The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Find out about Victorian cross hatching, how communication took place during war and learn about the changes in the postal system.

Spend some time exploring a range of letters on the themes of love, friendship and family, war and separation, including letters from evacuees, soldiers, children and lovers. View the letter warning Edith Cavell's family about a potential spy, look at two letters from Lord Nelson showing the changes in his handwriting before and after he lost his arm, and see how the letters written by Prisoner of War Geoffrey Ransome were censored before they could be sent out.

Take the opportunity to a go at writing with a quill, create your own cross hatch letter, and learn how 'lock' a letter so that only the recipient can read it.

Timings

Friday 18 September:

1300-1500

Location & directions

The Archive Centre, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2DQ

Directions:

Visitors should park in the visitor car park by taking the road to the left when entering County Hall (before the car park kiosk). To enter the building, when facing the main County Hall entrance look to your right where you will see the doors to The Archive Centre. Please allow plenty of time to walk across the site from the car park.

Contact on day:

Victoria Draper

Telephone number:

+441603222599

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Spaces must be booked in advance, via Norfolk Record Office's Eventbrite page

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987069241592?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

26 Aug 2026 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2026 05:00 PM

Additional information

Max number of people:

16

Estimated duration:

2 hour(s)

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