The Cleveland and Teesside Local History Society operates an active and varied programme.

We provide regular talks and day-schools on a wide variety of topics and covering every period of history, from Anglo Saxon and Roman times to Victorian and Twentieth Century developments.

Details of our current programme of talks are provided below.

Summer 2025 Programme



Saturday 12 July at 10am

Thornborough Henges Tour

Three huge circular henges – sometimes described as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’ – were built here about 4,500 years ago over an earlier monument. This unique and important cluster of Neolithic monuments lies on a raised plateau above the river Ure.

Our tour takes in all three henges with expert guides to explain the site. This tour will take approximately 2.5 hours and will include a short break. There is no shelter at the Henges and both the Central and South Henges are exposed sites, please dress accordingly. 

Location between Ripon and Bedale. Members will need to meet there.
There is limited off the road parking between the Central and South Henges, we would encourage you to car share if possible.

Cost free, but donations encouraged on the day.

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Saturday 16 August at 10.30am-12pm

Pease and Backhouse – the families who brought the S&DR to life

A guided tour led by the Friends of Stockton & Darlington Railway

In Darlington’s Quaker burial ground, many members of the Pease and Backhouse families are buried. These were the characters responsible for the development of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. We will explore their stories of the origins and early years of the Railway. We will meet some of these characters, and some of their interesting and colourful family members.

This walk takes place within Darlington town centre and is approximately 1.5 miles on easy terrain. There is a particular focus on the Quaker Burial ground where there are benches to sit on.

Spaces limited.

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Saturday 6 September at 10am

A Tour of Kirkleatham’s World War II Defences

Local expert Stuart McMillan guides us on a fascinating tour of the wartime defences that existed around Kirkleatham. The tour starts at the church and lasts around an hour and a half across flat ground.


To reserve a spot on any of these walks, please contact Matt Falcus (mattfalcus@hotmail.com; 07980 660446)

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