
The duo behind Hedon History Walks are launching a series of monthly talks as they prepare to revive their popular trails around the town.
Hedon History Walks was set up by Tony Porter in 2016 to bring the town’s history to life while taking people to places that may not be often frequented. Even long-term residents joining the walks said they had visited places they had never been and learned new things.
The walks have also become a large part of the Head to Hedon Heritage Open Days in September every year. Since the Covid pandemic, the walks have been only on request, but plans are under way to bring them back.
Tony has been joined by Lucy Brooke, whom he describes as “a proper historian, rather than a strictly amateur storyteller”.
In December, the pair began writing a monthly article for the Gazette, and now they are starting up monthly history talks ahead of bringing back the walks when the weather improves.
The first illustrated talk will take place next month. Delivered by Lucy, it will look at local rituals and “magical” practices dating as far back as the Bronze Age, with revelations of new and exclusive finds not yet made public.
Witch Bottles & Boundary Ghosts: Superstition, Magic and Ritual in Holderness will take place at the Royal British Legion in Magdalen Gate, Hedon, on Thursday, February 6, at 7pm. Admission is £5.
The next talk after this will be The History of Holyrood House, by Tony.