Monday 30 June 10-12.30 Hidden Histories

Join local groups for a mix of short talks, artistic presentations, discussion and cake. Subjects will include Leominster’s famous Ducking Stool, Aedgyfu the mystery woman in the Bayeux Tapestry, and the voice of women in society over the ages. FREE. Donations welcome. Refreshments available.

Leominster’s famous and unique Ducking Stool, one of only two surviving examples in Europe, will provide a stimulus for discussion as it is considered in context, and how it makes us reflect on how we use humiliation as a form of social control today.  The last abbess of Leominster, Eadgifu, was abducted by the powerful nobleman, Swein Godwinson in 1046. She may be  ‘Aedgfu’, the mystery woman in the Bayeux Tapestery. Researchers do not agree about who ‘Aedgyfu’ was, but she was obviously a person of great significance at the time, and consensus on the Priory’s abbess being a likely contender is building. The ‘Stitched Atlas Group’ have been considering the story of the last abbess for nearly a year in discussion, stitching and poetry. They present their work, and the themes prompted by their artistic explorations. Members of the Mother’s Union and the Women’s Institute also join us. All welcome.