Discover Aylsham's History with our Local History Society

© Aylsham Town Archive

How much do you know about the history of Aylsham?

Behind the familiar streets, buildings and businesses of our market town are fascinating stories of the people and events that have shaped Aylsham - and the Aylsham Local History Society has been helping to uncover and share those stories for more than 40 years.

Founded in 1984 by a group of local people with an enthusiasm for Aylsham's past, the Society today offers a lively programme of talks, visits and social events. Its monthly evening lectures during the winter bring speakers to Aylsham Town Hall to explore subjects ranging from local history to the wider story of Norfolk and beyond. Summer talks by Society members have also proved particularly popular, revealing some of the fascinating research being undertaken right here in our community.

Coming up this season

The new programme gets underway in October, with an intriguing line-up:

• 22 October – The Languages of Norfolk and Norwich: A Concise History – Chris Joby

• 26 November – Shipwrecks, Sharks and Survival: Harold Higgs and the Sinking of the Carnarvon Castle, 1907 – Helen Murray

• 29 January 2027 – George Edwards – “The Duty Bound Member” – Dale Wiseman

• 25 February 2027 – The English Armada of 1589 – A Maritime Tragedy – Matt Champion

• 25 March 2027 – Defiant: An Aircraft with a Strong Connection to Norfolk – Mick Barnam

Why not come along and discover a little more about the fascinating history on our doorstep?

The Society's activities don't stop at the lecture hall. Visits and excursions provide opportunities to explore places of historical interest, while members receive a Journal and Newsletter three times a year, packed with research and articles on local history. Previous editions are available to browse and search online, making this an invaluable resource for anyone curious about Aylsham's past.

Discover even more of Aylsham's past

The Society has also produced an impressive collection of books and publications, many of which delve into aspects of Aylsham's history that you won't find in a conventional town history.

For a fascinating introduction, A Backwards Glance – Events in Aylsham's Past brings together stories from the town's history, while About Aylsham provides a broader look at the town and its development. There are also detailed studies of particular places and subjects, including Aylsham: Hungate 1622–1840, A Norfolk Streetscape, Millgate, Sail and Storm: The Aylsham Navigation and A New History of Aylsham Public Houses.

The Society has also preserved stories of the people who lived and worked here. Publications include The Memoirs of William Frederick Starling 1851–1937, Please Miss! The Journal of Gertrude Shanasy and Aylsham: A Nest of Norfolk Lawyers, alongside fascinating glimpses of everyday life in Aylsham in 1821 and The Poor in Aylsham 1700–1836.

For anyone interested in the way Aylsham has changed over time, the Society also offers historical maps, including an 1839 survey map of Aylsham and Peter Holman's Prospect of the Town of Aylsham. Other publications explore subjects such as the Norwich to Cromer Turnpike, Aylsham Baptist Church and the town's historic churches.

Together, these publications form a remarkable library of Aylsham's past - much of it researched and written by people with a personal connection to the town.

Whether you're a lifelong Aylsham resident, a recent arrival or simply fascinated by the stories behind the town you know today, the Local History Society offers a wonderful way to discover more.

Browse and purchase publications from the Aylsham Local History Society: Visit the Society's Publications Shop

Find out more about the Aylsham Local History Society, its forthcoming talks and membership: Aylsham Local History Society

There is another remarkable resource on our doorstep: the Aylsham Town Archive. Held by Aylsham Town Council, its collection includes photographs, documents, records and printed material spanning more than 200 years. The online archive now provides access to thousands of photographs, while original documents and other material can be consulted at the Town Archive.

Explore the Aylsham Town Archive:Aylsham Town Archive