Aims and Objects

To encourage research by means of talks and visits, and to record all useful information for the purpose of preserving the heritage and traditions of Beckley.  This will include the recording of names and relevant information covering all matters of historical interest connected with Beckley, past and present.
 
We meet on the last Friday of each January, March, May and October in the Beckley Village Centre.
 

      

     Membership
£3 per member, £7 family membership - due on 1^st January.
For further information on membership please contact Membership Secretary  on 01797 260 313
 
We have a growing database of Beckley names and places and many researched  history subjects for those interested in local and family history.
 
 
A 330 page book, ISBN 0 9537193 08 entitled, "Beckley Names and Places" based upon the 1881 census, is available from the Society,
price £10 plus postage.
Included in the book are:

1. Monumental inscriptions from the Church and churchyard of All Saints Beckley
2. Full census list in enumerator order, giving locations
3. Map of Beckley showing the enumerators' areas
4. An alphabetical list of names gathered from various sources
5. Names from Kelley's directories
6. A large selection of early baptisms and burials
7. A list of families who left Beckley in the 1830s to start a new life in New South Wales
8. A Tour of Beckley, taken in the footsteps of the four enumerators, with photographs of houses extant at that time, locating 1881 names and locations
9. Over 100 photographs and general information
10. An alphabetical list and information about major farms and houses, school, Church, pubic houses and shops
11. Occupations in groups
12. 1881 places of birth
13. Full index

 
We also have many other publications including
 
·        "The Village Bus Remembered" the story of John Dengate & Son Ltd, a fully illustrated history of the village bus and other forms of transport by Barry M Jones.  Copies are available on request
·        "Beckley a Sussex Village", also by Barry M Jones, comprising of 11 parts, including

Schools and Recreation, The Wealden Iron Industry, The River Rother and its influence on Beckley, Church Silver, Religion and Society, Glossams Place - Woodland and Industry.  Beckley Woods,  Domesday Book, From Saxon to Norman Conquest, and From Stone Age to Romans.

·        Woodland Talk

·        Transport through the ages

·        From Britain to New South Wales.  Emigration in the late 1830s.

 

There are many more topics being researched including the Beckley School, All Saints Church and the Wesleyan Chapel, public houses, farms, shops and occupations.   Family history connections are numerous.

 

All enquires welcome - we have a large database with Beckley baptisms from 1800 to 1847 and many family connections.
 
Why not come along to one of our meetings - you will be made very welcome.