gerald Ledham, John Self, Percy Stannard, Henry Turner, and of course Harold Lanman. The museum opened in premises on the Market Hill in 1957, before later moving to Double Street. A separate Trust was set up for the museum in 1978, followed by a move to the old Court House building in Bridge Street. It was also renamed The Lanman Museum, but sadly Harold died a few weeks before the official opening. The museum continues as a separate trust, with a final move to the castle, where the wide range of exhibits are viewed by the large number of people who visit each year.

The Society has successfully held a winter programme of evening lectures in The United Free Church Hall for many years, and these well attended events continue. Visits are also arranged to places of interest in the summer months. It has also made donations to various projects, including a plaque to commemorate Sir Henry Thompson, the surgeon to Queen Victoria, who was born in Framlingham. In 2009, the Historical Archive project was adopted by the Society.

The production of a Newsletter commenced in 1968, and the current Fram Journal is sent to members three times a year. This covers a wide range of local history matters, with the Millennium issue running to 40 pages.

The annual membership fee of the Society is £12, or £18 where two people are at the same address. Enquiries should be addressed to:

Framlingham & District Local History & Preservation Society,
c/o 10 Riverside
Framlingham
Suffolk
IP13 9AG

 

The Winter Programme 2011-12

Meetings are held at the United Free Church Hall, Framlingham every third Wednesday in the month at 7:30pm.

 

Wednesday 12th October 2011

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Canon Basil Jenkyns

There’s lots to see round here

 

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Dr John Blatchly

Wolsey comes home to Ipswich

 

Wednesday 21st December 2011

Mr John Twaits

The Building of the Orwell Bridge

 

Wednesday 18th January 2012

Mr Frank Grace

Rags and Bones

A study of the working-class

community in Ipswich in the

late 19th century

 

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Mrs Jenny Broster

Walled Gardens of Suffolk

 

Wednesday 21st March 2012

Mr Mark Mitchels

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson

 

Wednesday 18th April 2012

Mr Tony Brown

Tales of a Funeral Director