Pocahontas memorial on the wall at Syon, Claire Ireland

7.30pm, 16 February 2026, Chiswick Memorial Club, Bourne Place W4

Our speaker, Howard Simmons, is an expert guide at Syon House. His talk will cover the creation of the Colony of Virginia, the governorship of Jamestown under the Earl of Northumberland’s younger brother and the visit of Pocahontas to Isleworth. The 2nd Duke was a British general in the American War of Independence while Henry Percy’s links with key abolitionists and Native American warriors fed into the War of 1812 when the United States invaded Canada. And Syon has apparently affected Trump’s decision making!

The talk is open to all, admission free, though donations from non-members are welcome. The membership year begins in January, so this is time to renew your membership or join the Society!

Please note: the Society is seeking someone with the technical skills to manage hybrid meetings (once a month from September to May) to reach members who are unable to join us in person. While we have begun to add the text and images from a presentation to the website (when copyright allows) there is no substitute for being able to join the meeting even if only remotely. If you could help, please contact us with details of your experience on info@brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk. Many thanks