Bygone days of a Norfolk village are being brought back to life this weekend after a treasure trove of historical documents was unearthed.

The lost records that were once part of a family museum were found at an old stable in Litcham, near Dereham.

An event is now being held this weekend at Litcham's church to exhibit the documents and showcase life in the village over the course of many decades, including a school punishment book showing how a pupil was caned for arriving late.

Inside the Litcham Museum where the owner used to collect artefacts for life around the village.Inside the Litcham Museum where the owner used to collect artefacts for life around the village. (Image: Stephen Olley)
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Stephen Olley, 54, who runs the Mid Norfolk Picture Archive, said that Litcham Museum used to have a range of artefacts, including broaches and agricultural tools.

However, when the owner of the museum passed away, valuable pieces of the collection were said to be missing. 

The museum was run by Ron Shaw from his home on Mileham road.The museum was run by Ron Shaw from his home on Mileham road. (Image: Stephen Olley)
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Among the missing items were boxes containing documents, photographs, posters and receipts dating back to the 1800s, which were then found at a nearby stable. 

Mr Olley has since made copies of the documents and returned the originals to their respective families.

He has also placed the replicas in sealed boxes and hung them in Litcham church where they will be on display on August 10 and August 11.

Some of the records include an old punishment book from Litcham National School between 1900 and 1929. 

One of the documents includes a 1946 poster for a victory celebration.One of the documents includes a 1946 poster for a victory celebration. (Image: Stephen Olley)
"Apparently someone got the cane for being late," he said. 

There are also war time posters, old receipts, wedding documents and payment books people used to bring to the village shop for their groceries. 

Mr Olley said: "It just gives such an interesting insight into life in the village all those years ago." 

He wants to continue to build the archive by scanning documents and adding them to the collection. 

Stephen Olley, who lives in Tittleshall, hopes that he can continue to restore the collection.Stephen Olley, who lives in Tittleshall, hopes that he can continue to restore the collection. (Image: Stephen Olley)

A long-term vision would be to form a history organisation to ensure the legacy of the records. 

But for now, visitors are welcome to see what has already been salvaged at Litcham's church this weekend. 

The exhibition will take place on Saturday between 11 and 3pm, and Sunday between 12 and 4pm. 

Entrance is free and there will be tea and cakes, as well as a request for donations.