How did the history of Historic Harwich begin?
Well, if that question interests you then a joint venture between the Harwich Museum, the Harwich Society and Victoria County History Essex is exactly what you are looking for!
On the afternoon of Saturday 11th April a two hour event has been organised that will explain how a muddy, rural estuary in the 12th century became the thriving hub of trade and exploration that was Harwich in Tudor times. The centre point of the afternoon will be a talk in the auditorium of the Harwich Museum by the County Editor of Victoria County History, Dr Herbert Eiden, titled ‘The foundation of Harwich and life in the later middle ages’.
Steve Delves from the Harwich Museum, says, “Dr Eiden’s talk will last around 45 minutes followed by a question and answer session. The talk will be free of charge to those with a Harwich Museum season ticket and £4 per head for others. Seats will be allocated on a ‘first come – first served’ basis and can be booked by Email at groupbookings@harwichmuseum.co.uk There has already been great interest in this talk so there are only a few tickets left. We are delighted to be hosting this event and I’m sure it will prove to be very interesting and informative.”
The talk will begin at 2.30PM and, prior to the talk, historic re-enactors, Historia Normannis, will be performing on Harwich Green in the vicinity of the Treadwheel Crane to show how life was lived in medieval times and to help us understand medieval society. Their performances will begin at 1.30PM and will be free of charge for everyone to enjoy. These performances will last for approximately one hour.
Neil O’Hare from the Harwich Society’s Archaeological team, says, “The origins of Harwich are fascinating and this event will tell that story. The inclusion of visual re-enactment alongside Dr Eiden’s talk will provide a picture of how a 12th century storm began Harwich’s historic journey. It’s a story well worth hearing.”
For further information please contact:
Richard Oxborrow on 07920 874706
