The Paston Family
Dr Rob Knee and The Paston Family in Norwich Illustrated map at the Maids Head Hotel
The Paston family were one of the most powerful and influential families in late medieval Norfolk. They rose to being wealthy landowners and courtiers. Eventually becoming members of the aristocracy. They are particularly remembered for the remarkable collection of letters that they left behind. These were uncovered at Oxnead Hall in 1735, by Francis Blomefield.
It is in one letter, dated 22nd November 1472, written by Sir John Paston to his mother, Margaret, where we first see the name of the Maydes Hedde. The last line of the letter advises that “the Maydes Hedde would be a good place to stable horses whilst in Norwich”. It is known that there was an inn on this site as far back as the thirteenth century. But in this letter is the earliest direct reference to the Maids Head by name. A copy of this letter can be seen as you enter the Maids Head from the lounge. It was donated to the hotel by the Paston Heritage Society at a dinner held on 22nd November 2018. The original letter is now kept in the British Library.
Food Services Manager and Dr Rob Knee, dressed as Sir John Paston, with the ‘birthday’ cake and the Paston letter in 2018
The Paston Family in Norwich Map
Dr Rob Knee, a local historian and Paston family specialist, has kindly donated to the Hotel an illustrated map titled “The Paston Family in Norwich”. This map depicts a walk around the Cathedral Quarter encompassing all the landmarks associated with the Paston family. These landmarks include the Maids Head. The map was designed by Graphic Designer, Peter Stibbons.
Rob said “I wanted to create a map to show the links to the hotel and the story. The map is for guests to enjoy, and plan walks whilst visiting the city”. The map is already proving popular for guests to stop and look at on their way to the 15th Century WinePress Restaurant.
The Paston Family in Norwich Illustrated Map
The Paston Footprints Project
Norfolk Day and Dr Rob Knee
Rob has been a firm friend of the Maids Head for many years. He has supported us for the past 5 years by staging historical costume talks in celebration of Norfolk Day. This illustrated map cements our relationship. Christine Malcolm, General Manager said ” we are delighted to display this illustrated map. It produces a great talking point for our guests. It provides them with a wealth of historical information both of our Hotel and that of Norwich. The history of the Hotel is so incredibly important to all of us who work here. It forms a major part of our Vision and Values. These include Our Guests, Our People and Our Heritage”.
On Norfolk Day, Saturday 27th July, Rob delivered a costumed talk in the guise of England’s greatest lawyer – Sir Edward Coke. He was the Norfolk man who defied two Kings. Coke married a member of the Paston family, purchasing the Music House in King Street from them. Coke’s descendants established the Coke family at Holkham. Donations were generously made to the Hotel’s charity of the year, Age UK Norwich.
Celebrating Norfolk Day 2024. Dr Rob Knee in the guise of Edward Coke.
We very much hope that our guests will enjoy the trail and learning more about the Paston Family and medieval Norwich when they next visit the Hotel.
Click on the link to discover more about the incredible history of the Maids Head Hotel.
Accommodation can be booked by calling 01603 272007 or alternatively online. Consider booking our Paston Suite, named in honour of this famous family and their importance to the history of the Hotel.
The Paston Suite, one of 4 individually designed suites
To book a table in our atmospheric WinePress Restaurant call 01603 272010.
Dine in the Hotel’s atmospheric WinePress Restaurant