Introduction
A market town for almost 1000 years, Haverhill still hosts a provisions market each Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Haverhill was recorded in the Domesday survey in 1086, but archaeological evidence shows that both Stone Age man and the Romans thought this valley a good place to settle.
The town thrived through its textile industry notably in the 19th century when it became a significant centre for the making of "drabbet" smocks for the agricultural workers. In 1856, D Gurteen & Sons built a factory with 32 power looms driven by steam.
Although
they had been in the town since the 1780s, the new factory brought expansion and the town became prosperous. It almost doubled in size between 1851 and 1901, bringing new houses, factories, schools, churches and public buildings to make it a complete Victorian town.
In the late 1940s, Haverhill was named an "expansion town" by the Haverhill Urban District Council and Greater London Council. The population quadrupled between 1951 and the present time and Haverhill continues to grow, with new facilities and new housing. It is a forward looking town with a strong sense of community and an active Town Council
Programme
The Haverhill group usually meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Old Independent Church Hall, Hamlet Road, Haverhill, CB9 9EF. (unless stated otherwise). Click here for directions
Meetings usually start at 7.30pm. Admission £1.00 for SFHS members, £2.50 for visitors. Tea/Coffee included.
Library of local and family history books available for free loan and opportunity to search SFHS data for Suffolk ancestors.
Coach Trips to major record offices, including the London Metropolitan Archives, National Newspaper Library and the National Archives at Kew, and national museums.
Annual Walk around a local village for a guided tour of historical interests, tracing our ancestors' footsteps, even to the local hostelry!
Help Sessions are held weekly Wed 2-4pm at the Library, Camps, Road, Haverhill, CB9 8HB with free guided access to Ancestry.com, Find My Past and more.
To book your place at the Library phone 01440 702638
| Wednesday Afternoons 2 - 4pm |
Help with YOUR Research - at Haverhill Library (CB9 8HB) Guided use of the Internet, especially for newcomers or those 'stuck' phone 01440 848095 to book your place |
Newsletter
Click Here to download our latest news.
Links
Family History (Haverhill) Group - Facebook page
Haverhill UK - local census, baptism, burial & other records posted by the Haverhill Group
Haverhill & District Local History Group - Haverhill Local History Centre is a resource and study centre for Haverhill and surrounding villages.
Haverhill Old Independent Church - The United Reformed Church at Haverhill, locally known as the Old Independent Church, (OIC)
Contact
Secretary: Charmian Thompson
5 Hadrian Close,
Haverhill,
Suffolk, CB9 0NH
or by Email: haverhill@suffolkfhs.org.uk to our Secretary
Last Modified on 31/10/2023 by B and C Thompson
News
OPEN DAY at Haverhill Library
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sun, 5th Nov 2023
After the celebration the previous night, the following day, the Haverhill group held an open/research day at Haverhill Library. Despite the awful weather conditions we had an extremely successful day. It was great to see so many new faces come along for help or to enquire about our group. Many thanks to all those helpers from the Haverhill group who gave their time and of course the staff at the library.
Pictures from the Haverhill Library Facebook page Facebook
40th anniversary of the Haverhill Group.
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sun, 5th Nov 2023
It was great to see so many people attend our 40th year celebrations at the Haverhill Arts Centre. Despite the horrendous weather conditions many people travelled long distances to attend including many past members and our Society Trustees. In addition to our present members it was also pleasing to see so many local town councillors and members of the Town Council staff in attendance to offer their support.
In his opening remarks to the audience Haverhill Chairman, Brian Thompson, said ‘Over the past four decades, this group has been dedicated to supporting those keen to discover their ancestry.
They say from small acorns, mighty oaks grow, and that describes the Haverhill group very well. From humble beginnings, when a small group of friends, keen to discover their family roots, met 40 years ago, I don’t suppose any of them thought that we would be here this evening celebrating such an achievement with so many people. The group has certainly grown and developed since its inception in 1983.
Right from the start there have been proactive committees keeping the group focussed and fresh. We are no different today. We have a fantastic committee and a group of willing volunteers that enables us to run weekly help sessions, monthly meetings, take part in projects, work in schools and with other community groups and to have a presence at local events such as Armed Forces Day and the Haverhill Show.
Tonight, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of the past, but also the promise of the future. As we look ahead, I am confident that this group will continue to thrive and grow, thanks to the passion and dedication of its members.
So let us say ‘Well done Haverhill Family History Group’ with special thanks to those who planted the little acorns 40 years ago. Here’s to another 4 decades of interest in family and social history.’
Doug Howlett, Society Patron, spoke on behalf of the Suffolk Family History Society, congratulating the Haverhill on their longevity and praised the work undertaken over the many years. He also took the opportunity to present to Brian and Charmian Thompson the ‘Derek Palgrave’ award which was gratefully received.
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Two past Chairpersons, Ann Field and Alan Bumpstead together with one of the original founders of the group, Mary Shipp cutting the cake. |
Haverhill Group's November 2023 Newsletter
Posted by B and C Thompson on Tue, 31st Oct 2023
Haverhill Group's November 2023 Newsletter now available to view. Can be found at the bottom of this page, the ’Events’ page or follow the link on the 'Introduction' page.
Research/Open Day
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sun, 15th Oct 2023
NEED HELP RESEARCHING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY or WANT TO KNOW HOW TO START? Join us at our next open day at Haverhill Library on Saturday the 4th November between 10am and 2pm. No need to book. All free. Come along and meet our friendly helpers. Not just restricted to Haverhill/Suffolk ancestors, we can look nationwide!
October meeting
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sun, 8th Oct 2023
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Thursday 12th October 2023 at 7.30pm Old Independent Church HallCharlie Haylock - History of spoken English.Charlie Haylock needs no introduction. He is one of Suffolk's leading entertainers. His informative and hilarious one-man shows are legendary in the county and his books have all been best sellers.
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Haverhill Group's October 2023 Newsletter
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sun, 1st Oct 2023
Haverhill Group's October 2023 Newsletter now available to view. Can be found at the bottom of this page, the ’Events’ page or follow the link on the 'Introduction' page.
Sudbury Quiz 2023
Posted by B and C Thompson on Thu, 28th Sep 2023
Spent an enjoyable afternoon joining in with the Sudbury group's quiz. Thank you to everyone for making us so welcome. Oh and we came a creditable third!
September meeting
Posted by B and C Thompson on Tue, 5th Sep 2023
One of Haverhill's Heritage events. Everyone welcome.
Haverhill Group's September 2023 Newsletter
Posted by B and C Thompson on Mon, 28th Aug 2023
Haverhill Group's September 2023 Newsletter now available to view. Can be found at the bottom of this page, the ’Events’ page or follow the link on the 'Introduction' page.
Guided walk around Cavendish
Posted by B and C Thompson on Sat, 12th Aug 2023
A really pleasant evening touring the village of Cavendish including a visit to the Church. Thanks to our host and guides from Cavendish and of course to the 5 Bells PH who provided a tremendous spread!
Events
| Date | Details | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 14/12/2023 | Christmas Quiz A light-hearted social evening with refreshments | Ourselves |
| 11/01/2024 | 8-10 minute talk by members on any subject | Ourselves |
| 08/02/2024 | 11th Feb. International day of Women & Girls in Science. 10 minute talks | Ourselves |
| 14/03/2024 | Growing Old Disgracefully | Rex Freeman |
| 11/04/2024 | Winifred Challis, Morals, Marriage & Mass Observation in WW2 | Terry O'Donoghue |
| 09/05/2024 | AGM & Restful Corners | Ourselves |
| 13/06/2024 | Tea for the British… with a little twist of Suffolk the story of the tea trade in Britain | Miriam Stead |
| 12/09/2024 | It's on the cards | Vanessa Mann |
| 10/10/2024 | Harvest time and Horsemen’s’ memories, rural life in 1900 | Ashley Cooper |
| 14/11/2024 | Generals, Leaders and people who had an impact in WW1 (110 years since the start of WW1) | Ourselves |
| 12/12/2024 | Christmas Quiz A light-hearted social evening with refreshments | Ourselves |
Contact
For further details on the programme you should contact
Secretary: Charmian Thompson
5 Hadrian Close,
Haverhill,
Suffolk, CB9 0NH
or by Email: haverhill@suffolkfhs.org.uk to our Secretary
Group Contact
Secretary: Charmian Thompson
5 Hadrian Close,
Haverhill,
Suffolk, CB9 0NH
or by Email: haverhill@suffolkfhs.org.uk to our Secretary
Group Projects
Haverhill Roll of Honour
Haverhill Roll of Honour (World War 1)
Haverhill Roll of Honour (World War 2)
Haverhill Roll of Honour (Other Conflicts)
(If you have any information/photos of Haverhill casualties please contact haverhill@suffolkfhs.org.uk)
Haverhill Remembers - Lest We Forget November (2018)
Haverhill Men serving in the Far East 1942-45
Haverhill Remembers WW2 Airmen buried in Haverhill Cemetery
Haverhill at Work Project - Audio Recordings (2016-17)
Haverhill at Work Project - Exhibition Posters (2016-17)
Haverhill People Project (2017)
Chauntry Mills - Employers and Employees (2019)
Who Lived Here? (2021)
Reflections
