Anna Sewell in Old Catton, Sewell wrote the manuscript of "Black Beauty" – in the period between 1871 and 1877. During this time her health was declining; she was often so weak that she was confined to her bed. Writing was a challenge. She dictated the text to her mother and from 1876 began to write on slips of paper which her mother then transcribed. Although the book is now considered a children's classic, Sewell originally wrote it for those who worked with horses. She said "a special aim was to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses". In many
Sewell Barn Theatre small theatre. In 1980, the Sewell Barn Theatre Company was formed. Their first public production "The Norfolk Furies" was written and directed by Henry Burke (the first Artistic Director), and staged at the barn. The company stages a number of productions every year, ranging from Shakespeare to Alan Ayckbourn. In February 2008 the company presented its 200th production "The Winter's Tale". Membership of the Sewell Barn company is open to everyone, and workshops are open to non-members. The foyer was renovated in 2012. As of 2016, the Artistic Directors are Cassie Tillett and Clare Williamson. Sewell Barn Theatre Sewell Barn