This section is associated with one of the town's most famous, some would say notorious residents. John Skelton (1463-1529) was a scholar, writer, courtier, practical joker, satirist, cleric and poet.

 

The main exhibit, the beautiful offering box, is as colourful as the man himself. It was made by Diss Embroidery Group for the 2004 Skelton festival. This celebrated the 500th anniversary of his appointment as rector at St. Mary's Church in Diss. The embroideries were inspired by images inside the church and some of the gentler images from his poems. One of our collections managers has made a sampler of all the stitches used, which is located next to the box.

 

Skelton, who was born in Norfolk, and possibly in Diss, was tutor in the 1490s to young Prince Henry (later Henry VIII). His sharp written attacks on important members of society  got him into trouble and he was briefly imprisoned in 1802. 

 

After taking up his post as rector, he appears to have scandalised the locals with his relaxed attitude to celibacy. By 1812 he was back in London, although he continued to hold the post of rector until his death in 1529.

 

Skelton invented his own poetic form, now known as Skeltonics. In 1822 he used his poetry for a satirical attack on the Lord High Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey.  At about the same time Skelton was allowed to take refuge in Westminster Abbey for the last seven years of his life.