What’s On
Our volunteers work hard to provide events relating to the history of the village and the surrounding area. All talks will be held in the Rowlands Castle Parish Hall at 7.30 pm. Entrance is free for members of the Historical Society and £5 for non-members. Membership of the Historical Society is £20 by completing the membership form.
We are always keen to welcome volunteers to help with our events or research projects.
- Are you interested in joining us
- Do you have any photos, documents or information you feel may be of interest
- Do you wish to participate in our Archive or Oral History Projects
- Do you have a question about the history of Rowlands Castle
Contact the editor or membership secretary if you would like to get involved or have any questions.
5th August to 26th September 2026
Hampshire’s Hidden D-Day
Saturday 12th, 11am – 3pm and Sunday 13th September, 11am – 2pm 2026
Rowlands Castle Heritage Weekend, Parish Hall
As part of the national Heritage Open Days event
* Pop-up museum with heritage exhibits from village organisations
* 1940s tearoom courtesy of the WI (Saturday only)
* Guided heritage walks round the village, 12pm and 1pm
* See examples from our archives and hear our plans for the future
* Children’s activities, and much more!
11th – 20th September 2026
Havant Heritage Open Days
Here is a full list of all the free events taking place during the Havant Heritage Open Days
20th October 2026
Pre construction archaeology – a local perspective
Our first talk of the season will be given by Maisie Marshall, a Project Manager for the Winchester branch of Pre-Construct Archaeology. Maisie will be describing PCA’s work, which includes surveying, excavation and finds classification, in areas very close to Rowlands Castle.
17th November 2026
AGM followed by a locally themed talk
15th December 2026
Untangling Christmas and a load of old baubles
Nigel Gossop gives a light hearted seasonal talk which provides the answers to deep questions such as: why do we eat turkey, when it is a native North American bird? Was Oliver Cromwell really The Grinch in disguise? And why are real Yule Logs made of wood and not chocolate?
19th January 2027
The History of St Hubert’s in 10 Objects (or more!)
St Hubert’s churchwarden and ex Historical Society chairman Tim Cowin, will relate the history of St Hubert’s and its surroundings from the Stone Age to WW2 illustrated by artefacts that have been found nearby.
16th February 2027
Rowlands Castle in WW2 – The Home Front
RCHH website editor Caroline Bird captures the spirit of resourcefulness shown and the sacrifices made by the villagers of Rowlands Castle while the troops were away during WW2.
16th March 2027
The Stansted Park Kip Engraving – Fact or Fiction?
Local archaeologist Mark Seaman relates the story of the 1707 engraving by Johannes Kip of Stansted House and how it relates to reality based on historical research and archaeological surveying.
Spring 2027
Old Portsmouth – Guided Walk – Part 2
A continuation of early last year’s very popular Harlots, Dung and Glory tour of Old Portsmouth guided by Blue Badge guide, Andrew Negus. As before, expect a quirky, idiosyncratic viewpoint and rendering!
20th April 2027
Portsmouth – Harlots, Dung and Glory! Part 3
1850 to 1930 – Into the Modern World
Blue badge guide, Andrew Negus will continue his informative and amusing series on the history of Portsmouth. Prepare to be amused and informed!
Recent Events and Meetings
21st July 2026, 2pm
Staunton Park – a new perspective – Guided walk
Simon Walton will be giving a guided tour of the Pleasure Gardens and other locations described in his recent talk. The tour will illustrate the work carried out by his team of volunteers in unearthing the hidden secrets of the park. Contact history@rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk to book.
