Will Kemp, the Clown

As an amusement in 1600 a clown, Will Kemp wagered he would dance from the Lord Mayor's in London to the Mayor of Norwich and he started out at 7 am on 10 February. He was accompanied by Thomas Sly as his taborer (drummer) and George Sprat as his overseer.

He passed through Whitechapel, Mile End and Stratford Bow with great crowds following him. There he rested and everyone wanted to buy him drinks. On he went through Stratford Langton and Ilford and rested the night at an inn in Romford. Resting for two days he started off again trying to escape the people who were following him. Eventually he reached Norwich on 9th March.