In the heart of historic Norwich, UK, a well-preserved secret awaits. In the imposing shadow of the Norman castle, beneath a bustling road, lies the remnants of a medieval street, complete with its 15th-century buildings! Hidden underground due to ground levels changing, this "secret street" was once a lively thoroughfare teeming with life. Originally constructed at the base of the castle's dry defensive moat, today this historic gem lies buried beneath The Shoebox Community Hub, a social enterprise deeply rooted in community values. 

How was it discovered? In 2013, a renowned shoe shop vacated, and the new owner, aware of a basement below, had kept the door to this eerie space securely locked. Little did they anticipate that when archaeologists descended and layers of debris cleared, they would unveil this remarkably preserved piece of history beneath their feet! Since 2017, we have been conducting tours, and running unique Heritage Open Days.

Among the wonders of our "hidden street" is a weaver's cottage, dating back to the 1400s. During the tour, visitors descend three storeys within the building, transitioning from modern-day life to the world of the 1400s, when the weaving industry in Norwich flourished. But it was in the 16th century that it truly thrived, thanks to the arrival of The Strangers. 

"The Strangers" brought an influx of wealth to Norwich, elevating the city to second only to London in prosperity. Despite facing the common plight of xenophobia experienced by newcomers, they left an indelible mark on Norwich's history and identity.

They revitalised Norwich's weaving industry with their innovative techniques, breathing new life into a faltering economy. Their influence shaped Norwich's architectural landscape. Flemish gables, Dutch roof designs, and distinctive weavers' windows still adorn many corners of the city, including our weaver's cottage tucked away in the enigmatic “hidden street”.

The Shoebox Experiences' storytelling tours breathe life into the tale of the Strangers. Our aim is to make history accessible and engaging. We don't just talk; we invite participation allowing guests to share their experiences. Our staff uphold our values such as encouraging curiosity while being compassionate and mindful of how stories could impact people. This fosters a deeper connection to Norwich's hidden history. It's heartwarming to hear locals exclaim, "I've lived in Norwich all my life and never knew this was beneath our feet!" Equally gratifying is witnessing younger generations embrace their heritage through interactive and lively historical narratives.

We offer tours of this extraordinary heritage site, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore and enjoy. Our aim as a social enterprise is to create opportunities for personal fulfilment, and to empower people to connect with their communities. The tours encourage connection with local heritage and sharing experiences of living in the city and local trades such as the shoe and weaving industries. All proceeds generated from these tours are reinvested into community initiatives and we regularly offer free and discounted tours to individuals and groups who may otherwise not be able to afford to attend. We adapt our content according to the audiences, inviting our guests to tell us what stories they want to hear to ensure we deliver stories they are captivated by. We’re also able to adapt to groups’ needs such as working with an interpreter to ensure our tours are as accessible as possible.  

We share diverse stories that put Norwich on the map. Through a team of Experience Hosts, we tell lesser told stories from history. From the roaming Romans to the invading Normans, The Strangers and just downright strange stories, we make our tours fun. As current custodians of this remarkable heritage asset, we are uniquely positioned to share its stories and continue to add the fascinating stories our guests bring with them.

Our vision is to transport visitors through time, offering a glimpse into the vibrant past of Norwich and the pivotal role this space played in its history. As well as weaver’s cottage, it was also used as an air raid shelter in World War II when the city was heavily targeted in the Baedecker Raids in 1942. Through meticulous curation and thoughtful design, we seek to evoke a sense of wonder and discovery, captivating all who venture into this seemingly humble basement.

Since 2017, we have had the pleasure of participating in Heritage Open Days, offering something distinctive and unique each year in accordance with the theme. In the previous year's theme, 'Creativity Unwrapped', we narrated the story of music throughout Norwich's history. As part of this, we welcomed a local busker and talented musician into our ‘hidden street', to grab his guitar and take advantage of the marvellous acoustics. The year prior, themed 'Astounding Inventions', we extended an invitation to The Norwich Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers to showcase weaving techniques in our street, even offering our guests the chance to try their hand at it. Tickets to all events were snapped up in minutes. This year’s theme is ‘Routes - Networks - Connections’ and telling the story of The Strangers ties in beautifully. 

England has always been a nation of immigrants, a fact evident since the earliest human hunters set foot on its soil 10,000 years ago. Over the centuries, a diverse tapestry of cultures has woven itself into the fabric of the land, from Celts and Romans to Saxons, Anglo-Scandinavians, Normans, and beyond. Norwich, too, reflects this rich history of migration, dating back to the Norman settlement in the 11th Century, when French Jewish communities arrived to aid in financial matters. In the mid 1500s, Protestant refugees arrived from mainland Europe, known locally as The Strangers. 

Our tours continue to captivate both local enthusiasts and international visitors alike. But late in 2023, we underwent a period of uncertainty as our Landlord gave us notice to vacate the building. Without our venue, Norwich’s Hidden Street Tour would end. We are pleased to say that through the tremendous outpour of support from customers and the community, our Landlord had a change of heart and has extended our tenancy to end 2026. With this new lease comes a new lease of life for The Shoebox Experiences and we plan to make this historic asset sustainable and accessible. Recognising the challenges of accessing our historic venue, we are developing a virtual tour to broaden our reach, allowing those with mobility issues to enjoy the experience and target international travellers who might otherwise overlook Norwich in favour of nearby London.

So what does 2024 hold? We didn’t want to be at risk of eviction again so are currently running a Crowdfunder campaign to help us preserve the ‘hidden street’ by buying the building and have raised our target for a deposit plus surplus to invest in tour development and interpretation. Now is the time to focus on enhancing the visitor experience. One of our ongoing challenges lies in persuading those who perceive our historic asset as merely a "basement of an old shop" that they are really standing in a medieval street. Operating as a social enterprise, resources are inherently limited, which fuels our aspiration to secure European Heritage Day funding. This funding would be instrumental in enhancing our interpretation of this remarkable space.

By transforming this seemingly ordinary basement into an immersive historical experience, we aim to unveil the hidden treasures and stories that lie beneath the surface. EHD funding would enable us to develop innovative exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging narratives that bring to life the rich tapestry of history within these walls.

With EHD funding, we can unlock the full potential of this space, creating a cultural landmark that not only educates but also inspires a deeper appreciation for Norwich's diverse heritage and European influences. Your support would not only benefit our organisation but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of our collective history for generations to come.

"European heritage" denotes the accumulated cultural, historical, architectural, artistic, and intellectual legacies that have evolved over centuries across the European continent.

Norwich owes its existence to the Normans. We have welcomed European visitors for centuries such as the Flemish Weavers, the French Jewish community and today offer a warm welcome for Ukrainian refugees. Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012, and was officially declared the City of Stories in 2018. We take our responsibility as national storyteller seriously, telling lesser told stories of under represented and marginalised groups. 

In essence, European heritage embodies a multifaceted and rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and accomplishments that have not only shaped Europe itself but have also influenced many parts of the world.

Heritage and history should be known as fun words. For it to be sustainable, stories need to be passed down generation to generation. We ensure the content is accessible to all ages. We step away from the rigid teachings of the classroom and, through our fun and engaging delivery style, we can ensure we reach the younger members of society as well as their parents, and their grandparents.

Comments from our visitors prove that bigger isn’t always better. European heritage isn’t about the grandest castles or stately homes, but about keeping memories and stories alive, such as telling the story of a Flemish weaver in the house they would have lived in.