During the reign of Henry VIII, Berkshire was nationally important for the production of woollen cloth, which dominated English exports. This talk to BIAG by David Peacock takes a look at the processes involved in cloth-making in the Tudor period, and some of the towns and villages across western Berkshire which were active in this industry, along with some of the individual clothiers.
David is a local historian for the Newbury area. His Ph.D. for the University of Reading focussed on 'Jack of Newbury' and the Tudor cloth industry in Berkshire. He teaches classes in local history at West Berkshire Museum; and previously for Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education, the University of Reading and Newbury College. A former journalist and teacher, he is the author of the 2011 edition of The Story of Newbury, and the 2018 Newbury Roman Cemetery, as well as articles for local newspapers and periodicals.
Looking for something to do, rather than something to see? We've got all manner of classes and workshops, plus games, escape rooms and other interactive activities. There's something for everyone, from dance, to arts and crafts, to food and drink and the odd bit of geekery, too!
