Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) are hosting a free lecture on the Norfolk and Ghent Archives, as part of the SHAPING 24 lecture series highlighting cultural links between Norwich and Ghent.

The talk, on Tuesday 18th September 2012, 5pm to 7pm at the Norfolk Record Office, is by Dr John Alban, County Archivist at Norfolk Record Office, and a guest speaker from Ghent, Dr Sylvia Van Peteghem, Chief Librarian at Ghent University Library. The speakers will talk about the development of these two important archives and the main holdings. Attendees will learn about some of the outstanding collections contained within the two archives, and those of main historical significance for our local area.

The Norfolk Record Office holds millions of documents, filling almost 10 miles of shelves, including royal charters, title deeds, manorial court rolls, registers, accounts, minute books, correspondence, diaries, maps, architectural drawings, and photographs. In 2005, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council recognized the exceptional range and depth of Norfolk’s archives when it designated the Record Office’s entire collection as being of outstanding importance.

The Ghent University Library is housed in the Book Tower – an impressive modernistic 64m high structure, built between 1936 and 1939, which houses 3 million books. In addition to collections of scientific and technical publications, Ghent University also holds extensive historical stocks, including medieval manuscripts, old prints, cards, pictures, drawings, and posters.

Please note that booking is required for the free ‘Norfolk and Ghent Archives’ lecture – contact Rachel Barrettat Norwich HEART on 01603 599577 or [email protected] to book a place.

This is the third in the SHAPING 24 lecture series, with lectures on Archaeological Excavations (Thursday 6^thSeptember, 2pm) and the Textile Industry (Thursday 6^th September 8pm) run as part of Heritage Open Days. Any remaining tickets for these lectures can be obtained in person at Norwich Tourist Information Centre from Monday 3^rd September.

SHAPING 24 – Strategies for Heritage Access Pathways in Norwich and Ghent – is a cultural tourism initiative that links together the 12 heritage sites in Norwich that make up Norwich 12, with 12 heritage sites in Ghent.SHAPING 24 is being led by HEART with Ghent City Council as the partner organisation. The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund from the European Union’s INTERREG IVA 2 Mers Seas Zeeën Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013.

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