Disorderly Lives: Norwich 1570-1620

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The above record is taken from the early 17th century Norwich Mayor Court records. It describes an incident whereby a woman called Margaret Caly insulted a man, "and often tymes clap[p]ed her hand on her backside and badd him kisse there." At last Tuesdays gathering of Norwich Community History Club members I opened my talk by quoting this case, before going on to explore some of the challenges facing Norwich's civic authorities as they sought to maintain order during the fifty years following the Norwich Census of the Poor in 1570. I hope I managed to convey some of the wider context behind local events. In particular, it was my intention to place the Norwich House of Correction (Bridewell) in its place as part of a whole series of initiatives and innovations by the authorities as they sought to maintain 'good' order as they perceived it. I also wanted to provide some background to members for next weeks visit to the wonderful Norwich Bridewell Museum - a former House of Correction.