Welcome

The Society was formed in 1985 to save from demolition London's first public library in Great Smith Street (above right).  Since then we have kept a watchful eye on developments in this area, which includes the World Heritage Site encompassing the Abbey and Houses of Parliament. We respond on behalf of residents and businesses to local planning applications. Our 250+ members enjoy local visits & talks & more recently virtual on-line talks, of historic and other interest, social events and an archive of books, prints, plans and ephemera.

Events 2021 - New Programme of Talks via Zoom

Please CLICK HERE to view and book our new programme for 2021

Thank you to the members, guides, historians, authors and speakers for their help in putting this programme together.

Next Talk - Tuesday 11th May at 6.30pm

In the Shadow of St John's Smith Square - Zoom talk by Member & London Guide Rosalind Vincent

Another jewel on Thorney Island - From wonderful houses to small architectural details, Rosalind will lead us through the quiet streets around St John's Smith Square, opening our eyes to a treasure trove of richness and often missed details that give this area such charm. 

Rediscovering the Medieval Palace of Westminster, Talk by Dr Elizabeth Biggs - April 2021

Historian and author, Elizabeth explored the story of Westminster before 1512, using the three remaining buildings which have survived fire, bombs and floods.  She described how, all at the same time, it was the King's most important palace, the home of royal administration and justice, and the meeting-place of Parliament.

During her talk, Elizabeth mentioned the visualisation project of St Stephen's Chapel that she worked on with the University of York.  Please find these extraordinary and beautiful images here:  https://virtualststephens.org.uk

Her book St Stephen's College, Westminster 1348-1548: A Royal Chapel and English Kingship (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2020) is now available in hardback and ebook format   CLICK HERE   Members should contact us for a 40% discount code.

A recording of the talk will be available 3 months after the live event on our YouTube channel.

The Thorney Island Society sends condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her Family

Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter

 QUIZ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: CLICK HERE 

St Stephen's Church, Rochester Row, A Talk by John Turpin - April 2021

Member John Turpin, who attends St Stephen's, described how it was built in the mid-19th century to reclaim and improve the Devil's Acre, the Baroness Burdett-Coutts connection and later developments to the church.  A fascinating talk adapted from a postponed in-person visit.  A recording will be available on our You Tube channel 3 months after the event. 

The definitive book on the history of VTG ......

You can purchase Dorian Gerhold's book via the PayPal “Buy Now” button below, for £12 + £3 p&p per copy. You can use a PayPal account if you have one, or you can pay by debit or credit card without needing a PayPal account.

Alternatively, please send a cheque for £12 + £3 p&p per copy (made payable to “The Thorney Island Society”) to TTIS, 10 Old Pye Street, London SW1P 2DG with your name and address.