CLENT History Society will be hosting a talk on the history of the Foley family tomorrow (Thursday September 26).
Stourbridge historian Roy Peacock, author of ‘The Seventeenth Century Foleys: Iron, Wealth and Vision’, will be giving the talk at Clent Parish Hall, Church Avenue, starting at 8pm.
The founder of the dynasty, Richard Foley, born in Dudley in 1580, was the son of a humble nail-maker.
He is reputed to have made his fortune by supplying iron wares to both sides in the Civil War and he acquired vast estates in surrounding shires, including Witley Court.
And in 1677 his son Thomas founded Swinford Hospital, the school which exists to this day.
By the 1690s, five members of the extended family were MPs.
Admission to talk is £2.50 for non-members and includes tea and coffee.
For further information call Carole Hodgson on 01562 885759.
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