Who are the migrants in Norfolk? More of us than we think! In the first of a new annual series of lectures, historians from the University of East Anglia (UEA) will explore the movement of people in and out of the county – and across the world – over the centuries.

The “History for All” event will take place in the Forum on Saturday 11 March from 9.45am to 5pm, is free and open to everyone (although registration is recommended).

“We’ll illustrate how immigration has been an enriching experience for more than the past millennium and that what constitutes an immigrant community is subject to changing, competing and inconsistent criteria that’s often manipulated for short-term political or economic advantage,” said Dr Hugh Doherty, lecturer in Medieval History at UEA.

“Immigrants have been a valuable and valued component of every historical community and we’ll show that they’ve not always been vilified, marginalised or legislated against but also welcomed and cherished. Norfolk has a rich migrant history, and many families began their lives in the county as visitors. We owe our prosperity, distinctiveness and argumentative traditions to a rich history of travel, trade, hospitality and courage. At UEA’s School of History, indeed, we have world-class scholars working on, and teaching, Refugee History.”

Topics include “Ruled by Frenchmen, robbed by Italians: a Eurosceptic’s view of Norfolk, 1066-1300”, “England’s first exit from Europe: the end of the Plantagenet realm, its causes and consequences” and “Migration in Norfolk and beyond”. The day will end with a panel discussion. To see the full programme and register go to the UEA website.