WONDERFUL wedding photos from history times gone by are to be the focus of a talk.

Archivist Gill Parkes will speak about the photos stored in the archives at Durham Records Office, some of which date back to the 1860s, in a talk entitled ‘And the Bride Wore…’

The session, which takes place at the Record Office in County Hall, Durham on Thursday, September 21 at 12.30pm is part of a series if Third Thursday Talks which cover a wide range of topics.

Showcasing the wide variety of wedding fashions through the ages, the photos include ‘what not to wear’ hats, frills and fox furs, as well as giving an insight into budget home dressmaking.

“This talk will show the tremendous variety in the collections we keep,” said Gill.

“Alongside posh weddings you’ll see very simple weddings photographed on the pavement or in the back yard, as well as mock weddings and wartime weddings, including a black South African wedding during the Boer War".

The talk costs £2 per person and can be booked by calling 03000 267 626.