Tolsey Talks are around 45 min 'in person' local history talks, that are generally illustrated, with a 15 min question and answer session. Attendees are invited to 'linger longer' and stay on for a chat and a glass of wine, (donations are requested).
There are 6 Talks in the series. All except the one during the 2026 Burford Festival will take place in the historical setting of Burford's Baptist Church, 34 Witney Street, which was erected in 1804, on the site of a earlier building used for worship from the early eighteenth century.
Only £6 per talk for all talks at the Baptist Church; a season ticket is available. Benefactors are admitted free of charge but due to the popularity of the talks, should book in advance to guarantee their place.
Upcoming Events 2026
16 Feb 2026, 14:00 – 15:00Burford Tolsey Archive, Swan Ln, Burford OX18, UKThe third Annual General Meeting of the Burford Tolsey Museum and Archive (BTMA) will take place via Zoom at 2pm Monday 16th February 2026
26 Mar 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKThe life, times, trades and past residents of Witney Street. Fee admission to BENEFACTORS. It is helpful if they preregister their intention to attend.
30 Apr 2026, 15:00 – 17:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKPRE-BOOKING A TICKET IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL BENEFACTORS. Cream Tea with gentle musings and asides inspired by David Cohen's new book, as we wander our familiar streets, meet previous residents, all delivered with humour and warmth.
12 May 2026, 15:30 – 19:30Oxford, Porters Lodge, Merton St, Oxford OX1 4JD, UKAn EXCLUSIVE guided tour of Merton College for BURFORD TOLSEY BENEFACTORS
28 May 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKJonathan Maisey will be talking about the nearby underground stone quarries and the ongoing work to uncover some of the Cotswold's lost mines. Fee admission to BENEFACTORS. It is helpful if they preregister their intention to attend.
30 Jul 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKFor hundreds of years highwaymen have preyed on travellers on England's roads but a surprising number were born in Oxfordshire and plied their trade or met their ends here. Talk by Mike White. Fee admission to BENEFACTORS. It is helpful if they preregister their intention to attend.
24 Sept 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKA brief introduction to the history of mapping from prehistoric times up until the 21st century, richly illustrated with key historical maps showing Burford and what they tell us about our Town. Fee admission to BENEFACTORS. It is helpful if they pre-register their intention to attend.
29 Oct 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKAn evening of reminiscences in which the audience are invited to share their recollection of past times in Burford prompted by a wide ranging selection of old images of the Town and its people. Led by David Cohen. Fee admission to BENEFACTOR who register their intention to attend in advance, please.
Date and time is TBDLocation is TBDA downstairs history of Britain from the 19th century to modern times
Date and time is TBDBurford, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKSeason ticket to all six talks on the 26th March, 28th May, the 2026 Tolsey Festival Talk in June (date t.b.c.), 30th July, 24th Sept & 29th October.