The Society was founded in 1952 to promote an understanding of the history of the village and its region through talks, exhibitions, visits, research and publications. Its badge and motto, Haulte Emprise ‘noble undertaking’, belonged to the coat of arms of Haltemprice Urban District Council (1935–74), which was based on the shield of Cottingham’s Haltemprice Priory, dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII. We do our best to live up to it!

Cottingham is an ancient Yorkshire village, founded by Anglo-Saxons about 1400 years ago. It has experienced all kinds of change thanks to the Vikings, the Normans, the Reformation, the Civil War, the industrial and agricultural revolutions and its proximity to the port of Kingston-upon-Hull Hull and to Hull University. Is it the largest village in England, as residents like to claim? To find out more, visit About Cottingham.

• a free copy of the annual Journal.
• discounted prices of the Society’s Publications.
• reduced admission fees to our Monthly Talks (October to April).
• occasional summer Visits.
• access to the Society’s History Room with its library, research facilities, displays and an ever-growing Digital Archive of historic photos and documents, some of which can be viewed in the Gallery.

• Books, booklets, leaflets and cards, an annual Journal and a free heritage trail leaflet, the Historic Cottingham Walk.
• Exhibitions, usually for viewing on our regular Open Days.
• a Facebook page and an Instagram account.