Your Stories

Fred Steward, a former Norwich time lord, has become the city's history man.

The 77-year-old, who for more than 40 years was in charge of Norwich's clocks, has returned an important historical artifact to the city's authorities.

The key

Mr Steward handed over a key, known as the master key, that at one time was supposed to have unlocked all of City Hall's doors.

The master key to Norwich City Hall

It may not look ornate, but for the former clock repairer the four-inch key is an important reminder of the city's history.

The master key was given to Norwich City Council by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when they came to open the City Hall in 1938.

"The key was given to the town clerk, but somehow later on it was discarded. Just after the Second World War metal was very scarce and the City Council decided to collect scrap. The key somehow ended up in one of the collection boxes," said Mr Steward.

The key was saved by Mr Steward's father, who was himself at the time the city's clock man.

City Hall's 70th anniversary

The key has been in Mr Steward's house ever since his father died and he was prompted to return it with the celebrations surrounding the 70th anniversary of the City Hall.

During the handover ceremony, Fred Steward was surrounded by memorabilia that he himself had collected. Scrapbooks full of photographs and newspaper cuttings about his work and Norwich's history were spread out on the table in the Lord Mayor's office.

Norwich City Hall memorabilia

Mr Steward feels a sense of pride returning a piece of local history.

"I feel I've returned the key to where it belongs," said Mr Steward.

"I've returned it to its owner so it can be kept and perhaps admired by people. Long after I'm dead the key will still be there," he added.

Tick tock

Mr Steward's biggest job at City Hall was keeping the clock ticking all year round.

"Every morning I used to check it and in those days the traders used to open their shop doors when the City Hall clock struck nine. If the clock was half a minute out, they used to ring up and complain," he said.

"They don't do it now because everyone has their own watch," he added.

Mr Steward hopes that even though traditions have changed, the past will not be forgotten.