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We are supported by Chiseldon Parish Council who provide the venue for our museum.


Chiseldon Local History Group

Chiseldon Local History Group was formed to record and preserve objects and information related to the Parish of Chiseldon and where possible to make this
available to the public either through publications or in our museum.

Elaine 2 - dig.jpg

Replica Chiseldon cauldron

Finding the cauldrons

Elaine 1 - cauldron resized.jpg

As it might have looked

 

MAY 2025 MEETING

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Our May meeting is on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 in Holy Cross Church Hall, Butts Road, SN4 0NN at 7.30pm. The subject is 'The Life of a Galley Slave', presented by George North.

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A galley slave's life was characterized by brutal, back-breaking labour, with long hours of rowing, poor conditions, and the constant threat of violence and death. Rowing a galley required immense strength and stamina, often for many consecutive hours. The routine was described as 'one of the most brutal forms of slave labour ever devised'. Galley slaves were often kept bound to their stations, fed poorly, and mistreated by overseers. The practice grew in Europe in the late Middle Ages, with convicted criminals and prisoners of war pressed into service on the galleys. It continued across the globe into the 18th and 19th centuries, with slaves often used to row pirate galleys, both in North Africa and Asia, the slaves having been captured by the pirates on their raids. Note that the portrayals of Roman galley slaves in the film industry are largely inaccurate as Roman oarsmen were usually paid freemen, not slaves. George will take us through this history.

STOP PRESS

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The Museum will be opening for it summer season from 2pm to 4pm every Saturday from

19 April until 27 September 2025.

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Exhibits this year will cover an archaeological map of the area,

a look back at the Spearhead festival held in the village in 1975,

and an exhibit to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

 The display featuring the railway has been revamped to include a 'then and now' section,

and we also have a new volume of village photographs available to view.

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We look forward to seeing old and new friends!

If you enjoy history, particularly local history, why not join Chiseldon Local History Group!
Come and join one of our meetings in Holy Cross Church Hall, Butts Road, Chiseldon, SN4 0NN
at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month (except for August and December).
Annual membership is £20. If you are a visitor, there is a charge of £5 per meeting.

For our programme of speakers, please see Programme page.

For a list of books and pamphlets for sale please see our Publications page.


During the months of April to September you can visit our museum in the
Old Chapel, Butts Road, Chiseldon, SN4 0NN,
which is open on Saturday afternoons from 2pm until 4pm.
Entry is free of charge and the building is wheelchair accessible.



 

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