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Upcoming Events 2026 & 2027
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 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, are asked to book in advance to guarantee their place.

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. Whilst admission is free to all BENEFACTORS they need to preregister their intention to attend.
23 Oct 2026, 18:00 – 20:00Burford Tolsey Archive, Swan Lane, Burford OX18 4SP, UK2026 Benefactors Only Reception at the Burford Tolsey Archive
24 Oct 2026, 10:30 – 11:55Meet at Burford Tolsey, 126 High St, Burford OX18 4QJ, UKAn engaging introduction to Burford’s history, architecture, and notable landmarks. As places are limited, advance booking is essential. Free of charge - donations invited.
25 Oct 2026, 10:30 – 11:55Meet at Burford Tolsey, 126 High St, Burford OX18 4QJ, UKAn engaging introduction to Burford’s history, architecture, and notable landmarks. As places are limited, advance booking is essential. Free of charge - donations invited.
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 old images of the Town and its people. Led by David Cohen. Whilst admission is free to all BENEFACTORS they need to preregister their intention to attend.
06 Nov 2026, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKEnjoy hearing about the history of Burford’s Dragon Tradition and how it was was revived in this illustrated talk given to mark the publication of 'The Tradition of the Burford Dragon' Perhaps you might be in the 'Walking the Dragon through the streets' pictures
25 Mar 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKDiscover the fascinating hidden history of one of Burford’s oldest streets. Whilst admission is free to all BENEFACTORS they need to preregister their intention to attend. It will be a 'Linger Longer' event where a glass of wine, (donations requested).
29 Apr 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford, Baptist Church, Witney Street, Burford. OX18 4SNAn illustrated talk that will reveal fascinating insights into Burford's history by exploring some of the remarkable deeds and documents in the Archive's Moody Collection.
27 May 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKA Cream Tea launch of two new books celebrating the Burford's Dolls’ House masterpiece i.e. 'Lives in Miniature' by Anne Youngson & 'Burford Dolls House: Artistry & Craftsmanship' by Susan Ashton.
24 Jun 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKOxfordshire's folklore is a tapestry of stories, legends, and customs that have been passed down through generations. Join us to enjoy a plethora of ghost stories, supernatural tales and other strangeness from around the county.
29 Jul 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKJoin us to explore how history frequently survives not as it was, but as it has endured. This talk argues that our picture of the past is really a picture of its durable objects, and what interested those few who could read and write.
30 Sept 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKJoin us to discover the fascinating story of ‘the best kept secret’, in the dark days of WW2 about Dick Hartley, (the former Oxfordshire cricket and hockey captain and farmer from West Oxfordshire) and why Chipping Norton, surprisingly occupies a special place in the history of British Baseball
28 Oct 2027, 19:30 – 21:30Burford Baptist Church, Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKOur annual evening of reminiscences led by David Cohen, in which the audience are invited to share their recollection of past times in Burford, prompted by old images of the Town and its people.
Date and time is TBDBurford Baptist Church, 34 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN, UKSeason ticket to all six talks on the 25th March, 29th April, 24th June, 29th July, 30th Sept & 28th October.
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