historian and speaker Olivia Smedley will mark 11 years of giving public talks about forgotten and overlooked figures with a new talk exploring the life and work of Sandbach architect Thomas Bower.

Entitled "Sewers to Stately Homes: The Life and Work of the Architect Thomas Bower", the talk will take place in Sandbach Town Hall, a particularly fitting setting as the building was designed by Bower himself.

Olivia discovered Bower almost by accident while researching the Sandbach Millennium Tapestry. What began as a brief reference developed into a fascination with the architect and his contribution to Sandbach.

The talk will explore Bower's life, work and legacy, looking at the remarkable range of projects undertaken during his career and bringing renewed attention to a man whose work can still be seen and appreciated today.

Bower also marks a milestone in Olivia's own research and speaking journey, as he is the first male subject she has chosen for one of her major talks.

Over the past 11 years, her subjects have included women's rights campaigner Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy, crime writer Lucy Malleson, better known as Anthony Gilbert, and Sandbach shop owner and band leader Cath Jones.

Olivia said:

"After 11 years of researching and speaking about forgotten lives, I remain convinced that history does not preserve itself.

"Stories have to be told and retold if they are to survive. I hope that, in some small way, my talks have helped to keep these remarkable people in the public memory."

The talk begins at 2pm on Tuesday 20th October at Sandbach Town Hall. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.