The technological marvel that is Zoom has enabled us to keep in touch over the past twenty months, and – thanks to the dedication and expertise of the Society’s officers – we’ve enjoyed some first-rate online meetings. And now, after all those months, members and guests will be able meet again in person at the Society’s next event, the 2021 Richard Lancelyn Green Lecture!

This year’s speaker is the author and historian Catharine Arnold, who is perhaps best known for her series of five books about London:

Necropolis: London and Its Dead
Bedlam: London and Its Mad
City of Sin: London and Its Vices
Underworld London: Crime and Punishment in the Capital City
Globe: Life in Shakespeare’s London

We have asked to tell us about Crime in London, focusing  on the 19th century.

The 2021 Richard Lancelyn Green Lecture will be held on Friday 15th October 2021 at the National Liberal Club at 1, Whitehall Place, London, SW1, at 6.00 for 6.45pm.    The National Liberal Club is located on the corner of Whitehall Place and the Victoria Embankment, not far from Embankment Underground Station, and also conveniently placed for Charing Cross main line station.  It is usually possible to find a parking space in the vicinity at this time in the evening – although you may have to pay the congestion charge.  http://www.savageclub.com/ 

Members and their guests may opt to attend the meeting only at £14.00, or to dine beforehand at a cost of £48.00 per head.  This includes VAT and service but not drinks, which must be paid for on the day.   For those who choose to dine, the meal will two courses, a main course of Slow Cooked Rump of Welsh Lamb, Roasted Root Vegetables, Rosemary and Sherry Vinegar Jus followed by a dessert of Kent Caramel Apple and Blackberry Crumble then  Coffee and Mints.  A vegetarian or fish alternative main course may be ordered in advance – please specify if you want this on the application form.  A cash bar will be open in the Smoking Room on the first floor of the building from 6.00pm.  We will be sharing this (divided by a partition) with the Oscar Wilde Society.  We are hoping we can mingle with them.  After the meeting, members may use the National Liberal Club bar.  Dinner will be served promptly at 6.45pm in the David Lloyd George Room, also on the first floor and will be followed by the meeting itself from around 8pm.

We are anticipating an engaging and fascinating lecture  This will be our first opportunity for 20 months to come together and meet with Sherlockian friends, something not to be missed.