The records of the consistory court of Worcester form a major collection of the Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, but have tended to be underused for research, particularly in relation to the later years of thecourt. However, these records contain much that illuminates society, especially relationships and disputes between neighbours in parishes, at a time when people’s business was more publicly known.

This new book aims to alert readers to the rich potential of this source for the history of the early eighteenth century. It includes transcriptions or calendars of selected records of the court from that period, when in many ways the church was struggling to maintain its control over sexual and social relationships.

This volume of selected Worcester Consistory Court Records has been compiled and edited by Robin Whittaker, former Head of Archive Services and Diocesan Archivist, Worcester , and published by Worcestershire Historical Society. This free event will include a welcome by the Bishop of Worcester and a chance to meet the author.