In October, Ancient House will host events and activities as part of Norfolk Black History Month.
Dr Richard Maguire, history lecturer, will speak at Ancient House about his archival discoveries of the stories of hundreds of Africans in Norfolk and Suffolk, dating back to 1467. They married locally and had children christened in parish churches. Despite the UK’s historic links with slavery, Richard says the stories he found are overwhelmingly positive, showing families who integrated into their communities and played important roles where they lived.
These include the family of Allan Glaisyer Minns, who settled in Thetford. Dr Minns is believed to have been the first British mayor of African descent, taking up the role in Thetford in 1904. His grandmother was enslaved, and he was born in the Bahamas before moving to Thetford in 1885. A qualified doctor, he became Chief Medical Officer of the Thetford Workhouse and made many positive impacts in the town.
Dr Maguire’s talk is on Tuesday 14th October at 2pm. Advance booking encouraged.
On Friday 31st October enjoy a family event day where visitors can learn about life in Victorian Thetford and the work of the Minns brothers, both doctors, and Maharani Bamba, wife of Maharajah Duleep Singh, who supported charitable work in the town. Visitors can meet costumed characters, handle real artefacts, make their own Thetford Town Chest badge, and more. The event is free. Advance booking encouraged but not essential.
To book any of the museum events please visit their website.
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