The Great Fire of South Walsham 1827
St Lawrence's Centre for the Arts, The Street, South Walsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6DQ
Learn how a fire which started in a village cattle yard spread so far and so fast that many buildings in South Walsham, including the medieval church of St Lawrence, were severely damaged. Discover how the fire miraculously missed the parish church of St Mary's, which shares the same churchyard, and how local people preserved and enhanced the once sad remains of St Lawrence's, recreating it as a rural centre for the arts.
This Heritage Open Day marks the beginning of a two-year village history project to research the events surrounding the fire and to share the history of those times with the local community. Our exhibition will include copies of historic documents recorded at the time of the fire and photographs and art work of the "before" and "after" views of the two churches. We are also tracing the history of the village from the 1827 fire to the present day and have a series of photographs of the village and a considerable archive from the local primary school whose pupils are also taking part in the project.
We are keen to hear from anyone with information about the history of South Walsham and volunteers will be collecting memories and anecdotes on the day.
There will be activities for children, lots of information on the history of St Lawrence's and its present day use, and refreshments in the form of tea, coffee and cakes.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
St Lawrence's Centre for the Arts, The Street, South Walsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6DQ
- Directions:
- St Lawrence's Centre is at the centre of the village of South Walsham on the B1170 and shares a churchyard with the parish church of St Mary's. It has a small car park.
- Contact on day:
- Chris bond
- Telephone number:
- +447590307099
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Our wheelchair access is via the larger of the two doors at St Lawrence's which, depending on the weather, may be closed on the day. Volunteers will be there to open the door and provide a wheelchair ramp to allow access as the small door is rather narrow.
Additional information
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
