Author Archives: victoriadraper24

The Wooing of Elizabeth Browne- Part One

Posted on 31 January 2024 by victoriadraper24

The Browne family of Poringland, were well respected lesser gentry, with some wealth and property and good connexions. John Browne, gentleman, was secretary for many years to Sir Robert Wodehouse of Kimberly and then to Sir Arthur Heveningham of Ketteringham. … Continue reading →

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How Tall were your Ancestors?

Posted on 17 January 2024 by victoriadraper24

What did our ancestors look like? We know nothing about the appearances of most people who lived before the invention of photography. However, the parish records of Shotesham St Mary and St Botolph, held in the Norfolk Record Office, provide … Continue reading →

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A Journey through Norfolk in 1681

Posted on 7 December 2023 by victoriadraper24

‘It being now May 1681 after a dry winter and scorching dry spring’, Thomas Baskerville wrote, ‘We went the banck waie through the depth and levell of the Fenns’. He was heading for Ely. Was the weather the result of … Continue reading →

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Where There’s a Will There’s a Story

Posted on 22 November 2023 by victoriadraper24

Norwich District Probate Registry records held at the Norfolk Record Office (NRO) The Court of Probates Act 1858 abolished the church courts’ jurisdiction over wills and established the Principal Probate Registry.  The country was divided into districts and the NRO … Continue reading →

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Discovering Holkham

Posted on 9 November 2023 by victoriadraper24

Every year the staff who work with volunteers at the Norfolk Record Office arrange an outing as a thank you for their hard work and dedication during the previous 12 months. This year 20 volunteers visited the archives at Holkham … Continue reading →

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Using asylum archives to help people who live with mental health issues

Posted on 26 October 2023 by victoriadraper24

“For me, it’s a highlight of the week when I can get here, but it’s such an open and understanding group and that’s what keeps drawing you back, as well as trying to get I guess into the head of … Continue reading →

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Dear Mrs Cavell…

Posted on 12 October 2023 by victoriadraper24

Written by Christine Shackell The twelfth of October marks the anniversary of the death of Edith Cavell, the Norfolk born nurse, who was executed by the German military authorities in 1915 for sheltering British and Allied soldiers and assisting them … Continue reading →

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A Unique Treasure Revealed: Claxton Opera Costumes created by Helen Hoyte MBE

Posted on 17 September 2023 by victoriadraper24

The Norfolk Record Office are delighted to have accessioned ten folders of costume designs by celebrated textile specialist Helen Hoyte MBE. Mrs Hoyte designed and dressed eighteen stage productions for the Claxton Opera, founded by the late Richard White. Mr. … Continue reading →

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