The Origins of the Society

The formation of the Stocksbridge & District History Society is deeply rooted in the passion for local history of a remarkable individual, Joseph Kenworthy, who lived in our area. Kenworthy was a prolific author, writing several books that provide detailed insights into the people, industries, and businesses that shaped our community. His work has served as an invaluable resource for nearly a century, helping those interested in the history and development of this region.

In 1979, Frank Kenworthy, the son of Joseph, founded a society called The Kenworthy Fellowship, which aimed to further explore and preserve local history. Monthly meetings were held, where guest speakers shared their expertise on both local and national historical topics.

Past Developments

At its peak, The Kenworthy Fellowship had around 45 members and met regularly at the Congregational Church Hall. The Fellowship was popular and thrived until 1989, when the committee members decided to step down and pass the torch to new leadership. This marked the rebirth of the Fellowship as the Stocksbridge & District History Society, which relocated its meetings to the Stocksbridge Library.

With fresh energy and direction, the Society saw a resurgence in membership, a healthy increase in funds, and a full program of events. Over the past two decades, the Society has continued to evolve and expand in several key areas:

• Public Archive: In partnership with the Stocksbridge Library, the Society has established a public archive.

• Publications: The Society has produced a number of local history publications, including two volumes of photographs.

• Collections: An extensive range of photographs, handbooks, articles, and other materials has been collected and archived. Additionally, a concise history of the district has been compiled.

Present Day

Today, the Society boasts approximately 50 members, with a strong attendance at monthly meetings, which are held at Christ Church Hall on Manchester Road. Members benefit from engaging presentations by guest speakers and an annual visit to a place of historical interest.

The Society also offers various historical and family history services, helping individuals trace their roots and learn more about the region's past.

Get Involved

If you are passionate about preserving the history of your local area, we welcome you to attend one of our meetings.

Should you have any feedback on our website, or suggestions for its development, we encourage you to Contact Us. We value your input and would love to hear from you.

Additionally, if you have photographs or other materials that may be of interest to the Society, please get in touch. We are always eager to expand our collection and hear personal stories from the people who have lived or worked in and around Stocksbridge.