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Discovering Thorne Moor: A Journey Through Time

Dr Angus Townley


Regions:
Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Hobby, Charity
Fee:
Paid: £50-£50
Category:
History
Updated:
10th January 2026

Step into a landscape where history, ecology, and human endeavour intertwine. Thorne Moor—one of Britain’s last great lowland peatlands—holds stories carved into the very fabric of its mosses, waterways, and wide horizons. My talk invites audiences to explore this remarkable place from its Ice Age origins to its role in shaping the lives, livelihoods, and identities of the communities around it.

We travel through centuries of change: from early peat‑cutting traditions and the rise of industrial extraction to the dramatic transformations brought by railways and modern conservation. Along the way, we meet the people who lived and worked on the moor, uncover forgotten industries, and reveal how this extraordinary landscape has survived against the odds.

Today, Thorne Moor stands not only as a haven for rare wildlife but as a living archive of human history and environmental resilience. This talk brings its story to life with vivid narrative, historical insight, and a deep appreciation for the moor’s cultural significance.

Whether you’re passionate about local heritage, fascinated by environmental history, or simply curious about the hidden stories of the Humberhead Levels, this is an invitation to see Thorne Moor in a new light—rich, complex, and profoundly inspiring.

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About Dr Angus Townley

Angus Townley is based in North Lincolnshire and has a lifelong interest in local and industrial history. After earning a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Nottingham, he built a long career in market intelligence and communications within the steel industry. He is a founding trustee of Crowle Peatland Railway and chairman of the Crowle & Ealand Heritage Society. His work centres on making local heritage accessible, fostering community involvement, and preserving the peatland’s unique story.

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