Aylsham has a thriving local history society (Aylsham Local History Society) which has been going for over 40 years. During the winter months, they arrange talks from outside speakers on a wide variety of historical topics. While most talks typically range from archaeological discoveries and insights, through notable buildings and landed estates, to life stories of historical figures and ordinary people caught up in terrible historical events, other historical subjects are also covered. Over the summer, they also invite short talks from their own members on subjects they are particularly interested in or have been researching. For those members who like to get out and about, guided trips to places of historical interest are arranged in the summer months.
Interior of medieval trading hall in Norwich
Dragon carving within medieval trading hall
Aylsham Local History Society publishes its own journal three times a year. As well as providing a summary of recent talks and trips, members (and others) contribute articles on historical subjects of interest. These journals are indexed and stored in a searchable on-line archive which is accessible to all, via the society’s own website, to create a valuable research facility.
Aside from its own journal, the society occasionally publishes short books on various aspects of Aylsham’s history. It also sells other specialist books and documents relating to the history of Aylsham and the surrounding area.
To find out more about Aylsham Local History Society, see what talks and events are coming up, browse through the archive, or just view the recent events and talks you have missed(!), visit https://aylshamhistory.org
Saxon windows (arrowed) to church in Norwich
Passing a 16th century merchant’s house in the rain…