About Us

Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society - Our History

The Society was formed in 1965, when a group of townsfolk realised very little was known about Keynsham and Saltford's history, and even less had been recorded! The Society was established with only a handful of members; it has now grown to over 140 members.

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Initially members formed into small study groups. These included  "pre-history and the Roman period," "industry, arts and crafts" to "inns and alehouses" (the latter group, probably being the most popular!). Research was conducted into the Roman villa, discovered in 1922/23 at Keynsham Cemetery. As knowledge improved, members documented their findings, which were reproduced into a hardcopy newsletter and circulated (before the invention of computers and printers of course!).

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As time went on, books were published and exhibitions held. Soon members brought along friends and family members as interest in local history appeared to increase. One of our members, Barbara Lowe, in conjunction with Bristol Folk House, helped to uncover the ruins and artefacts of the Augustinian Abbey that once existed at Keynsham. Barbara went on to publish several books and journals on Keynsham Abbey and became a recognised academic expert. She was elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in recognition for her work, an honour rarely afforded amateur archaeologists.

By 1980, membership had risen to 60, with subscriptions costing £3 for single membership, £4 per couple. By 1994 membership increased to 100. In 2014, Richard Dyson took over as our Chairman and by 2025, our numbers have grown to over 145.

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