In late September almost fifty History Society members and friends made their planned visit to Portsmouth and its Historic Dockyard. Whilst the weather was not quite as good as in previous years it was fine and dry and there were many interesting things to see. Top of the list was the newly opened £35,000,000 Mary Rose Museum and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The Museum featured a series of galleries positioned opposite each deck of the original hull and these galleries displayed thousands of treasures found with the Mary Rose. Many of these unique artefacts showed how the ship was equipped and armed but perhaps the most fascinating ones were those which illustrated various aspects of Tudor life. So whilst the salvaged cannons were impressive the skeleton of the ship’s 
dog, Hatch, was equally interesting. Members of the group also visited the numerous other attractions of the Dockyard and City with some taking the opportunity of going to the top of the famous Spinnaker Tower.
As we go to press Society members are looking forward to the latest visit of popular speaker Graham Sutherland who is to give an illustrated talk entitled ’Women at Work’.
‘this month’
The Society’s next event will be held on Monday the 18th November 2013 at 7:45pm in the Methodist Church when one of our members favourites, Local Historian Liz Woolley, will be giving an illustrated talk entitled ’The Late Victorian and Edwardian Buildings of Oxford’
‘next month’
On Monday the 16th December 2013 in the Methodist Church starting at 7:45pm there will be a ’Book Browse’ when Graham Kirby ACIB will be bringing 3 crates of books which are recommended for researching and recalling Local and General History. This event is a bit of a departure for the Society but given the season it should be interesting to see a good selection of useful books which could make appropriate Christmas presents.
Kennington History Society talks are free to members with visitors welcome @ £2:50. Click here for further details and a membership application form.
George Ross
Chairman Kennington History Society
