TALK Queen Elizabeth I’s Progress to Norwich in 1578: Hidden Agendas?

In the past few decades historians and others have paid a great deal of attention to the ‘showy’ side of the Elizabethan Court. This has included not only events in the royal palaces in and around London but also the displays put on in various parts of the country when the Queen went on ‘progress’ during the summer months. In 1578 it was East Anglia’s turn, culminating in her stay in Norwich, at that time the second city in her realm.

But what was going on behind the processions, pageants and flowery speeches? And what were the messages projected through those performances: both by the Queen to her subjects and by the citizens of Norwich to their monarch? Might an event such as this provide a ‘point of entry’ into aspects of the wider history of Norwich in this period?

Victor Morgan worked at the UEA for many years after graduating there in 1965. His research interests have focused on East Anglia and he has published many articles and books. He also has an interest in how history is taught and has been involved in much extra-mural teaching through the region.

Host or Publisher The Norwich Society