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Roof Wetting Ceremony of the New Norwich Union Building

1960 , Norwich (Norfolk)

Cat no. 212320

A mute Anglia Television report, Lord Townsend is winched up to the roof of the new Norwich Union building to help perform the traditional roof wetting ceremony.

A visibly nervous Lord Townshend, Chairman of Anglia Television and Norwich Union board member, is strapped into a sturdy chair ready to be lifted eight stories, via crane, to the top of the new Norwich Union building. After uttering a few 'last' words, Townshend tips his hat and is winched up to a dizzying height. Landing safely on top of the building, Townshend begins the ceremony by rising the Union Flag, as a crane arm swings a barrel of beer around, spilling its contents everywhere in a tradition to celebrate the waterproofing of a newly built roof. Afterwards, a crowd gathers at the bar for a round of celebratory drinks, and Townshend is interviewed by Anglia correspondent David Thurlow.

Featured Buildings

Norwich Union building, Norwich

Keywords

Architecture; Building; Ceremonies; Construction

  • Production company : Anglia Television

  • Interviewer : David Thurlow

Manifestations

Roof Wetting Ceremony of the New Norwich Union Building

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