Thetford's Thomas Paine exhibition

THETFORD'S new mayor has opened a Thomas Paine exhibition at the town's Charles Burrell Museum.

The exhibition, about Paine's life and works, was previously displayed at the Salford Museum. It traces Paine's life and gives an insight into his literary works.

It was opened on May 15 by the town's mayor Pauline Quadling, who said: “Thetford has so much history and it is difficult to inform visitors and townsfolk about it all.

“I am pleased that this exhibition will give more information about the town's most famous son.”

Funding for the exhibition came from the Thomas Paine Society and the Tom Paine 200 Legacy Fund.

The exhibition, which is free, will run until the autumn. The Burrell Museum, which is located in Minstergate in the town, is open every Tuesday and the last Saturday of the month until October.

Stuart Wright, treasurer of the Thomas Paine Society said: “We are extremely grateful to the Charles Burrell Museum for hosting the exhibition, it is quite a large exhibition and there are very few venues in the town able to do the displays justice.

“It is pleasing to be able to give a little insight into Paine's life and works for residents and visitors to his home town.”

Mr Wright who is also chairman of the Thetford Society, added: “By working with the Charles Burrell Museum on this project it has demonstrated how we can add to the offer of the Charles Burrell Museum which is an integral part of the town's heritage scene.”

Corinne Fulford, chairman of the Friends of the Charles Burrell Museum said: “The museum is really excited about hosting the Paine exhibition, which is really well presented.

“Many Thetford residents already know about the Charles Burrell Museum but this exhibition should prove a real draw to get visitors from the surrounding area to learn a little more about Thomas Paine and Charles Burrell.”