An autumn of talks will be held at the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Dr Richard Maguire will talk about former Thetford mayor Allan Minns at a talk at the Ancient House Museum. Picture: Ancient House MuseumDr Richard Maguire will talk about former Thetford mayor Allan Minns at a talk at the Ancient House Museum. Picture: Ancient House Museum (Image: Archant)

Dr Richard Maguire, honorary senior lecturer in public history at the University of East Anglia, will talk about Allan Minns.

Mr Minns was the grandson of an enslaved woman and became the first black mayor of an English town when he was chosen to the Mayor of Thetford in 1904. Dr Maguire’s talk, held on Tuesday, October 10 at 2.30pm, will discuss Mr Minns’ successful life and the responses to race in 19th century Norfolk.

Later in the month, Anne Mason will discuss the new project launched by the Forestry Commission called Trailing the Hidden Heritage of High Lodge.

Ms Mason, the chairman of Friends Of Thetford Forest, will talk about the new heritage trail at the site and the opportunities to take part in researching the historic landscape beneath the forest.

The talk will be held on Tuesday October 17 at 2.30pm.