Near to the Bell Hotel in the Breckland town of Thetford stands a monument to one of Norfolk’s greatest sons, activist and philosopher Thomas Paine, author of the ‘Rights of Man’, a defence of the French Revolution. This, amongst other rebel publications made him decidedly unpopular with the British government.

Born in Thetford in 1737 and educated at Thetford Grammar School, he was sacked from his job as a customs excise officer for writing a letter demanding better pay. It was an indication of things to come, and still relevant today. A chance meeting with Benjamin Franklin convinced him his future was across the Atlantic. Living in America he wrote many political books and pamphlets, including ‘Common Sense’ an important influence on the American War of Independence. Although not directly involved with establishing new American governments, he is often considered a founding father.

Perhaps in the modern world his words have become even more resonant:

‘When it can be said by any country in the world, my poor are happy, neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them, my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars, the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive, the rational world is my friend because I am the friend of happiness. When these things can be said, then may that country boast its constitution and government. Independence is my happiness; the world is my country and my religion is to do good.’
– Thomas Paine, Rights of Man