A full house for Graham In the Ballroom

The Court House ballroom was packed for the first social gathering of this year on Thursday 4th January, when historian Graham Sutherland related some of the darker and bloodier episodes in Warwick’s history.

Graham is exceptionally well informed, having researched and published many books about the Earls of Warwick and the legends associated with the town’s history, including the tale of Guy of Warwick, a squire who became a knight errant slaying monsters to impress his lady-love, then a pilgrim and finally a hermit.  

Was Richard Beauchamp a war hero or a war criminal? How did Thomas Oken save the town’s treasures from Henry VIII’s commissioners? What started the Great Fire of Warwick? Graham’s illustrated talk covered many of the key moments that have shaped the town since it was founded in 914 by Alfred the Great’s daughter Aethelflaeda.

Guests also enjoyed a topical picture-quiz, trying to identify personalities who have been made a knight or a dame in the New Year honours over the years. And there was the usual tea with fine cake served by Unlocking Warwick volunteers.

‘In the Ballroom’ takes place on the first Thursday of each month, from 2pm – 4.30pm and costs just £2 to cover the cost of refreshments. There’s no need to book; just come along to enjoy a talk or activity and a quiz, and to make friends over a cuppa.

By popular demand, the next edition on February 1st will be a games afternoon featuring a beetle-drive – a race with the dice to complete your beetle.