STOURBRIDGE Historical Society's next meeting will feature a talk about the wealthy Rothschild dynasty who had the largest private fortune in the world during the 19th century.

Retired British Airways pilot John Pettit will tell the story of the wealthy Jewish family, descended from Mayer Amschel Rothschild of Frankfurt, who established his banking business in 1760s - after which his five sons set up banks in various European cities including Paris and London.

Guest speaker Mr Pettit is a volunteer for various charities and a guide at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, which was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s to entertain fashionable society and display his outstanding collection of art treasures.

The talk will take place in the Wollaston Room at Stourbridge Town Hall, on Thursday October 17, starting at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome.

For more details call David Hickman on 01384 274014 or visit website www.stourbridgehistoricalsociety.com.