Illustrated talk: Gasworks workers and gardeners: stories of everyday working lives at Kett’s Heights
St Matthew's Church, Telegraph Lane West, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4JA
When the Norwich Gas Company acquired the Bishopbridge gasworks site in 1839 they also acquired the steep slopes of Kett’s Heights, which were unsuitable for industrial development. Instead, the area was landscaped to provide pleasure and kitchen gardens for the gas workers. In the 20th century these same gardens helped us “dig for victory” and pigs were kept.
Our talk will tell the stories of local people in their own words and pictures: everyday life at the gasworks (a modern Health and Safety nightmare); and taking a break in the fresh air of Kett’s Heights, perhaps tending to the pineapples in the huge glasshouse or feeding the pigs.
Kett’s Heights is now a valued public park with a not-to-be-missed view over Norwich, and with many clues about its gasworks past still visible. The Friends of Kett’s Heights help look after the site and help make it a welcoming and beautiful place to visit.
After the talk we will be offering guided tours of Kett's Heights.
Timings
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1430
Location & directions
St Matthew's Church, Telegraph Lane West, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4JA
- Directions:
- St Matthew's Church is just a few steps beyond the top of Gas Hill.
- Contact on day:
- Vanessa Trevelyan
- Telephone number:
- +447851766315
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Booking is preferred but not essential.
- Booking contact name:
- Vanessa Trevelyan
- Booking telephone number:
- +447851766315
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.kettsheights.co.uk/hods-kh-talk.html
- Booking opens:
- 20 Aug 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 19 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
The talk in St Matthew's is completely accessible. After the talk is the option to join a guided tour of nearby Kett's Heights which does provide level access but may be a challenge for some. Those that prefer can stay in St Matthew's for tea and a chat.
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 100
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
