Stone Library is turning the spotlight on centuries of local history this autumn, with six free events covering everything from the Benedictine nuns of Oulton Abbey and Stone during the Second World War to local schools, the library building itself and the American wartime presence at Yarnfield.
The programme forms Stone’s contribution to the Staffordshire History Festival, which takes place across the county during September and October each year through Staffordshire’s libraries, arts, archives and museums.
Most of Stone Library’s talks are free but need to be booked in advance, while the final Yarnfield Yanks event on Friday 2 October will be a free drop in session.
Prints of local scenes and books about Stone’s contribution to the First World War will also be available to buy at the library throughout September and October.
Four centuries of the nuns of Oulton Abbey
The first talk takes place at 11am on Tuesday 8 September, when Christine Westwood will explore the history of the Benedictine nuns associated with Oulton Abbey.
Her talk traces a story stretching back around 400 years, following the community from Ghent to Oulton through Preston and Caverswall Castle.
Along the way, the story takes in Charles II, the French Revolution and connections with figures including Augustus Pugin and JRR Tolkien.
The history of the community can be traced back to a Benedictine convent founded at Ghent in 1624, with historical records documenting the later community at Oulton.
The talk is free, but booking is essential.
When the war came to Stone
Stone and the surrounding villages during the Second World War are the subject of the next event at 11am on Friday 11 September.
When the War Came to the Stone Area will look at how a predominantly rural part of North Staffordshire found itself playing a much more prominent role after the outbreak of war.
The talk will explore what happened in Stone and surrounding villages, including Yarnfield, and why the area became important during the conflict.
Some of that wartime history will be picked up again later in the festival when Martin and Fran Collins bring their Yarnfield Yanks exhibition to the library.
The Friday morning talk is free, with advance booking required.
The changing face of Stone’s schools
There are two History Festival events at Stone Library on Friday 11 September, with Brian Jones taking over for the afternoon session at 2pm.
His talk will explore aspects of the history of education, with particular reference to schools in Stone.
The presentation will follow changes from earlier informal approaches to education through to the development of formal schools, including the arrival of compulsory education and the effect major historical events had on school life.
It is another free event, with booking essential.
Chimney sweeps and Staffordshire’s climbing boys
Historian Steve Booth will visit Stone Library at 2pm on Friday 18 September for a talk examining the use of children as chimney sweeps and attempts to bring the practice to an end.
Children as young as six were used to climb inside chimneys to clean them with brushes and scrapers, often in extremely dangerous conditions.
The talk will look at reformers who tried to stop the practice, including Lord Shaftesbury, before focusing more locally on Francis Wedgwood and the Wedgwood family.
Francis Wedgwood, who built the Upper House at Barlaston, was among those involved in efforts to end the use of young climbing boys locally.
Booth has previously presented research on the subject to Staffordshire history groups, focusing on the role played by Wedgwood and other campaigners.
The Stone Library event is free, but places need to be booked.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Stone is home to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps?
The building that became Stone Library
Stone Library itself becomes the subject on Tuesday 22 September.
Keeley Spilsbury will present A Brief History of Stone Library from 11am, looking at the changing uses of the building that now houses the town’s library.
The story includes the original market building, its reconstruction, wartime use as a restaurant and a period when boxing events were held there.
Keeley’s talk will look in more detail at that journey and the decisions surrounding the building’s future.
The talk starts at 11am and is free, with booking essential.
The Yarnfield Yanks
Stone Library’s programme then moves into October with a subject that remains a distinctive part of the area’s Second World War history.
Martin and Fran Collins will bring their Yarnfield Yanks photo exhibition to the library from 10am on Friday 2 October.
Their research focuses on the American Army Air Force Replacement Centre at Yarnfield during the war.
Their book, The Yarnfield Yanks, documents the American presence at Yarnfield, including the operation of the replacement depot, experiences of personnel based there and their interaction with local residents.
Martin and Fran will be available at the exhibition to discuss the photographs, their research and the story behind the book, as well as answering questions from visitors.
Unlike the talks, this is a free drop in event and does not require advance booking.
Local artwork and books throughout the festival
There will also be local history material available at Stone Library throughout September and October.
Prints of Geoffrey Collier’s original artwork depicting Stone and the surrounding area will be on sale for £30, with postcards costing £1. These are cash only purchases.
Stone Historical and Civic Society will also have two books available.
They Did What Was Asked of Them covers Stone’s contribution to the Great War from 1914 to 1916, while The Whole Town Played a Part continues the story through 1917 and 1918.
The books are priced at £10 and purchases are cash only.
Stone Library History Festival events at a glance
| Event | Date | Time | Cost and booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| History of the Nuns of Oulton Abbey, Christine Westwood | Tuesday 8 September | 11am | Free, booking essential |
| When the War Came to the Stone Area | Friday 11 September | 11am | Free, booking essential |
| History of education and Stone schools, Brian Jones | Friday 11 September | 2pm | Free, booking essential |
| Chimney Sweeps, Climbing Boys and Francis Wedgwood, Steve Booth | Friday 18 September | 2pm | Free, booking essential |
| A Brief History of Stone Library, Keeley Spilsbury | Tuesday 22 September | 11am | Free, booking essential |
| The Yarnfield Yanks, Martin and Fran Collins | Friday 2 October | 10am | Free, drop in |
Bookings for events can be made through Stone Library on 01785 895585. Staffordshire County Council’s current library information also lists the same number for enquiries.
Find Stone Library information on the Staffordshire County Council website
The Staffordshire History Festival runs across September and October, with events and activities taking place at libraries and heritage venues around the county.
Find out more about local history through Staffordshire Libraries
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