A Grim Almanac of Norfolk

by Neil R. Storey

Did you know...In one of the last executions in Norwich Castle Gaol in 1885 an event so horrible occurred that a shadow was cast on the nation's Public Executioner for the rest of his career? And Matthew Hopkins, "The Witchfinder General," found witches in King's Lynn, Norwich and Great Yarmouth in the mid-seventeenth century? Have you ever wondered about the darker history of Norfolk? If you have then enquire within. This almanac explores dreadful deeds, macabre deaths, strange occurrences and grim tales from the shadier side of the county's past. Jostling for position in this cornucopia of the criminal and curious are diverse tales of highwaymen, smugglers, murderers, bodysnatchers, duellists, footpads, poachers, rioters and rebels. This sordid cast of characters is deservedly accompanied by accounts of lock-ups, prisons, bridewells and punishments, as well as a liberal smattering of bizarre funerals, disasters and peculiar medicine. If it's horrible, if it's ghastly, if it's strange, it's here - and if you have the stomach for it, then read on...

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

A graduate of the University of East Anglia, Neil R. Storey is a professional historian and lecturer specialising in the study of the impact of war on British society in the first half of the 20th century.

Neil R. Storey is an award-winning social historian specialising in the impact of the First and Second World Wars on British society. He also has a long-standing interest in gothic horror, is the creator of the popular 'Grim Almanac' series published by History Press, and has published numerous works on dark history. He has been in publication since 1989 and now has a canon of over 50 books and has had great reviews in The Times and Daily Mail. A graduate of University of East Anglia he guest lectures for both academic and social audiences across the UK and internationally. He has written countless articles for national periodicals and frequently appears as a guest expert on factual television and radio programmes such as: Who Do You Think You Are?, Classified Britain, The Buildings that Fought Hitler, and Help! My House is Haunted.

Reviews

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in almanac form  'A Grim Almanac of Norfolk 'covers over 300 hundred years of Norfolk history. There is a story for everyday of the year and is accompanied by many black and white illustrations. Naming just a few you can find tales of  bizarre accidents, smuggling, body snatching ,murder and much more. Because of the style of writing it is easy to dip in and out of with no need to read from front to back. The book is well presented and must have taken the author many hours of research to complete the book , I am enjoying reading the book and those with an interest in social history will find it interesting , however some people may find it repetitive as the book has a running theme.