11th-20th September 2026 www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk
Welcome to our programme brochure for Heritage Open Days 2026 for Chelmsford. Chelmsford Civic Society has once again been tasked to co-ordinate Heritage Open Days and we are excited to bring you the biggest festival yet! This years festival is dedicated to the Chair of Chelmsford Civic Society, Malcolm Noble, who we sadly lost this year. He had been Chair for over a decade and will be sorely missed. He was a massive supporter of Heritage Open Days. Huge thanks are due to Chelmsford City Culture, Chelmsford for You and Chelmsford National Trust Supporter Group for generously funding the festival, Patch at Grays Yard for again hosting 8 talks free of charge, High Chelmer for display[ng the Photographic Competition, The Meadows for “The History of Vinyl” exhibition. We are also pleased to have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to fund interview training for young people to undertake oral history projects as well as researching some archives and producing printed and sound material from them. We have 44 FREE events for your enjoyment. Please visit www. chelmsfordhod.co.uk to book. There is one secret event which is only advertised on www.heritageopendays.org.uk as there are very limited spaces which are available first come, first served on the day of the event! We have another 10 brand new virtual video events on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/c/chelmsfordcivicsociety
The History Of Essex County Cricket Club Backnang for You A Virtual Tour of 26 High Street A Virtual Tour of Saracens Head 150th Anniversay Poems ECCC Bicknacre Priory Bell Ringing History Chelmsford’s Heritage Podcast 1960s Day Recap Old Police Station We hope you enjoy Heritage Open Days for 2026! Heritage Open Days Chelmsford Team www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk
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The Women Who Rocked the Boat Walk Date: 11th September Time: 10am Venue: Meet at Anne Knight Building, Duke Atreet, CM1 1LW Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Walk in the footsteps of Essex Women who rocked the boat! Meet the women of Chelmsford who fought for equality and their rights! Discover the history of the local Essex Girls from the 15th century Witches to the publicans of the 1960s. From the Anti Slavery Campaigners to the brave factory workers of WW2, we will take you on a journey back in time.
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Chelmsford Black History Walk Date: 11th September Time: 2pm Venue: Meet at Anne Knight Building, Duke Street, CM1 1LW Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Meet at the Anne Knight Building for this walk which will take in the Cathedral and points of the High Street along to the non-conformist cemetery in New London Road where Joseph Freeman’s head stone is located, it has in recent years been given listed status. Learn about notable people from Chelmsford’s past from your guide Winnie. From Marconi to O’Rahilly’ The development of radio entertainment in the UK Talk With Ray Clarke Date: Friday 11th September Time: 7pm Venue: Patch Places, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Much is known of the early days of broadcasting: Marconi, Dame Nellie Melba, Cpt. Peter Eckersley and the British Broadcasting Company …. later the British Broadcasting Corporation, but what happened next, and who made it happen? Hear about the Broadcasting Yacht, Stephen Williams and the Sand Castle Competition, Cpt. Leonard Plugge, Monsieur Le Grand and Radio Normandy, Radio Luxembourg and the early Offshore pirates – including The Voice Of Slough!
And all this happened before the arrival of Britain’s first All Day Music Station – Radio Caroline, with its first broadcast over Easter 1964, started by Irish Innovator Ronan O’Rahilly 1960s Day in Tindal Square Date: 12th September Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Tindal Square, Chelmsford CM1 1EH Join us for a 1960s themed day with live singers and dancing, a Corn Exchange walk and karaoke! There will also be information and memorabilias stalls with activities for all! Look out for the vintage scooters! Chelmsford Community Radio will be with us all day too! Feel free to dress in 1960s attire!
Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure Tours (what3words thus.exact.blues) Date: September 12th and 20th Time: Tours at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:45 Venue: North-east of Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, CM2 5AR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk With the help of local historians, visitors will learn what life was like in this special corner of prehistoric Chelmsford, when swords were forged, strange rituals were carried out and the land was used as a cemetery. Visitors can look at the Bronze Age enclosure itself, which is very well preserved, while enjoying the peaceful oasis of green space sandwiched between commercial and residential areas. Organisers will describe how the site was the home of an important Chelmsford leader towards the end of the Bronze Age while being part of a Stonehenge-like ritual landscape which included a mortuary enclosure, Neolithic enclosure and nationally-important cursus monument, all now lost. Local historians will take small groups of visitors on a tour inside the Bronze Age enclosure, teaching them why it was built and what life was like for the inhabitants, before showing them the archaeological pits left from the excavation of the adjacent Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Page 5
Chelmsford Cathedral Open Day Date: 12th September Time: 10am-2pm Venue: New Street, Chelmsford, CM11TY Booking: Library Tours www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk We offer a warm welcome to visitors coming into the Cathedral. During the day there will be an opportunity to see the hidden gem in the Cathedral, our Knightbridge Library. Currently rarely opened to the public, the library is home to numerous historic books. The open day will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the incredible artefacts kept safe inside it. Please note: Access to the library is via a steep stone spiral staircase and may not be suitable for all visitors. This is a pre-bookable 20 minute tour, book via www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk. We will also be doing 30 minute Cathedral introduction tours giving an insight into the building and the areas of interest. Tours will start on the hour and half hour between 10.00 – 14.00, there is no need to book this tour in advance.
St Mary’s Parish Church Open Day Date: September 12th & 13th Time: 12th 10am-5pm, 13th 2.30pm5pm Venue: Church Green, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7BD Broomfield in World War Two – The People and the Times Display: The Evacuees from London Broomfield Scenes of the Time Talks on an ad hoc basis: Broomfield in World War Two with Alun Powell, Neil Wiffen & Cathy Pearson Accompanying booklet for sale: Broomfield in World War Two Tours of the church inside and outside. Refreshments - tea and cake - will also be served
St John’s Moulsham Street Open Day Date: 12th September Time: 10am-3pm Venue: Moulsham St, Chelmsford CM2 0JD Self-guided tour of the church with guide sheets to highlight key features of the building (Victorian, constructed and enlarged over the period 1837 to 1884) and details of our stained glass windows. Church members will be on hand to answer questions and give more information. Displays of old church documents and photographs, and our church and the community. Displays about our Eco Journey and the development of our Green Space A children’s treasure trail of things to search for in the church A display of the history of the Mildmay Almshouses which are nearby in Moulsham St. Displays about the church organ which is Grade 1 listed on the national pipe organ register. Books & Bits & Bobs, Teas, Coffees and Cakes, Lunchtime snacks, Children’s activities, Organ Demonstrations (TBC), Everyday Histories /Everyday lives, test out our outdoor Heritage Trails around the churchyard (Adult trail and Family trail) Hylands Estate Open Day Date: September 13th Time: 10am-3pm - Tours@10:30 & 13:00 Venue: Hylands House, Hylands Park, Writtle, CM2 8WQ This month’s historical exhibition explores ‘Before & After - Restoration’ The restoration DVD will be played in the Small Dining Room for guests to enjoy Children’s craft activities in Terrace Room – architecture heritage activity. 14th September is also Live Creative Day! Storytelling will take place in the Drawing Room with Mike Dodsworth at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2pm Front of Hylands House: Essex Foodies Market – Summer layout. Over 70 delicious food, drink and craft vendors! Back of Hylands House: Chelmsford City Council leisure centres will be hosting fun family outdoor activities on the back lawn with some small giveaways/ prizes There will also be Hylands Garden Games for everyone to enjoy Friends of Hylands House bookshop open Live music in the courtyard by Hot Box 11am – 1pm Page 7
The Essex Executioner Date: 14th September Time: 7pm Venue: Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk The Essex Executioner - William Calcraft, from Little Baddow, is the longest serving executioner in history. We explore some of the executions of the country’s number one hangman, including some that went tragically wrong. We shine a light on an appalling miscarriage of justice when a heroic Chelmsford man should have been congratulated for his bravery, instead he perished at the end of Calcraft’s rope.
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We analyse a case that drew the biggest crowd in history to the streets of London to witness a double hanging. Queen Victoria personally knew the accused. We explain the physiology of the hanging process. Calcraft executed more than 450 people, how did he rationalise his profession with his conscience? The answer lies in his deep roots and early influences in Little Baddow. We highlight his influence on the English language, his inventions and his entrepreneurial streak. Mayoral Parlour Tour Date: 14th September Time: 10-30am and 2pm Venue: Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk An opportunity to meet the Mayor of Chelmsford and to learn about their civic role, the events they attend and to examine the Mayoral regalia
To book events visit www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk
Galleywood Common Walk Date: 15th September Time: 11am Venue: Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8TR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk A walk around part of Galleywood common with stops and interpretations of various buildings and points of interest. The walk will start and finish at the Galleywood Heritage Centre. Sensible shoes and appropriate clothing should be worn in case of inclement weather. The Horseshoe tea room will be open after the walk for hot and cold drinks, hot food and home made cakes. Check opening hours on website nearer the time. Tour of Galleywood Heritage Centre and its Archives Date: 15th September Time: 2pm Venue: Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Located on Galleywood Common, the Heritage Centre’s main building is a conversion of the 1920s grandstand from the hey days of horse racing. A listening bench in the ground has stories from yesteryear from the Galleywood residents past & present. Just outside the grounds on Galleywood Common, the track of the old racecourse can be seen. A short walk across the free public car park close by brings visitors to the remains of the Napoleonic era Star Fort earthworks which has an interpretation board. Sensible shoes and appropriate clothing should be worn in case of inclement weather. The Horseshoe tea room will be open after the walk for hot and cold drinks, hot food and home made cakes.Check opening hours on website nearer the time.
To find out more about Chelmsford Civic Society please visit Page 9 www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk
Caught, Caged & Condemned Date: September 15th Time: 7pm Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Step into Chelmsford’s darker history, where justice was swift, public and often painful. This talk explores the Tudor cage, whipping post and stocks; the early Houses of Correction; the debtors’ and felons’ prisons; and the sometimes-chaotic county gaol by the river. Learn how offenders were punished, fined, disciplined or occasionally able to escape— sometimes through remarkably inventive routes. From privies over the water to manorial courts, great escapes and the “short sharp shock,” this is a vivid journey through four centuries of crime and control. Engaging, surprising and full of local colour. Please note that this talk covers issues such as witchcraft and executions.
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RDF to Radar- ‘My parents’ contribution to Hitler’s downfall and how I came to be’! Date: 16th September Time: 7pm Venue: Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk With war clouds looming in the 1930s, there seemed to be no defence against fast moving airborne invaders. As a matter of urgency scientists were tasked with addressing this problem and early experiments with radio waves demonstrated that they could be used to detect aircraft by reflection. Thus was born what we now called RADAR (Radio Direction and Ranging) but at that time, to disguise its real purpose, was referred to as ‘RDF’. It was, nevertheless, still a secret capability not fully disclosed to the public until VJ day, 17 August 1945. This talk highlights the roles played by two of the many hundreds of RAF personnel who helped deliver this initially primitive capability to a level that ensured that a German invasion was thwarted and then provided the means to take the fight to the ‘Fatherland’ through the precision bombing of Hitler’s war machine.
Rise and Fall of Chelmsford Star Co-op Date: September 17th Time: 7pm Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk For over 150 years, Essex’s local independent Co-op was winning awards and flying high. Just a few years later it was gone, with hundreds of jobs lost. What happened? Former Head of Membership Kevin Bennett fills us in. Chelmsford Blue Plaque Challenge Date: 17th September Time: 2pm Venue: Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8TR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk The Chelmsford Civic Society were invited a few years ago by Chelmsford City Council to increase the number of people recognised by Blue Plaques in Chelmsford. This voluntary project involved a programme of research into the personal history of a number of local men and women and resulted in many blue plaques appearing in Chelmsford. Behind each plaque are some wonderful stories about these local people. This talk will cover 14 people in all, including some who have yet to be awarded this prestigious accolade. Chelmsford City Miniature Railway Open Evening Date: 18th September Time: 5pm-7pm Venue: Meteor Way, Chelmsford CM1 2RL Chelmsford Miniature Railway is open for an evening of free rides and tours. Join them to hear all about their site and how it started. What3words ///stove.purple.snack Page 11
The History of Vinyl Records Date: September 11th to 20th Times: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Venue: The Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford, CM2 6FD Curated by Intense Records, this exhibion covers the history of vinyl, it began in the late 19th century when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. Originally, audio was recorded on tinfoil and later wax cylinders. The medium evolved into flat discs made of shellac, which became known as “78s” Find out more at this pop up exhibitio. Chelmsford’s Industrial Past Exhibition Date: 11th to 20th September Time: 10am-4pm Weekends & 11am2pm weekdays The Shire Hall, Tindal Square, Chelmsford, CM1 1EH Discover Chelmsford’s industial past through various diplays and artifacts. Also a selection of photographs held by the Essex Record Office along with sound and video archives on display. Displays include Marconi, Hoffmann, Christies and Crompton. On various days there will be pop-up activities.
Canal History Walk Date: 18th September Time: 10am Venue: Town Sign outside Metro Bank, CM1 1BE Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Gently walk from the busy City Centre along the now peaceful waterway which was once the major transport route supplying the then town with heavy goods and which ultimately led to the town becoming a major centre of engineering excellence. See the canoe rollers, the magnificent Essex Records Office, the site of the proposed new lock, the water-meadows, Barnes Mill Lock. The Basin which was once the hub of significant industrial activity and much
The aims of Chelmsford Civic Society are to stimulate public interest in, and appreciation and care of, the history, appearance and character of Chelmsford. • The preservation of buildings • History and architecture • River banks, parks and trees • Future planning and land use • Transport, road and car parking • Recycling and litter disposal Current Projects • The Shire Hall • Blue Plaques • The rivers via CRACL • Youth group creation
We hold a members’ meeting monthly during the year, upcoming events are published on the website and in our newsletter. If you wish to become a member of Chelmsford Civic Society and join us on our programme of interesting talks and places then please visit our web site. It is just £10 per person per year and for that cost you get two free events per year (AGM and Christmas) and a £2 discount on other talks and events. www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk
Now this Lousy War is Over … Date: 18th September Time: 7pm Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk When the Great War finally ended, there was a hope that women would quietly revert to their pre-war lowly status and resume, for the majority, low-paid menial jobs. They should put their wartime achievements and newly acquired skills behind them and concentrate on producing and raising the next generation of workers and, if needs be, soldiers. A very significant number of women disagreed and were prepared to challenge those in authority should the need arise. This talk looks both at women’s achievements and their failures in a world that would soon prove to be even less fit for heroines than it proved to be for heroes. Page 13
Chelmsford Witch Walk Date: 18th September Time: 7pm Venue: Bell Meadow, Nr Chelmsford Market Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Elly your guide will take you on a tour of the city centre and will talk about some of the stories from the witch trials in Chelmsford.
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The content may be not be suitable for childre Galleywood Village Walking Tour Date: 19th September Time: 9am & 2pm Venue: Galleywood Library, Watchouse Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8PU Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk A walk around the older streets of Galleywood with stops and interpretations of various buildings and points of interest. The walk will start and finish outside Galleywood Library in Watchouse Road. Before and after the walk, it will be possible to visit Galleywood library for a display and information about Galleywood’s history including the buildings on this walk. One City, Many Journeys Date: 19th September Time: 3pm Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk One City, Many Journeys brings together four inspiring young people from diverse cultural backgrounds alongside community leader Sangita Mittra, Founder and CEO of the New Generation Development Agency (NGDA). Through honest and thought-provoking conversation, the panel will explore heritage, identity, belonging, integration, cultural celebrations and what it means to call Chelmsford City home. Together they will share personal journeys, celebrate the richness of our communities and discuss how we can create more opportunities for everyone to celebrate culture across the city.
The History of Beaulieu Walking Tour Date: 19th September Time: 10am Venue: Beaulieu Community Cabin, Taylor View, Chelmsford, CM3 3HS W3W pushes.today.regime Ever wondered about New Hall school and how it came to be? Want to know more about why we have ditches everywhere and why we don’t mow areas during the growing season? Want to know more about the various sculptures across the estate? Want to know more about the various sculptures around Beaulieu and why many of them are deer? Come to an informal guided walkabout meeting at 10am at the Beaulieu Community Gardens. limited parking and toilet facilities available.
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Open day and Display of some photographs of 1970s Galleywood & Chelmsford 1975 to 1980 Date: 20th September Time: 10am - 3pm Venue: Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR Photographs courtesy of Keith Eastwell Photography and displayed by Darren Hanning In the Heritage Room and main hall there will be other displays, photographs and information about Galleywood’s history including the racecourse and much more.. Located on Galleywood Common, the Heritage Centre’s main building is a conversion of the 1920s grandstand from the hey days of horse racing. A listening bench in the ground has stories from yesteryear from the Galleywood residents past & present. Just outside the grounds on Galleywood Common, the track of the old racecourse can be seen. A short walk across the free public car park close by brings visitors to the remains of the Napoleonic era Star Fort earthworks which has an interpretation board.
Venue: Oaklands Park, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ 19th and 20th September FREE ENTRY ALL WEEKEND Book via www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk accompanied by an adult.
19th September 10:45, 12:00, 13:15, 14:30, 15:45 (1hr) Wax Treasures Workshop Join sculptor Caitlin Hazell and Moving House Films to celebrate the importance of the objects we collect. In this free workshop, we will be reflecting on the question: “If the Museum of Chelmsford could collect just ONE object to show what your life in Chelmsford is like today, what would it be and why?”. Using objects you will bring, we will be creating and carving miniature versions in wax, that will undergo the ancient lost wax casting technique, transforming them to bronze, where they will be part of a larger scale installation, co-curated with Spark! in a future museum exhibition. There will also be the chance to be part of a film talking about your object. Please bring along your chosen object, or a photograph if it is too valuable. No other skills necessary, we’ll take you through the techniques you need to take part. Adults and families welcome. Recommended age 6+ as the workshop contains small parts which may pose a choking hazard. All children must be
19th September Screenprinting Treasure 10.15, 11.20, 12.25, 1.35, 2.45 and 4 (45 mins) Join artist Katie Kennedy in the Wells Suite to create a screenprinted tote bag linked to the largest recorded gold Iron Age coin hoard in Britain, the Great Baddow Coin Hoard. Katie Kennedy is a designer and workshop artist specialising in art, design, architecture and printing workshops and projects at museums, galleries, schools and festivals around Essex, London and beyond, alongside running her own design business. Find out more at katiekennedy.co.uk or on Instagram @katiekennedydesign. Open for all ages, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that products may stain clothing. 19th & 20th September 10am - 4pm Treasures of the Museum For this Heritage Open Days come and visit our Timeless Treasures exhibition and help create the next ‘Top 10 Objects’ visitor guide. Head to our Discover Studio on the Ground Floor to cast your vote. Have we missed your favourite Treasure? Make sure you leave a comment to let us know.
Photograph Competition Date: 13th - 20th September Time: 9am-5.30pm Venue: High Chelmer Shopping Centre Exchange Way, Chelmsford CM1 1XB Our photo competition is back! The best photos will be displayed in the High Chelmer Shopping Centre for the duration of the festival.
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The theme this year is Graves, Memorials Plaques and Statues, so go on a search to find one in Chelmsford and take your best
Please email your photos at a size of at least 1mb to hello@chelmsfordhod.co.uk.There is a prize of a voucher for the winner. The closing date is August 31st 2026.
The History of Drag Artists Date: 20th September Time: 3pm Venue: Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, CM2 6QR Booking: www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Interested in Drag’s origins, its present, and its potential future? This talk will cover all of this with local drag icon Kenzie Blackheart!
To find out more about Heritage Open Days nationally please visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk Page 19