16 September 2024

250 visitors welcomed at Anna Sewell House during Heritage Open Days

People looks at the displays inside Anna Sewell House.

We were thrilled to have welcomed 250 people through the doors of Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth over the past two weeks, as part of the Heritage Open Days festival of history and culture.

We opened the tiny house on Church Plain – the birthplace of the novelist who wrote Black Beauty - during the free event which ran from 6th – 15th September.

The unique building has been in Redwings' custodianship since 2022.

Jennie Roberts, Redwings’ Social Media Manager and organiser of our involvement in the festival, said: “This is the second year we’ve participated in the Heritage Open Days festival, and it’s been another wonderful event.

“Anna Sewell House is such a special place, and we are so honoured to be the Guardians of it and love to share it with visitors. We’re already planning what we might do for next years’ event.”

A Redwings staff member holds up a selfie frame at Anna Sewell House.

The special Heritage Open Days were also a chance to continue the celebration of our 40th anniversary.

Preserving Anna's legacy

Black Beauty is one of the most read books of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Visitors to the house can explore the building where Anna spent her early years, view the innovative interactive timeline, discover more about the book, look at vintage copies and view some hand-painted illustration slides produced for the first edition.

There is also the opportunity to learn more about Anna and her influence on horse welfare, which was profound, how that ties into Redwings’ work and purchase a copy of our special fundraising edition of the book, in conjunction with the UEA.

Jennie added: “Thank you to everyone who came along during the past two weeks, and for those who are still to visit or simply want to come again, please do check the house’s opening hours here. We’d love to welcome you to this beautiful and important place and share Anna’s legacy.”

Anna Sewell House is currently open every Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 2pm. Entry is free but donations towards the work of Redwings are gratefully received.

We rely on the help of volunteer to ensure we can continue to open the building to the public. If you would be interested in offering support as a volunteer guide, you can find out how here.