Thetford Town Council Press Release
Maharaja Ranjit Singh & Maharaja Duleep Singh
Guildhall Heritage Hub Update.
As part of the NHLF Guildhall Hub project the team has been working alongside the Punjab Steering
Group to develop the Exhibition depicting the unique Punjab history that forms part of the fabric of
Thetford’s rich heritage.
Chairman of the Punjab Steering Group, Mr Harminder Gill, has been central to the development of
the room and proposed the suggestion of “Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Duleep Singh Room”
as its’ official title. This links the Memorial Park project for Butten Island and the Ancient House
Museum Exhibition developing a meaningful and cohesive heritage in Thetford.
Mayor of Thetford, Cllr Jane James, said: “I am incredibly excited about this next development in
acknowledging the significant legacy of the Duleep Singh Family to Thetford which represents an
opportunity to further celebrate the cultural links between the town and the Punjabi community both
here and overseas.”
A permanent exhibition is currently being designed in the room which will be followed by an official
opening ceremony of the room, as well as an on-going provision for temporary exhibitions such as the
Schools Art and Creative Writing Display to take place during the Punjab Festival Week. This work is
produced by local schools based on the Singh Sibling education packs, included on the school
curriculum, that was developed as part of the Heritage Hub project.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Stuart Wright stated “We are delighted to be working with the Punjab Steering
Group to further enhance the Maharaja Duleep Singh story in Thetford. The displays will help visitors
understand more about the Punjab empire and how the Maharaja came to live in Elveden Hall as well
as the legacy left by his children, including the gift of paintings given by Prince Frederick which were
once displayed in Thetford Guildhall”
In July 2022, the Punjab Festival will return and has been expanded to incorporate the Eastern region
to bring colour, music, vibrancy, and diversity, culminating in the mela in Thetford, on 10th July 2022.