Berkshire Family History Society

When: Thursday 30 April 2026, 19:45 - 21:00 Where: Reading Branch The Fair Mile Hospital (before 1948 known by a succession of different names) was until relatively recently Berkshire’s county lunatic asylum. If the term ‘lunatic asylum’ sends shivers of dread down your spine, be ready to adjust your perceptions. Consider the alternatives and try to understand that the Victorian asylum system was a well-founded effort to tackle mental illness head-on through compassion, diligent care and research. No mental institution was ever entirely sweetness and harmony. However, these places made possible valuable and largely unrecognised advances in mental health care. Ian Wheeler’s illustrated talk examines Fair Mile’s foundation, growth and methods through the eyes of ten of its former employees. All were members of his family, and their service spanned over a century. Free parking. Free entry for members, non-members are asked to make a £5 donation towards costs. Image: The Fair Mile Hos...

When: Tuesday 28 April 2026, 19:30 - 21:30 Where: Windsor Branch Webinar This talk is about memorials and gravestones at Windsor Parish Church of St John the Baptist. It was prompted by an unexpected discovery in a book and tells of the questions and research that has flowed from that discovery. It concludes with the things that have been revealed, and the questions that remain.   We will be running this branch meeting as a hybrid of in-person and Zoom.  Please book your place here whether coming in-person or joining by Zoom.   The in-person option will be at the URC Christ Church, Windsor: 12 William St, Windsor SL4 1BA. If you will be coming in person, please RSVP to windsor@berksfhs.org.uk to help with our planning.   To join in the Zoom option, you will need a computer device which has a microphone and speakers. Ideally, also a webcam. You also need to be able to access emails from this device. First time users will be asked to download a small piece of software to join t...