What's On at Staffordshire History Centre: Bridgerton Style Costumes, Walking Tours, Highlight Talks, and Spotlights

7 hours ago

3 min read

Staffordshire history centre is a cultural venue that brings together three historic collections through exhibitions, heritage rooms and a dedicated space for researchers. The collections cover family, local, national and international history. The centre is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. It is free to visit. We are closed on Sunday and Monday including Bank Holidays. Staffordshire History Centre is located at Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LZ. To visit the research room you need to book.

Bridgerton Style Costumes

The latest edition to the Curated Wall in the History Centre is a display of Georgian gowns dating from around 1815 to 1830. The gowns were worn at the very end of the Georgian period - through the Regency (1811-1818) and reigns of George IV and William IV. They highlight the changes in the fashionable silhouette for women in the early years of the 19th century.

The display also includes a portrait of Clarissa Isabella Hague by John Prescott-Knight. Clarissa married John in 1831 and was an artist in her own right. She exhibited in London galleries before and after her marriage.

Heritage Open Day - Saturday 19 September 2026

This heritage open day and go behind the scenes at the museum stores in Beaconside, Stafford. These free guided tours with friendly staff will show off some of the treasures of the object stores including textiles, art, carriages, rural items and domestic items. Staff will be showcasing our collections, the people and stories behind the objects and explaining how the heritage centre cares for historic items. This event is part of Heritage Open Days.

Tours last around 90 minutes and start at 10am, 11.45am or 2pm. Tours involve standing, a short walk and climbing one flight of metal steps. Free parking is available onsite. If you have any questions about access please email sarah.english@staffordshire.gov.uk. To book tickets please visit the website

Highlight Talks

Highlight Talks delve deeper into a subject than a Spotlight Talks can. Each Highlight Talk is approximately 45 minutes. Tickets £2.50 per person. So take a seat and explore more of our marvellous Staffordshire history!

Highlight Talk - A Holiday Excursion in 1793: from the journals of Elizabeth Hervey

Thursday 17 September, 11am

A fascinating talk by author Dianne Barre.

The unpublished journals (1792-1820) of Mrs Elizabeth Hervey are deposited at the Staffordshire History Centre. They include details of Mrs Hervey’s tours at home and abroad, including her holiday in the Peak District in August 1793, where she describes not only the scenery but inns where she stayed and fellow travellers.

This special talk is part of the Staffordshire History Festival and celebrates the publication of a new book about Elizabeth Hervey by Dianne Barre.

Free no need to book. In the activity room. Talks last around 45 minutes.

Highlight Talk - The Staffords at Arnhem

Tuesday 22 September, 1pm

Remembering the courage of the South Staffordshires at the Battle of Arnhem on its 82^nd anniversary.

Walking Tours

A programme of regular Walking Tours around Stafford, starting at the Staffordshire History Centre. The tours cost £5 per person and can be booked on their website or at the History Centre desk.

Details are on their website events page