
Saturday, June 20, 2026
George Watson Memorial Hall, Tewkesbury, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 20, 2026
George Watson Memorial Hall, Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
Leading house historian, Melanie Backe-Hansen, author of House Histories and co-author of A House Through Time, with David Olusoga, will guide the audience through the world of researching the history of houses. Melanie will discuss the key sources, archive material, and top tips for researching the history of a house while also revealing fascinating (and often unexpected) stories of people and events she has uncovered in her work researching the history of houses.
Melanie Backe-Hansen is an independent historian, writer, and speaker, specialising in the social history of houses across the United Kingdom. Melanie was research consultant for television series, A House Through Time, and co-authored the book of the same name with David Olusoga. She is also the author of House Histories: The Secrets Behind Your Front Door, Historic Streets and Squares: The Secrets on Your Doorstep, and Doors of London, with photographer Cath Harries. She was also series historical consultant for Phil Spencer’s History of Britain in 100 Homes and contributing expert for BBC Radio 4 series, A Home of Our Own.
The main focus of Melanie’s work involves original research for homeowners and clients across the country to provide research reports and bespoke house history books. Melanie regularly contributes to national media, including a weekly house history feature in The Times, and appears regularly on television, radio, and online media. She is also a regular speaker at events and festivals, as well as universities and history groups. Melanie is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Arts, and an Associate Staff Member at the University of Dundee.
Saturday 20th June
1pm
The George Watson Memorial Hall. 65 Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX
£15.00
George Watson Memorial Hall
65 Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GLOS, GL20 5PX United Kingdom
Getting to the George Watson Hall
Address: 65 Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX
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Located in Tewkesbury town centre next to Tewkesbury museum and only a few minutes’ walk away from the High Street and Tewkesbury Abbey
Car: Junction 9 off the M5 motorway is only 2 miles East of Tewkesbury
There are numerous council run car parks nearby https://tewkesbury.gov.uk/services/parking/cars/
Please note all car parks are free after 5.30pm
Bus & Rail: The nearest railway station is Ashchurch for Tewkesbury. There is a bus stop a short walk away for the Stagecoach 41 service (Cheltenham) and 71 service (Gloucester) to bring you into Tewkesbury.
41 – Nearest stop is Tewkesbury Hospital, Barton Road
71 - Nearest stop is The Cross
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
Pulhams service 40 also operates a service between the train station, Cotswold Designer Outlet and Tewkesbury town centre. Please note this service operates on Saturday and Sunday only.
https://www.pulhams.co.uk/busservices/timetables/
Walk: If you are staying in Tewkesbury; you’ll find most accommodation is just a short walk away from the George Watson Hall which is centrally located in Barton Street
Access
The entrance to the building is accessible being on the ground floor and has an entrance ramp and a handrail.
Toilet facilities including a separate accessible toilet are available