This podcast episode is hosted by Jo Foster-Murdoch, a Community Librarian for Norfolk Libraries, and James Watts, a local historian with a specialist knowledge of LGBTQ+ histories. Jo and James lead us on a walking tour of Norwich City centre highlighting sites of interest, including pubs, hotels, shops and historic buildings, which tell stories of Norwich's queer history.

On Walk One, Jo and James start at the Forum and take us on a circular walk via Chapelfield Gardens, the Maddermarket Theatre, and Norwich Market. Find the map and some of the images referenced throughout the talk at norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com/. 

We hope you enjoy this walk - watch this space for further audio tours of the City. Thanks for listening!

Queer Norwich: Walk One

In the second of their three part "Queer Norwich" walking tour series, librarian Jo Foster-Murdoch and local historian James Watts explore the LGBTQ+ stories to the north of the City centre - starting in Westwick Street, heading up to St Augustines, down Magdalen Street and across the river, ending at St Michael-at-Plea on Queen Street.

Find the map and some of the images referenced throughout the talk at norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com/.

We hope you enjoy this walk - watch this space for further audio tours of the City. Thanks for listening!

Queer Norwich: Walk Two

In the final part of Jo and James' LGBTQ+ walking tours of Norwich series, we begin on King Street, head past Norwich Castle to Ber Street, cross the river via the All Hallows Mission, and end our tour at The Castle pub at the bottom of Kett's Hill.

Find the map and some of the images referenced throughout the talk at norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com/.

We hope you enjoy this walk - watch this space for further audio tours of the City. Thanks for listening!

Queer Norwich: Walk Three

In this talk, Community Librarian Rachel Ridealgh explores what material from Norfolk Heritage Centre’s ephemera collection can tell us about the movement for women’s liberation in Norwich during the 1970s – 1990s. Learn more about how local women became involved in campaigns for equality, peace, and human rights during this time, both locally and nationally.

This recording is inspired by the British Library’s "Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights" exhibition, which explores how feminist activism in the UK today has its roots in the complex history of women’s rights.

Visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com for a video version of the recording, and to see the images referred to throughout the talk. We hope you enjoyed listening!

Women's Rights In Norwich: 1970s - 1990s

In this talk, Community Librarian Rachel Ridealgh explores material from Norfolk Heritage Centre’s ephemera collection that looks at how women have demanded freedom from control and violence, and autonomy over their own bodies. Discover more about how local women became involved in campaigns for equality during the 20th century, both locally and nationally. This talk was recorded from a live Zoom event in January 2021.

This recording is inspired by the British Library’s "Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights" exhibition, which explores how feminist activism in the UK today has its roots in the complex history of women’s rights.

Visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com to see the images referred to throughout the talk. We hope you enjoyed listening!

Please note: This talk will include some references to violence against women and also reproductive rights, including abortion.

Freedom From Control And Violence

Historically home to international food manufacturers, and a bustling agricultural centre, Norwich has long had food and drink at its heart. Sharpen your appetite with our podcast walking tours exploring Norwich’s edible heritage, for Heritage Open Days 2021.


Colman’s of Norwich made the city synonymous with mustard production, and through the civic, charitable and political activities of members of the Colman family, had a far-reaching effect on the lives of its citizens. Join us as we walk in the footsteps of the Colmans and their employees, and explore the sites associated with the city’s mustard kings and queens.


For the route map and images referred to during the podcast, please visit: https://norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com/

Edible Norwich: Mustard History Walking Tour

Historically home to international food manufacturers, and a bustling agricultural centre, Norwich has long had food and drink at its heart. Sharpen your appetite with our podcast walking tours exploring Norwich’s edible heritage, for Heritage Open Days 2021.


Through the twentieth century, the smell of cocoa filled Norwich’s streets, as Caley’s, Rowntree-Mackintosh and Nestle produced confectionary destined for chocolate-lovers the world over. Join us as we take in the sights, sounds (and smells) of the city’s chocolate-making heritage.


For the route map and images referred to during the podcast, please visit: norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com/

Edible Norwich: Chocolate History Walking Tour

Join historian Vic Morgan as he discusses Elizabeth I's progress to Norwich in 1578, a unique window on 16th century arenas of politics, religion and the fates of significant families in the region.

This talk was recorded live at Norfolk Heritage Centre on Tuesday 23rd August 2022.

To see the images referred to during the podcast, please visit: norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Into the Unknown 1578: Elizabeth I on Progress with Vic Morgan

The 'Strangers' - refugees from the Low Countries - began arriving in Norwich in 1566: a decade later they made up almost a third of the city's population. Join Frank Meeres, author of 'The Welcome Stranger', as he looks at their story and its long-term legacy for the city.

This talk was recorded live at Norfolk Heritage Centre on Thursday 6th October 2022.

To see the images referred to during the podcast, please visit: norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Norwich's Strangers: Their Story and Legacy

J﻿oin Clare Everitt as she uncovers the stories told by some of Norfolk Heritage Centre's 19th and early 20th century glass plate images, encompassing Colman's of Norwich, the Hobrough Collection (river engineers who worked all over Norfolk), and images taken by Alfred Taylor of Starston and Sydney Hubbard of Great Melton.

Visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com to see the images Clare refers to throughout her talk. 

This talk was recorded on 15th November 2022 at Norfolk Heritage Centre.

Exploring the Glass Negative Collections of NHC

Join Project Curator Andrew Ferrara as he explores the medieval history of Norwich Castle and offers an inside look at the ongoing multi-million pound redevelopment project of the Norman Keep and the exciting new exhibits destined for the inside.

This talk took place on Tuesday 9th May 2023 at Norfolk Heritage Centre. To see the images referred to throughout Andrew's talk, please visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn with Andrew Ferrara

Join author Rob Mitchell as he discusses his book, ‘Festival for a Fine City’, and explores the Norfolk and Norwich Festival’s 250-year journey from its origins in 1772 to the present day.

This talk took place on Tuesday 18th January 2022 at Norfolk Heritage Centre. For the images referred to during the talk please visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Festival for a Fine City with Rob Mitchell

J﻿oin local writer Helen Murray, author of Newhaven Court: Love, Tragedy, Heroism and Intrigue, as she discusses her book about the Newhaven Court Hotel in Cromer, a house whose fascinating history encompasses visits by Churchill, Shackleton and Tennyson, among others.

This talk took place on Tuesday 17th January at the Norfolk Heritage Centre. To see the images referred to throughout the talk, please visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Newhaven Court: Love, Tragedy, Heroism and Intrigue

Join Kevin Faulkner, author of numerous essays on the life and work of Sir Thomas Browne, as he examines the 17th century physician-philosopher's writings, discusses some of the books he owned, and explores Browne's intellectual pursuits in the context of the proto-psychology he termed 'the Theatre of Ourselves'.

This talk took place in person at the Norfolk Heritage Centre in October 2023.

Sir Thomas Browne: The Theatre of Ourselves with Kevin Faulkner

Join Dr Michael Nix, author of 'Norwich Textiles, a Global Story 1750-1840', as he explores how pattern books and cards, containing thousands of small samples of fabric, provide us with a means of understanding an industry whose creativity and enterprise made Norwich one of the most prosperous cities in England.

This talk took place at the Norfolk Heritage Centre as part of Heritage Open Days in September 2023. Visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com to see the images referred to throughout the talk.

Norwich's Eighteenth Century Pattern Books with Dr Michael Nix

Disability is mostly missing from the history books - and all too often, when we do see photographs of disabled people, they are anonymous medical images. Join Cath Cartman, photographer and researcher, as she shares her research from the Picture Norfolk archive, and introduces you to James, Robert, Dick and others whose stories she encountered along the way.

This talk took place at the Norfolk Heritage Centre in December 2023, as part of UK Disability History Month. Visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com to see the images referred to throughout the talk.

Searching for Disability in the Picture Norfolk Archive with Cath Cartman

Join Phyllida Scrivens, author of The Great Thorpe Railway Disaster 1874: Heroes, Victims, Survivors, as she explores the circumstances, stories and personalities involved in the events held to celebrate coronation days and other royal occasions in Norwich during the first half of the 20th century.

This talk took place at the Norfolk Heritage Centre in July 2023. To see the images referred to throughout the talk, please visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com.

Royal Coronations and Celebrations in Norwich 1902-1952 with Phyllida Scrivens

We all know about witches and their black cats. But why did people in the early modern period fear their neighbours’ cats? Why were they fearful of wax models? How did they protect themselves? Join historian Danny Buck as he explores these questions and more.

This talk took place at the Norfolk Heritage Centre in October 2023. Please visit norfolkheritagecentre.wordpress.com to see the images referred to throughout the talk.

Familiar and Stranger Things: Making a Witch in the 17th Century with Danny Buck

In this episode, former Gresham's teacher Steven Benson is interviewed by Phil Barrett about his memories of life in Holt, since first arriving in 1964 in his battered VW. Find Steven's story, and many other local memories, on the Historypin Connections website here: www.historypin.org/en/connections-norfolk. Thanks for listening!

My Norfolk, My Holt

My Norfolk, My Holt: Steven Benson

In this week's podcast, local historian Steve Smith debunks the myths surrounding the "disappearance" of the 5th Norfolks on 12th August 1915. Check out Steve's blog for more of his research: stevesmith1944.wordpress.com. Thanks for listening!

Norfolk Heritage Centre Podcast

What happened to the 5th Norfolks?

On the Norfolk Heritage Centre Podcast this week, Nick Williams from the Thorpe History Group gives an insight into the circumstances surrounding the tragic Thorpe Rail Crash of 1874. Visit our website for images and more information: thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Thanks for listening - don't forget to subscribe!

The Thorpe Rail Crash of 1874

On this festive podcast episode, Roy Howard from the Norwich Community History group shares his memories of Christmas past and his experience of being Taverham Garden Centre's Father Christmas. Don't forget to check our website for images and more information about each episode: thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Merry Christmas from NHC!

Roy Ho-Ho-Howard's Christmas Memories

Welcome to our first podcast episode of 2018! This week, join Dr Rebecca McGann as she shares her research on the Norwich Apocalypse, a mid-13th century illustrated commentary on the Book of Revelation and one of the stars of Norfolk Heritage Centre's collection. Find out more at thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com and thanks for listening!

The Norwich Apocalypse

In this episode, Archive Specialist Chris Tracy chats with local photographer David Indge, about the journey he took along Norfolk's A149 to create his photographic exhibition "Coast Road." Coast Road was on display at Norfolk Heritage Centre during February 2018 - find out more on our website thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Thanks for listening!

Capturing the Coast Road: A Conversation with Photographer David Indge

Join author Stephen Browning as he examines daily life in Norfolk's coastal communities between 1914 and 1918, and tells tales of often top secret work in towns and villages along the coastline from King's Lynn to Great Yarmouth. For more information visit: thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Thanks for listening!

The Norfolk Coast in the Great War

Discover how author Stephen Poulter uncovered the history of his 17th century Norfolk cottage, and learn how you too can investigate the backgrounds of historic properties. See the podcast blog for more information: https://thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Enjoy!

Becoming a House Detective: Researching a 17th Century Home

A big thank you to historian and archivist Frank Meeres, who recorded this talk at home for the podcast this week. Frank tells the true stories of a number of Norfolk women in the first half of the twentieth century, at a time when women were just beginning to achieve equality in politics and in other spheres of life.

Find the images referred to by Frank, as well as more information about the talk, at www.thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Thanks for listening!

Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives

"My Norfolk, My Holt" are a series of interviews with local people led by volunteer Phil Barrett at Holt Library. The sessions are about valuing the contributions of individuals to the life of the community past and present.

In this podcast episode Phil talks to Dr Andrew Chapman, retired Holt GP who was born in Clapham in the same year the NHS began, in 1948. During his long career Dr Chapman was school doctor at Greshams, and since retirement has enjoyed sailing, gardening and time with family. 

For more information visit www.thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. We hope you enjoy listening!

The Norfolk Heritage Centre Podcast

My Norfolk, My Holt: Dr Andrew Chapman

On the podcast this week Librarian Rachel is the pub quiz master, asking ten questions about Norwich's pubs. You can pause and rewind if you need more time on each question, and feel free to use these questions at your own lockdown lock-in. 

For more information, and to download the questions, visit thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com. Pour yourself a pint and test your pub knowledge!

A Norwich Pub Quiz

"My Norfolk, My Holt" are a series of interviews with local people led by volunteer Phil Barrett at Holt Library. The sessions are about valuing the contributions of individuals to the life of the community past and present.

In this podcast episode Phil talks to Bridget Cuthbert, a valued member of the community of Holt. Before retirement, Bridget was a dietitian and was involved with the North Norfolk Primary Care Trust; Norwich District Community Health Council; and many other health related organisations locally.

Please visit www.thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com for more information on this episode.

My Norfolk, My Holt: Bridget Cuthbert

This week is the second episode of “Conversations with Strangers,” from the archives of the American Library in Norwich (formerly the Second Air Division Memorial Library). Their “Conversations with Strangers” series features United States Air Force veterans of WWII discussing their experience of war; from their relocation to the sleepy farming towns of Norfolk, England, to the extraordinary flight combat missions they undertook.

This episode features Jack Dyson (445th Bomb Group) in conversation, recorded by students from Norwich University College of the Arts at the 61st convention of the 2nd Air Division Assn, Dallas, Texas (17th - 20th October 2008). 

For more information on the American Library, visit thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com.

Conversations With Strangers: Jack Dyson

This week's podcast comes from the archives of the American Library in Norwich (formerly the Second Air Division Memorial Library). Their "Conversations with Strangers" series features United States Air Force veterans of WWII discussing their experience of war; from their relocation to the sleepy farming towns of Norfolk, England, to the extraordinary flight combat missions they undertook.

This episode features brothers Frank and Robert Birmingham (458th Bomb Group) in conversation, filmed by students from Norwich University College of the Arts at the 61st convention of the 2nd Air Division Ass, Dallas, Texas (17th – 20th October 2008).

Conversations With Strangers: Frank And Robert Birmingham

Explore our local studies collection and discover more about this beautiful county with our regular podcast. Norfolk Heritage Centre is located on the second floor of Norwich Millennium Library. More info here: thenorfolkheritagecentrepodcast.wordpress.com

Popular tracks by The Norfolk Heritage Centre Podcast