Roy Peacock, celebrated author and local historian, will give a talk about the Foley family, well known in this part of the world, on Thursday, September 26 Roy has made an exhaustive study of the family and has published a history entitled The Seventeenth Century Foleys: Iron, Wealth and Vision.

The founder of the dynasty, Richard Foley (1580-1657) the son of a humble nail-maker, was born in Dudley.

The family prospered – Richard is reputed to have made his fortune by supplying iron wares to both sides in the Civil War (1642-1651) – and acquired vast estates in surrounding shires, including Witley Court.

His son, Thomas (1617-1677), founded Swinford Hospital in 1677, the school which exists to this day.

By the 1690s, five members of the extended family were MPs.

The meeting starts at 8pm in Clent Parish Hall. Everyone is most welcome Admission for non-members is £2.50, including tea and coffee. It will be a fascinating evening.

For further information, please contact Carole Hodgson on 01562 885759.