Creating Historic Documentary Films for The Assembly House Trust in Norwich

History is more than dates and buildings — it is the stories, people and moments that connect us to the past.

I was commissioned by The Assembly House Trust to create a series of seven historical documentary films, bringing the fascinating story of one of Norwich’s most iconic buildings to life through video.

The project combined filming, editing and documentary storytelling to create an engaging online video tour, allowing audiences to explore the history of The Assembly House from anywhere.

Bringing centuries of history to life

Located in the heart of Norwich, The Assembly House is a Grade I listed Georgian building with a history stretching back centuries. The site has evolved through many different chapters — from its medieval origins and Georgian transformation to its roles as a school, arts venue and World War II camouflage school.

The challenge was to capture this rich history in a way that felt engaging and accessible, while respecting the importance of the building and the stories connected to it.

Working alongside historian and tour guide Roxanne Matthews, who presented each film and wrote the scripts from her vast knowledge, the aim was to transform her historical research and guided tours into a visual experience that could be shared with a wider audience.

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Close of of walls and ceiling at the Assembly House norwich

Assembly House Historic Filmmaker showing the thick walls

A seven-part documentary series

The project was created as seven individual films, each focusing on a different chapter in The Assembly House’s story:

1. The Beginning – exploring the medieval origins of the site.

2. Post-Reformation – uncovering hidden clues from the building’s past.

3. Missing Stories – revealing the history of the Noverre Ballroom and Norwich’s dancing heritage.

4. 18th Century Arts Venue – exploring the creation of the House of Assemblies in 1755.

5. Norwich High School for Girls – documenting the building’s role as a school between 1876 and 1933.

6. World War II – telling the story of Oliver Messel and the secret camouflage school.

7. The Last Chapter – covering the Trust, Noverre Cinema and the building’s recovery following fire.

Making heritage accessible through video

One of the biggest strengths of video is its ability to make stories accessible beyond a physical location.

While The Assembly House continues to offer guided tours led by Roxanne Matthews, these films allow the history of the building to reach audiences online, including those who may not be able to visit in person.

Digital storytelling provides heritage organisations, charities and historic venues with a powerful way to preserve knowledge, educate audiences and share their stories for years to come.

Outside the Assembly Hous eNorwich

Creating documentary films for heritage organisations

This project highlights how video can be used to preserve important stories and connect audiences with history.

Whether documenting historic buildings, community projects, family histories or organisational stories, documentary filmmaking creates a lasting record that can continue engaging audiences long into the future.

If your organisation has a story to tell, I can help transform your history, people and places into engaging documentary films.

Shaun Lawson

I'm Shaun Lawson, a Norwich based videographer & cinematographer, with over 30 years of experience producing high-quality video content for businesses and organisations throughout East Anglia and across the UK.

Every project is carefully crafted through storytelling, editing, colour grading, sound design and motion graphics to produce polished films that connect.