Embracing Autumn in the Brecks
Our quick guide for enjoying autumn to the fullest in the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. More
An incredibly successful Victorian Murder Mystery event was held along side the christmas light switch on in Thetford on December 1st. 310 people came to the event with some queuing outside at the start and staying for the whole 3 hours.
Visitors stepped back in time to 1890 to investigate a murder, like a giant Cluedo game. A travelling extravaganza is in town, Peter T. Brianbridge’s Travelling Wonders. They have set up on Barnham Cross Common and various members of the local community have come together to arrange a bazar to raise money so the paupers at Thetford Workhouse can attend the entertainment. As the preparations we underway earlier today a terrible discovery was made in outside the old Elizabethan House in White Hart Street – the dead body of Jasper Lynch, Mr Brianbridge’s deputy. He had been brutally slain with a deep gash on his throat. Who dunnit?
Visitors were enrolled as Special Constables and sent forth to examine the physical evidence using forensic science techniques and fingerprint analysis (cutting edge in 1890), examine witnesses, interview suspects and along the way enjoy a range of Victorian Christmas crafts, foods and activities.
The crafts involved link to the BFER ‘Made by the River’ project as each suspect engaged participants in their work, painting patterns on pulp ware, or helping cut patterns at the steam works etc…
The event was fully designed and created by Ancient House THC Youth Group. The characters involved were all inspired by the groups research into ‘Thetford’s Riverside Industries’ a project supported by BFER. Some of these characters include – P T Barnum, the history of forensic science, and local history of the period. The culprit was a pattern maker working at Charles Burrell Steam Works.
THC members delivered the event working alongside Teaching Museum Trainees, Ancient House volunteers and museum staff. All the young people did a fantastic and professional job. For many it was their first time speaking in public and they surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed it.
Here are some comments from visitors:
“We attended your murder mystery event on Friday evening and had a wonderful time..many thanks for all the effort you all put in”
“We had the bestest evening ever with you all and truly appreciate all the hardworking you all put into this wonderful event!”
