Victorian Short Story Reading Group: Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘Lot No. 249’

The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

This winter, we will examine Victorian Gothic stories that reveal anxieties about dark liminal spaces, where the divide between life and death, mankind and beast, stands in doubt. 

Continuing our exploration of Victorian Gothic we will look at Arthur Conan Doyle's, ‘Lot No. 249’, a story set in more commonplace surroundings than those of the extreme Gothic clichés and which centres on the Victorian interest in Egyptology.

Upon registration you will receive a link to an on-line copy of the text and, as it is a short story group, it will require no more than an evening’s preparation to read the required material.

Sessions take place monthly between October and June at a venue in Chiswick, London, W4 1TT, between 7 and 8.30 pm. At each session there is a brief introduction to the work, followed by a group discussion in a relaxed atmosphere, with wine and nibbles supplied.

FAQs

How do I get to the venue?

The nearest underground station is Turnham Green. The local bus is the E3. Transport for London can help you navigate into the area with their plan a journey webpage.

From the station take a right and walk along Turnham Green Terrace. Take the first right which is Bath Road, and cross at the zebra crossing. Walk passed the church. The first left is Priory Gardens. Cross this road and the Victorian Society building is situated on the corner.

Is there local car parking?

After 6pm, there is free local street parking available.

I would like to know what short stories have been read before. How do I find out this information?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected].

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected] before the day of the event.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. You can show your ticket on your phone or tablet. We can also book you in by your name on our list of attendees.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes, that’s fine.