Adrian Hoare, a secondary school teacher and local historian whose work centered on Norfolk and the town of Wymondham, has died aged 90. He was best known for his books on Kett's Rebellion of 1549 and his role in establishing Wymondham Heritage Museum.
Teaching career and impact
Most of Hoare's career was spent at Wymondham College, a state boarding school, where he served as housemaster of Cavell Hall. He was remembered as fair and supportive by generations of pupils and as an inspirational teacher. He joined the school in 1974 after his first teaching job at Bournville Boys Technical School in Birmingham.
Historical works
Hoare's first book, In Search of Robert Kett (1990), was followed by some 20 other works in retirement. These include Standing Up to Hitler: The Story of Norfolk's Home Guard and Secret Army, with a foreword by former pupil Ian Lavender (who played Private Pike in Dad's Army), When War Came to Wymondham: 1939-45, and An Unlikely Rebel: Robert Kett and the Norfolk Rising. With his wife Anne, he was instrumental in establishing Wymondham Heritage Museum at a new site, which won a Gulbenkian award in 1997.
Early life and family
Adrian Hoare was born in Bath, the son of Gladys Tilley, a secretary, and Thomas Hoare, a schoolmaster. His unmarried mother raised him in Thorpe, Surrey. He met his father only once but later discovered they shared similarities including teaching in boarding schools, coaching fencing, and playing the violin. He studied history at the University of Hull, where he met Anne Hosier; they married in 1962 and co-authored several books. Anne died in 2023.
Personal passions and legacy
Among Hoare's passions were the Marx Brothers, Derby County, and Fats Waller, whose song When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful he requested at his funeral. He is survived by his son. His wife Anne's watercolours and drawings illustrated his books and homemade cards treasured by recipients.
