Many will be familiar with the system of Victorian workhouses from reading Dickens’s Oliver Twist or watching Lionel Bart’s memorable film Oliver.

What is less well-known is how the poor were provided for before that time. What sort of help were they offered and who helped them?

Using original documents, local historian, Terry John, will look in detail at two case studies - Slebech and Manorbier - in his forthcoming talk, Helping the Deserving Poor.

The talk, to be held at the Narberth Museum, is on September 22 and starts at 7.30. It costs £5 (£4 for Friends). Hot drinks and cake are served before the talk and there’s a promise of lots of lively discussion afterwards!