This will be the fifth annual conference we have run. Last year we went to Manchester, but this year we are coming back to base and the conference will be taking place in Sprowston Manor Hotel just outside Norwich.
I have known about Sprowston Manor for years, I went to a wedding there in the 1990’s, but it was only after I attended an ARLA event there in 2015 that I realised what a great conference venue it is.
At heart it is an old Jacobean Manor House, with the original house built in about 1559.
It has an interesting history – for example, one of its occupants was Miles Corbet, a registrar in Chancery who was selected to sit in judgment on Charles 1 and who was one of the signatories to the warrant for his execution. At the Restoration, he fled to Holland but was seized, brought back to London and was hanged at Tyburn as a regicide in 1661.
That story was taken from a little history book of the Manor. There is another story told to us by the staff, but not in the history book, about one of the fireplaces which has a lovely wooden surround. Apparently, it is built from the bed of a wife of one of the owners, who found her in it with her lover.
There is also a suit of armour at the foot of the stairs but sadly there does not appear to be any story about it.
But Sprowston Manor doesn’t just have history. It has its own golf course, as well as a driving range, swimming pool and spa – along with two restaurants – one outside in the grounds, which is used by the golfers.
The Landlord Law 2017 Conference will be held in a purpose-built marquee in the grounds, which has its own facilities.
Delegates who are not local will be able to stay at the hotel and we will have the usual ‘evening before’ meal – which will be in our own private dining room.
One of the things I like about the Sprowston Manor is the amount of comfortable seating scattered around – for example, there is a large bar, lots of sofa’s and armchairs in the reception area along with various nooks and crannies – one of them with the suit of armour. So plenty of places for to sit and chat and enjoy a drink in the evening.
In fact, you may want to make a weekend of it and stay over. The hotel is offering a special rate for conference delegates for the weekend, so you will be able to visit the medieval city of Norwich (3 theatres, castle, market, cathedral, great shopping (massive M&S), etc) and the famous Norfolk Broads.
You can see on your right, a little video we shot of the venue. If you go to the Conference Information page you will find two others showing lovely Norwich and Norfolk. It’s a great location.
Maybe see you there?
