Song and dance as Shakespeare knew it was performed at a event inspired by the care given for a beloved son.

Eastern Daily Press: Shakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian BurtShakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

Scores of people watched the Norwich Historical Dance group don ruffs, corsets and Tudor caps for a waltz to lute and recorder music in the grand hall of Wymondham Abbey.

The event was organised by Tony and Jane Scheuregger, from Norwich, who along with Sarah Doig, make up the historical music group Minstrels Gallery.

Yesterday's concert was held to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death, but, said Mr Scheuregger, there was another, more personal reason for it.

He said: 'We lost our son, Stefan, to cancer, just before Christmas after a short illness.

Eastern Daily Press: Shakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian BurtShakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

'He was cared for a palliative care unit in Sheffield. We raised more than £3,000 for that unit, and we wanted to help a palliative care unit in this area as well, as this was where he was from.'

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Norwich-based Priscilla Bacon Centre for Specialist Palliative Care in memory of Stefan, who died aged 29.

In between twirls Mr Scheuregger read passages from Shakespeare about dance and the role it played in an Elizabethan society that placed a high value on the ideals of chivalry and courtly love.

Historical dance group member Harriet Cox was among the troupe who wheeled and curtsied around the nave in elaborate costume.

Eastern Daily Press: Shakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian BurtShakespeare dance day at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Chris Gill and Susan Golt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

She said: 'It's great to think that we know something about how life was then and how they danced.'

Elizabeth Stallwood from the Priscilla Bacon Centre said she was delighted the concert was taking place.

She said: 'I think this is absolutely wonderful. It's marvellous to see how complicated the dances were.'

Among the spectators enjoying the show was Andy Morgan, from Dereham.

He said: 'We saw one of the ladies in costume outside, so we thought we would wander in and have a look.

'It's interesting to see.'