22 Mar 2025
One of the most devastating periods in Harpenden’s long history is thrown into stark relief at the latest in a series of free lectures about the town.
Medieval Harpenden: The Plague and its Consequences will be presented by Amanda J Thomas in the Eric Morecambe Centre on Tuesday April 1 from 8pm.
Amanda, the author of Cholera: The Victorian Plague and a regular guest on BBC and Channel 5 history programmes, explained: “The outbreak of plague in the mid-14th century was a turning point in history and, in my talk, I will explain how our local area was affected.
”Known as the Black Death, the disease killed about half the population and is the source of many myths and misunderstandings, one of the greatest of which has only recently been debunked – rats did not transmit the pestilence!”
The talk is the latest in a series hosted by Harpenden History Society, and chairman Roger Butterworth added: “Amanda’s talk was extremely popular at the Harpenden History Day last year. We are delighted she is able to return and give an extended version of her talk on this absolutely fascinating subject.”
Booking is not required, but non-members are asked to make a £5 donation at the door.
