Higham Chichele Society

the local history group in Higham Ferrers

Since its formation in 1997, the Society has sought to generate an interest in history and to help undertake and promote research into the town's past, so that this and future generations can greater understand and appreciate the history and heritage of Higham Ferrers

Our society meets regularly on the last Friday of each month in the Bede House, in the grounds of the St. Mary's Church, Higham Ferrers. Doors open 9.00am for a 9.30 start.


Our First Speaker Meeting of the New Season is on Friday 22nd March 2024, with

a talk entitled

 History of Kimbolton, a Thousand Years of History


New members are very welcome. Why not come along! 

Henry Chichele

Higham Ferrers’ most famous son, Henry Chichele, became Archbishop of Canterbury to King Henry V in 1414.

Henry was the youngest of the three sons of Thomas and Agnes Chichele and the family lived at 67 High Street, Higham Ferrers. Henry's father Thomas was a yeoman farmer and was Mayor of the Borough in 1381/82. 

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H. E. Bates

Herbert Ernest Bates CBE, who wrote as H. E. Bates, was an English writer and author.

‘Higham Ferrers has a very special place in my affections: not because I was born there, but because all the really golden days of my childhood seem in retrospect to have been in and about it.’…

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Historic Trail 

As you approach the centre of the town you will see stone buildings and raised pavements that lead to the Market Square, which is surrounded by many old and historically interesting buildings. 

St. Mary’s Church stands like a beacon pinpointing the town from all approaches, with its beautiful steeple towering above the local area.

Take this opportunity to explore the historic town of Higham Ferrers. 

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