Courses included John Cotton, Bromsgrove Architect and Antiquarian; Bromsgrove Turnpike Roads and Coaching Inns; St John's Church, Bromsgrove; the Archaeology of Bromsgrove; the Bromsgrove Guild; and Bromsgrove High Street. All the students met up again for lunch at Housman Hall before setting off on their afternoon walks or visits.

On Tuesday 10 July, Jennie McGregor-Smith, a founder member of the Bromsgrove Society, traced the career of the Bromsgrove architect, John Cotton. She was followed by Michael Hall and David Eades, who described the numerous churches in Worcestershire and neighbouring counties designed by John Cotton. In the afternoon, the students were given a tour of All Saints, Church, Bromsgrove, by churchwarden, Tessa Carrick.

Also on Tuesday 10 July, Julian Hunt, editor of the Bromsgrove Society Newsletter and organiser of the Summer School, spoke about Bromsgrove turnpike roads and coaching inns. This session was in Cookes Room. In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a rain-affected walk along Bromsgrove High Street, looking at the sites of Bromsgrove's three coaching inns. The highlight of the day was the discovery of a 17th century decorated ceiling in part of the former George Inn.

On Wednesday 11 July, Simon Henderson, author of a forthcoming book on St John's Church, Bromsgrove, took his students through the 1,000 year history of the church. In the afternoon, he led a fascinating tour of St John's Church, when several of the students took the opportunity to climb the tower and see views of Bromsgrove and the surrounding countryside in glorious summer sunshine.

Also on Wednesday, Hal Dalwood and Emma Hancox, from the Worcester Archaeological Service, explained the archaeological background to Bromsgrove's history. In the afternoon, they led a walk to St John's Church and to Sanders Park, where an archaeological dig is planned for 2013.

On Thursday 12 July, Quintin Watt, author of the Society's publication, The Bromsgrove Guild, and Roy Albutt, author of Stained Glass Windows of Bromsgrove and Redditch, Worcestershire, talked about the history of the Bromsgrove Guild. In the afternoon, the students travelled to Dodford Church, where they were given a tour by Churchwarden Michael Barrow.

Also on Thursday 12 July, Julian Hunt, editor of the Bromsgrove Society's Newsletter and the organiser of the Summer School, described the varied industries once carried on behind the shops in Bromsgrove High Street. He was followed by Jenny Townshend, editor of the Bromsgrove Society Rousler, who traced the development of the High Street in the 20th century. Pat Tansell provided a case study in the form of Field & Sons, Bromsgrove's former department store, where her mother had worked for many years. In the afternoon, David Thomas, Bromsgrove District Council's High Street Project Officer, offered some positive ideas as to the future of the High Street.

The students enjoyed excellent hospitality throughout the three days and there was lively discussion of the various courses over lunch at Housman Hall. Thanks are due to all the staff of Bromsgrove School for making their excellent facilities available to the Bromsgrove Society. The third Bromsgrove Summer School will be held in July 2013 when the Bromsgrove nail-making industry will feature in more than one of the courses.

See here for details of Bromsgrove Summer School 2011.

[Illustration]
Some of the students and organisers of the Bromsgrove Summer School outside Cookes Room, Bromsgrove School. Left to right: Jenny Townshend; Pat Tansell; Julian Hunt; David Thomas.