DISS - A TALE OF TWO POETS
Diss Museum, The Shambles, 4 Market Place, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AB
John Skelton was a scandalous figure from the court of Henry VIII. He wrote poetry but also used his pen like a weapon, satirising his enemies.
Sir John Betjeman was a gentler character, nostalgic for a return to a more rural England.
Although they were born 450 years apart, they would have seen many of the same buildings around the town. Some of these old buildings are are still there, ready to be admired by 21st century visitors.
Skelton, born in about 1460, was originally tutor to the young Prince Henry. Why he was sent to Diss to be Rector of the town’s main church in 1504 is lost to history. It was unlikely to have been a promotion.
Eventually Skelton was allowed back at court where he made an enemy of the most powerful man in England (apart from King Henry), Cardinal Wolsey. Although he held on to his title as Rector of Diss to the end, he spent the last ten years of his life hiding out in the sanctuary of Westminster Abbey and died in 1529.
Unlike Skelton, John Betjeman loved Diss. He wrote a poem about it and even made a short film* about its architecture – he was an expert on old buildings and campaigned for their preservation. Betjeman is credited with helping Diss avoid becoming an overspill town.
Betjeman died in 1984. Unlike Skelton, he is fondly remembered.
*Betjeman's film about Diss is on youtube, this will give you an insight for your self-guided tour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqy3BP6-ysk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Dmh9wTxjM
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Monday 15 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Tuesday 16 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Wednesday 17 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Thursday 18 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Friday 19 September:
- 1100 to 1500
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1100 to 1500
Location & directions
Diss Museum, The Shambles, 4 Market Place, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AB
- Directions:
- Please note this is a self guided tour - pop into Diss Museum to pick up your copy of the guide. Museum opening times are as shown below, but you can go on your self guided tour at a time and pace of your choosing. Diss Museum is located in the centre of Diss in the market place.
- Contact on day:
- Diss Museum
- Telephone number:
- +447572684449
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
We do not have any parking, refreshments or toilets on site. But, there are several car parking , refreshment and toilet facilities in Diss. Please note this is a self guided tour - pop into Diss Museum to pick up your copy of the guide. Museum opening times are as shown below, but you can go on your self guided tour at a time and pace of your choosing. Diss Museum is located in the centre of Diss in the market place.
