Following sell-out events in October and January, the successful storytelling event Ghosts of The Guildhall returns on 17^th April 2015 for its third run.

The event is organised by Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) as part of the spring programme of events at Norwich Guildhall.

Audience members are invited to step back in time and discover The Guildhall’s real-life history, as it is brought to life in tales from the ghosts of those who walked the chambers or were held in the cells.

Meet Mayor Augustine Steward, witness to the most dangerous times in the city’s history; Martha Sheward, mysteriously hewn and buried under your feet; and martyr Thomas Bilney, held prisoner in squalid conditions and sentenced to a most gruesome of deaths. The evening includes visits to the medieval undercroft, Tudor Council Chambers and Georgian court rooms, where these stories really happened.

Sarah Power, Education Officer at HEART, said: “We are thrilled that after two sold out performances last year, this unique storytelling event returns for its third run. On the night, visitors will see the contrasting rooms in the Guildhall, and meet and hear stories from those who have played their part in iconic building’s long history – you are guaranteed an unforgettable night!”

Tickets cost £8.50 including booking fee and are available at http://norwich-heart.eventbrite.co.uk. The event is suitable for ages 16+.

For more information on HEART and events at The Guildhall visit www.heritagecity.org.

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Notes:

About Norwich HEART

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich. We strategically plan, regenerate, manage and promote Norwich’s heritage and act as a best practice model internationally for developing heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle. HEART receives support from bodies including the University of East Anglia and Norwich City Council and has received project funding from a variety of sources including European Union, HM Treasury, the East of England Development Agency and Norfolk County Council.

www.heritagecity.org

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About The Guildhall

England’s largest and most elaborate provincial medieval city hall

Norwich Guildhall was the centre of city government from the early 15th century until its replacement by City Hall in 1938.

The exterior provides an excellent example of the flint work that the city is so famous for. The east end of the building was reconstructed in the 16th century and is crafted from alternate squares of faced flint and ashlar stone, giving the building its chequered effect.

As well as various courts, a prison and a chapel the building contained facilities for accounting and tax collection, accommodation for civic officials (it remains the home of the Sheriff’s parlour today) and storage space for records, money and civic regalia. The Assembly Chamber (or Sheriff’s Court) was designed for meetings of the full medieval Council. It now contains a virtually intact late Victorian courtroom. Also known as the ‘Sword Room’, the roof space was once the storage place of weapons. The Council Chamber (or Mayor’s Court) is more elaborate. Oak panelling, a sixteen-bay roof with tie-beams, renaissance decorative woodwork and stunning stained glass were from the start designed to impress. The undercroft, beneath the east end pre-dates the building, and is thought to be an original feature of the earlier toll-house on this site. It was used to accommodate more dangerous criminals.

Today, the building is owned by Norwich City Council, and Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), the organisation behind the Norwich 12 initiative, manages the building and is based in the Guildhall. Caley’s Cocoa Café is also housed there. HEART plans to increase public access to the building and raise its profile as an attraction, with events and tours from throughout 2015.

www.norwich12.co.uk/the-guildhall

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