Saturday, January 13, 2007

Norfolk's greatest icon

The EDP is creating a virtual reality museum of Norfolk and, amongst other things, are hunting for the county's greatest icons.

My vote would be Thomas Paine (1737-1809) whose influence on my own political thinking has been profound-his principled internationalism and radical defiance of reactionary institutions coupled with confidence not fear of economic growth; defence of popular rights and democratic responsibility have been influential the world over. "Rights of Man" published in 1791 is still inspirational today.

My second choice would be Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845)-the prison reforming quaker who became known as the "Angel of mercy" for her compassion and campaigning.

Visit www.EDP24.co.uk.

Who would you choose?

3 comments:

Ed said...

The Higdons.

http://www.burstonstrikeschool.org/

Courage, radicalism, activism. The museum at Burston is inspiring.

Peter Mc said...

Nelson. Defended our rights, too. But in a rather different way.

Nich Starling said...

A modern one, Stephen Fry - Disproving the myth that we are all ignorant in-breeding carrot munchers.