The College of West Anglia has presented a handcrafted replica of the historical St George and the Dragon plaque to Lynn’s Guildhall theatre.

This marked a special moment as restoration of one of the town’s most significant heritage buildings gets under way.

The replica has been created by Anne Roberts, a long-standing member of the college’s art and design team, with support from Paul Ebbens, ceramic lecturer, and Matt Moore, art and design technician.

The project was further supported by Kim Leonard, treasurer of the Lynn Civic Society, who crafted the wooden backing on which the Guild plaque is mounted.

The piece has been produced as a tribute to an original medieval timber painted panel and the seal of the Guild of St George, both of which display this same design.

There was also a large piece of carved masonry displaying the design, last known to be in St George’s Yard, which was off Norfolk Street. All three of these pieces are thought to date back to the 15th century.

The Guildhall is currently being preserved and enhanced by West Norfolk Council as a local, regional and international centre for arts, creativity and theatre.

The replica plaque’s formal handover ceremony took place at the college’s Lynn campus, where Kerry Heathcote, vice principal and deputy CEO at CWA, formally presented the plaque to West Norfolk mayor Andy Bullen, marking the culmination of the project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kerry Heathcote, who is also vice chair of the Lynn Neighbourhood Board, said: “This plaque represents a meaningful collaboration between the College of West Anglia and one of Lynn’s most treasured historical buildings.

“It is a privilege to see the skill, care and historical understanding that Anne, Matt and Paul have reflected in a piece that honours the town’s medieval past and strengthens our connection with the local community.”

Cllr Simon Ring, deputy council leader, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this beautiful replica plaque presented to the Guildhall. It is a wonderful example of how our local skills, creativity and heritage can come together to enrich this landmark project.

“Gifts like this demonstrate the vital role that community engagement plays in the long-term success of the restoration.

“The future of this historic building depends not just on bricks and mortar, but on the sense of shared ownership, pride and participation from our residents, educators and creative partners. This contribution from the College of West Anglia is exactly the kind of collaboration that will ensure the Guildhall thrives for generations to come.”

Tim FitzHigham, creative director for the Guildhall and cultural officer for the borough council, said: “It is really exciting to receive such a thoughtful and appropriate gift from the College of West Anglia and especially one created with the talents of Anne Roberts, who has been a long-standing supporter of the arts and theatre at the Guildhall.

“The original on which this design is based stretches back to the heart of the 15th century and is central to the story of St George’s Guild. This design can be seen on the seal of the Guild of St George in the Stories of Lynn, and I encourage everyone to have a look at that too as it’s really very special.

“Plans are moving forward to ensure this wonderful gift stays safe during the renovations where we’d love it to form part of the interpretation journey of the newly opened site.”

Ms Roberts added: “I really enjoyed the process of designing and creating the plaque with Paul and Matt. After being invited to create the plaque by the Shakespeare Guildhall Trust.

“We worked on the piece over six to nine months, developing the design around the original plaque which features St George and the Dragon, into a circular form.

“It was wonderful to see everyone at the presentation, and I’m looking forward to visiting the plaque once the Guildhall has been fully restored.”