Our Aims

Our Club's aims are to:

Learn collaboratively about the history, heritage and archaeology of Norwich and Norfolk

Develop resources and activities that contribute to the wider community’s understanding of history and archaeology

Develop activities that enhance/maintain the wellbeing and emotional resilience of club members

Be actively inclusive – open, accessible and welcoming to all


Monday, 16 December 2024

Midwinter and Christmas Celebrations Through the Ages

Given the time of year, here is an article that explains the origins of Christmas and how it has been celebrated through the years.  You will probably know some of this but it will be a good refresher:  

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas/

Sunday, 8 December 2024

A Castle Fit For A King - Norwich Castle

I undertook a walk of the Castle Fee with Colin on Monday and I thought a related article would be of interest.  The Castle Fee is an area outside the Keep that is controlled by the Crown and is normally defined by a stone wall for defensive purposes, very much based on the Motte and Bailey principle, the Motte being a mound with a Keep on it and the Bailey being the walled courtyard outlining the extent of the Fee.  The city would have control of the area outside of the Fee.  There were instances where you could reside inside the Crown jurisdiction, commit a crime outside the Fee and walk free!  The Fee ended in 1345 when the military purpose of the castle diminished and the Crown started selling off their land to the city authorities.  

Here is an article that shows you the extent of the Castle Fee and the early history of the castle.  I didn’t realise that it was subject to at least two sieges:  

https://norwichcastle.wordpress.com/2020/09/15/a-castle-fit-for-a-king/


Sunday, 1 December 2024

Hidden Curses and Witch-Graffiti ay Norwich Cathedral

Here is an interesting article on Norwich Cathedral.  A great deal of this information you will know but a refresher is always useful.  The section on graffiti and curses is particularly interesting.  Colin gets a mention so the information is from a good source.  Please select the following link:

https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/06/18/hidden-curses-and-witch-graffiti-at-norwich-cathedral/