A talk about 18th century home building will be held in Bridport in April.

The next meeting of the Bridport History Society on Thursday, April 11 will see the Society present a talk titled ‘The Eighteenth-Century Speculative House Builder — a Familiar Figure’.

Austen Hamilton MA will be speaking about housing developments throughout the 18th century and early 19th century.

Austen has been a student of urban history, principally London, for over 50 years.  His work has also taken him into property development, albeit not housing, and has given him a different insight into some of the issues.

He says: "The housing problem has a long history, as has the role of the speculative builder in its solution.

"The development process has changed little over the centuries and a look at some of the players and controversies of 18th and early 19th century housing development can provide an interesting sidelight on our own times."

The talk will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street in Bridport.

Doors open at 2.15pm for a prompt 2.30pm start.

All visitors are welcome, and it will cost non-members £5.

Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month (except July and August).

Membership is open to all and is £10 or £15 for couples.

For more information visit: www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk.