Illustrated talk: If only those walls could talk: 900 years of Norwich’s history
St Matthew's Church, Telegraph Lane West, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4JA
Our story begins with the construction of the Norman cathedral around 1100, when St Michael’s Chapel was the focus of monastic activity, and then to the Reformation under Henry VIII, when the Chapel became redundant. It came into focus again in 1549 when it was chosen as the headquarters of Kett’s Rebellion. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Chapel’s ruins became a favourite subject for artists of the Norwich School of Painting.
The arrival of the Gas Company in 1839 opened a new industrial chapter for the Chapel, which now looked over gas works and gas worker cottages, while the Heights itself 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 here.
Kett’s Heights is now a valued public park with a not-to-be-missed view over Norwich. The Friends of Kett’s Heights help look after the site and help make it a welcoming and beautiful place to visit.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 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:
- You can drop in but it would be helpful if you could book
- Booking contact name:
- Vanessa Trevelyan
- Booking telephone number:
- +447851766315
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- http://www.kettsheights.co.uk/hods-kh-talk.html
- Booking opens:
- 01 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2025 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 no of people per tour:
- 120
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
