Category Archives: Snapshots from the Archive

Norfolk’s Final Farewell to the Drama of the Duel

A seventeenth century document held by the Norfolk Record Office (NRO, FX210/1) details the high drama of a spectacular clash of egos that took place more than three hundred years ago. The broiling emotions of the challenger to the duel, … Continue reading

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Around the World in 80 Documents

Just over a year ago, we began a journey ‘Around the World’ looking at the range of documents in the collections of the Norfolk Record Office. Inspired, of course, by the book and tv show ‘Around the World in 80 … Continue reading

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Will Norwich be ready for the Coronation? 

The nineteenth century witnessed three coronations: George IV in 1821, William IV in 1831 and Victoria in 1838.   On May 6th, 2023, we will celebrate the coronation of a new king, Charles III. Preparations for this event have been underway … Continue reading

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Norfolk’s Ancient Animal Magic

Language, we are told is a constantly evolving beast. Whilst this is undeniable, in certain rural areas this evolution can be somewhat slow. We have, for example in the Norfolk vernacular today the phrase ‘to put the toad on someone.’ … Continue reading

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Life in a Nineteenth Century Workhouse

The Poor Law Amendment Act (1834) empowered the Poor Law Commission to unite parishes in England and Wales into Poor Law Unions to be administered by a local Board of Guardians. The Loddon and Clavering Union was instituted on 7th … Continue reading

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The Boys are Back in Town! The American Red Cross Service Club, Bishop’s Palace, Norwich

A brief look at the time the Bishop’s Palace in Norwich became an American Red Cross Service Club during World War II. Continue reading

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The Life of Ellenor Fenn – One Woman: Three Identities.

Lady Ellenor Fenn is listed in the Norfolk Record Office as the wife of Sir John Fenn. He found fame through his work transcribing the 15th century Paston Papers. The first two volumes were published in January 1787 and led … Continue reading

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The Clandestine Marriage of 1774

The Norfolk Record Office (NRO) holds a large series of correspondence of Elizabeth Leathes, formerly Elizabeth Reading, later Elizabeth Peach, but known to her friends and family as Betsy. Part of the Bolingbroke Collection, these letters give us a glimpse … Continue reading

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