Beverley and District Civic Society

An independent, non-political organisation that helps preserve and promote the area's heritage and community

The Beverley and District Civic Society was founded in 1961 in the face of many threats to the fabric of the town. In 1960 the County Council proposed a new road from York Road to Lairgate (demolishing swathes of historic buildings), and also the widening of Hengate, with the loss of Nellies. The local historian Ken MacMahon wrote to the press, accusing the planners of attempting ‘the deep gutting

of the town’. Architects wrote of the destructive road schemes on Beverley as ‘old ladies rarely survive disembowelling’. Ideas floating around included the removal of North Bar, or alternatively putting a ring road round around it, using the Bar as a roundabout. Such schemes seem now to be off the table: but in the 1960s they were being carried out in many parts of the United Kingdom, and as a result, many civic societies were founded to try and halt schemes that the architect Ian Nairn attacked in his game-changing book ‘Outrage’. A public meeting on 2 October 1961, called by the Beverley Rotary Club, voiced increasing concerns over the town’s heritage. Supported by the Georgian Society of East Yorkshire, and by many individuals such as George Odey, Managing Director of Hodgson’s Tannery, the Society came into being. In 1965 the formidable Margaret Powell joined George Odey to prevent the demolition of historic buildings in the town centre, with some but not complete success. John Betjeman helped raise the status of the town with his assessment that ‘Beverley is one of the most beautiful towns in England, a town to be walking in and not driving lorries through’. Since the 1970s although the town has lost some irreplaceable buildings (The Globe Inn, Hall Garth, the Yorkshire Bank come to mind) wholesale destruction has been halted, and the town’s reputation has grown. It now features in every list of top towns in which to live. The Beverley and District Civic Society continues to watch over planning and development, wanting the beautiful and much loved town to prosper, but also to remain a special, unique place. In addition the Society tries by its projects to improve the existing environment and increase knowledge about the town and its area. Monthly meetings, open forums, visits, study days, are open to all members, and visitors are welcome. The Society is a member of the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies, and also is a member of Civic Voice.

06/04/2026

📢 Our next exciting talk is just around the corner!

Don’t miss this fantastic talk by Caroline Hawley of Hawley Auctioneers and Valuers.

Caroline has offered to value a few small items after her talk, and wine will also be available 🍷

Members: free
Non-members: £5 on entry

11/02/2026

📢 Reminder: Join us for our first talk of 2026 tomorrow at 7:30 pm!

We’re thrilled to welcome Andy Barber OBE, who will be sharing insights into the incredible work of the Beverley Housing Charity.

09/12/2025

Join us for our final talk of the year: Archeology finds in East Yorkshire, by David Marchant of East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Complimentary wine, mince pies, and other refreshments will be served after the talk. 🍷🥧

Free entry for Beverley Civic Society members
£5 entry fee for non-members

04/11/2025

📢Our next exciting talk is just around the corner!

Don't miss Philip Pullen’s talk on Larkin and Beverley.

Free for members
Non-members have a £5 entry fee.

08/09/2025

Heritage Open Days 🏛️

Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September 2025

Beverley Civic Society runs Heritage Open Days every September. It’s your chance to see hidden places in and around Beverley and try out new experiences - all of which are free to explore! Find out where you can visit using our interactive brochure 👇

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/419946789/

Or visit the Heritage Open Days website:

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk

19/07/2025

Join us on Saturday, 16th August, for the Beverley Civic Society’s Summer Garden Party! 🥂

Tickets can also be purchased on our website or by returning the below form to the details provided.👇

https://www.beverleycivicsociety.com/event-details/members-summer-garden-party-1

11/06/2025

📢 Reminder: Our next talk is tomorrow, featuring Hannah Stamp from East Rising of Yorkshire Council, speaking about the work of the East Riding Archives.

07/05/2025

📢 Reminder: Our next talk is tomorrow, featuring Travis Glasson speaking about Beverley’s connection with the Cruger family.

22/03/2025

Our next exciting talk is just around the corner!

Don't miss Photos of Bygone Beverley Part 2!

Following the success of her Part 1 talk, Kloskk Tyrer returns to showcase more captivating photos from Beverley’s past.

Free for members
Non-members have a £5 entry fee.

04/03/2025

Join us on Thursday 13th March for our next event:

A talk by the team at Laurel Vines, followed by a short wine tasting session. 🍷

Free for members
Non-members have a £5 entry fee.

04/02/2025

Hedge Planters Needed ! 🌱

Please join us in helping to fill the gaps in the large hedge on the Archery field.

Friday, 14th February at 10.30 am on the Archery Field, Central Avenue, Beverley

All welcome, please bring gloves and a spade.

Many thanks
Beverley Civic Society

19/01/2025

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Location

Kingston upon Hull

Website

http://beverleycivicsociety.com/

Address

Kingston Upon Hull

Beverley and District Civic Society

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