The Yateley History Project

INTRODUCTION

Soon after its formation the Yateley Society approached the WEA to find a tutor and organise a adult learning project to formalise the study of the history of Yateley.

The WEA engaged Dr John Porter, from Farnborough Sixth Form College. Dr Porter is a historical geographer, an inspired choice to help the students understand the evolution of the 1000 year old parish, originally much larger than it is today, with scattered settlements separated by large tracts of heathland.

During the Spring Term 1982 some 30 students learned how to study landscape history. Then in September 1982 a second tutorial course was arranged by the WEA to study Yateley's local history. This course was entitled The Yateley History Project, and ran for a year. In the second year a core group of ten students agreed specific group research topics, and set out for record depositories to research original historical documents. The objective was to write a series of essays about the history of Yateley from medieval times.

Tutorial groups under the direction of Dr Porter met weekly. The tutorial groups continued into the third year in order to continue the research, and to prepare a booklet for publication. The booklet Yateley: a parish through six centuries was duly published in 1984. Members of the Yateley History Project continued informally for some 5 years, locating and transcribing vast amounts of historical material.

From the Yateley Society's Newsletter no. 9, August 1982

Wednesday, 22 Sep Yateley History Project Dr John Porter First Class

A series of 20 tutorials. Four groups will study materials and sources for the history of Yateley.

Run by the WEA in conjunction with the Society.

Fee £15.00 Interested persons most welcome to attend first evening 7:30 - 9:00pm Yateley Centre

From the Yateley Society's Newsletter no. 15, October 1983

WEA Yateley History Project

This class started its second year on Wednwsday 28 September under its tutor Dr John Porter. This is a workshop type of class in which members study local history from original documents.

This year we shall probably be working on late medieval Yateley, living conditions in the 17th century, 19th century parish administration, and Yateley as revealed by the 1881 census. Documents to be studied will include wills and inventories and the minutes of the 19th century vestry, the forerunner of the parish and town councils. We may also study the preparation of the 1844 tithe map and compile biographies of Yateley's leading 19th century citizens. There will be 20 classes and the fee is £15 (concessionary rates for pensioners). If you think this could appeal to you, come and sample a class; the next is 5 October in Room A1.5.

Michael Holroyd

From the Yateley Society's Newsletter no. 18, April/May 1984

Local History Group

The second publication of the WEA's Yateley History Project will be called Yateley: a parish through six centuries. It is hope to have it on sale at the Society's stall at the May Fayre, and it will also be available from Yateley Library, priced £2. Several members of the Project have also be transcribing 16th century wills and inventories and a collection of these has been produced in book form.... The project will not be continuing in 1984-85 because of a shortage of numbers, but the tutor, Dr John Porter, will be giving a course of lectures in Yateley on Discovering Old Houses.

Michael Holroyd

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