A MAJOR exhibition exploring a significant period of change in Stroud is to be held by Stroud Local History Society at St Laurence Parish Church.

Entitled 'Pictures of Victorian Stroud', the main focus will be on looking at what Stroud was like in the Victorian period, and on the rebuilding of the church between 1866 and 1868.

Andy Evans, one of the exhibition curators, commented, “The Victorian era was a period of history which saw a profound change in the nature of the town, as the industrialisation of the local cloth industry and rising wealth, gave rise to a large growth in the urban population”.

At the same time, a huge restoration of the country’s traditional churches was taking place after decades of neglect and competition from the rise of non-conformism, and in an attempt to meet the spiritual needs of that growing urban population.

“It is a fascinating period of history,” said Evans. “Whilst in some ways the Victorian age seems so close to us, being just a few generations away, and living in an industrialised and technological world that owes much of its origins in that period; at the same time, there is much that has been forgotten and remains to be rediscovered.”

Displays on the local Arts & Crafts Movement will be included, as well as a major new display on the 700-plus year history of St Laurence Parish Church itself.

The exhibition forms part of a year-long series of events and activities marking the 150th anniversary of the mid-Victorian rebuilding of the church in 1868

Pictures of Victorian Stroud runs from September 14 to the 22, and is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Admission is free.

Coinciding with the exhibition, Stroud historian Howard Beard will be giving an illustrated talk in St Laurence for Stroud Local History Society.

His talk will feature the work of Stroud photographer, John Elliott, who was active during the period 1870-1902, and is on Thursday, September 20 at 7.30pm. Entry £2.50 for members; £3.50 non-members, on the door.