St Georges 250th Big Day
An Early Start
It was certainly an early start… especially for a weekend!
Committee members were on site bright and early putting the finishing touches in place. Chairs were arranged, water stations topped up, displays checked for the hundredth time and, thankfully, the weather looked like it had decided to cooperate.
Then it was time to welcome our guests.
The Commemoration Begins
Proceedings got underway right on time, expertly guided by our master of ceremonies, Hugh Osborne. With a wonderful mix of humour, fascinating historical knowledge and effortless charm, Hugh kept everything flowing throughout the afternoon.
Our first speaker was Rachel Kidd, Curator at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, who gave a fascinating introduction to the origins of the workhouse system. Her engaging overview explained why workhouses came into being and placed the Forehoe House of Industry into its wider historical context.
Meet the Vagrant
Next came one of the day’s most memorable performances.
Georgette Vale, dressed head to toe in authentic period costume (and undoubtedly feeling every degree of the summer heat!), delivered a wonderful rendition of Mario Petrucci’s Vagrant. Performed in a convincing Cockney accent, it entertained the audience while providing a vivid glimpse into the lives of some of the people who would once have passed through the doors of the workhouse.
There were smiles, laughter and perhaps a little reflection too.
How the Forehoe House of Industry Came to Be
Hugh then returned to the stage to present an informative account of Sir Armine Wodehouse and the founding of the Forehoe House of Industry, based on research by Mary Garner.
Following this, John Matthews presented copies of historical letters to John Wodehouse, 5th Earl of Kimberley, who was joined at the event by the Countess of Kimberley—a lovely connection between the building’s past and present.
The Children Who Lived Here
One of the most moving talks of the afternoon came from Professor Susannah Ottaway of Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, who has spent over a decade researching the lives of children who grew up in workhouses.
She shared the remarkable story of Lucy Bennet, who entered the Forehoe House of Industry in 1806 at just six years old. Guests heard how Lucy spent ten-hour days producing yarn before learning domestic skills that prepared her for life in service—a poignant reminder of how different childhood was over two centuries ago.
A Short Address
Richard Elliott from South Norfolk District Council then offered a short address, recognising the importance of preserving and celebrating the remarkable history of St George’s.
A Building Through Time
Our own Dr Hilary Matthews then brought the story right up to the present day, charting the building’s extraordinary journey from House of Industry to workhouse, hospital, school and finally the thriving residential community it is today.
It was a fitting reminder that while buildings are made of bricks and mortar, it is the people who give them life.
Ringing in 250 Years
One of the day’s most symbolic moments followed.
Hugh introduced the commemorative bell that the committee had acquired especially for the anniversary. The bell originally belonged to the chapel of the Norwich Church of England Teacher Training College, established in 1839 before being destroyed during the bombing raids of April 1942.
Father Andrew from Wymondham Abbey blessed the bell before committee member Richard Everitt rang it five times—one ring for every fifty years of St George’s remarkable history.
There was something wonderfully fitting about hearing a historic bell ring once again.
That’s a Wrap…
As the formal proceedings drew to a close, Edward Marr offered heartfelt thanks to everyone who had helped organise the event, before Hugh brought the ceremony to a fitting conclusion.
Time for Cake!
No celebration would be complete without cake.
Guests made their way across the lawn in front of the magnificent façade of St George’s, where the Countess of Kimberley cut a specially commissioned anniversary cake proudly displaying the commemorative logo.
Meanwhile, Sheila Chaplin, who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes organising refreshments, presented the Countess with a bottle of homemade elderflower cordial. Even more special, it had been made using elderflowers picked from the grounds of St George’s itself.
With glasses of fizz, refreshing elderflower cordial and an impressive selection of homemade cakes, guests, speakers and residents enjoyed the opportunity to relax, chat and reflect on a truly memorable afternoon.
An Artistic Reflection
History wasn’t only brought to life through words.
Resident Janine Everitt created a thoughtful art installation inspired by the quieter, often overlooked stories of the Forehoe House of Industry. Drawing on the small details that can so easily be forgotten, the display reflected the lives of those who once called the workhouse home.
Among its most poignant features were reproductions of the names and inscriptions carved into the walls by former inmates—simple marks left by ordinary people hoping, perhaps, that someone in the future would know they had been there. Those original carvings once adorned walls that now lie beneath part of the St George’s car park, making them a hidden piece of the site’s remarkable history.
Alongside these were a collection of photographs charting the changing face of St George’s through the decades, allowing visitors to see how the building has evolved over its 250-year journey.
It proved to be one of those displays that quietly encouraged people to pause, take a closer look and reflect on the countless lives that have shaped this extraordinary place.
The After Party
Of course, no successful event is complete without an after party!
Later that evening the committee, residents and friends gathered once more to celebrate what had been an incredible day. The weather had been kind, the turnout had exceeded expectations and there was a real sense that something special had been achieved.
More fizz appeared (purely for celebratory purposes, of course!), while Bea Asturias and Drew Langley treated everyone to delicious homemade paella and risotto. The community once again excelled itself by producing yet another wonderful selection of cakes and desserts.
To round off the evening, Eva Boo, daughter of one of the residents, provided a beautiful musical interlude, creating the perfect soundtrack as everyone finally had the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Looking Back
Organising an event to commemorate 250 years of history was never going to be a small undertaking, but thanks to an incredible committee, wonderful speakers, dedicated volunteers, supportive residents and everyone who attended, it became so much more than a history lesson.
It became a celebration of community.
Here’s to the next chapter in the story of St George’s… although perhaps we’ll leave the next major anniversary to someone else!
