‘Aylsham is asleep!’ Fanny Burney in Aylsham

Join us for an evocative journey into the hidden history of our town as local researcher Prof Peter Lavender presents his lecture, “‘Aylsham is asleep!’ Fanny Burney in Aylsham.” While the world remembers Fanny Burney as a trailblazing novelist and a sharp-witted observer of the Georgian court, this talk turns the spotlight on her intimate, often surprising connection to Norfolk – and specifically to the quiet streets of Aylsham.

The lecture takes its inspiration from Burney’s own candid observations. Writing about the provincial life her sister Charlotte experienced here on the eve of the French Revolution, Burney’s remark “Aylsham is asleep!” is her biting, yet affectionate summary which serves as a gateway to explore the bustling literary world of 18th-century London –  in contrast with the relative stillness of a Norfolk market town. Drawing on the rich biographical details found in Fanny Burney’s diariers and letters, Prof Peter Lavender will peel back the layers of Burney’s observations to reveal the family dramas, social visits, and local scandals that kept the “sleeping” town more awake than Fanny might have initially thought.

Whether you are a fan of classic literature or a local history enthusiast, this evening promises a fascinating look at the woman behind the words and her family’s lasting footprint on the Norfolk community. Come and discover why Aylsham held a permanent place in the heart and correspondence of one of England’s greatest writers.

Note £5 charge to all!

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