VisitNorfolk

The beautiful city of Norwich has a fascinating past contained within its medieval streets and stunning historic buildings. From its Norman Cathedral to the bustling market there are stories ingrained in the very architecture of the city – and if the walls could speak there would certainly be some incredible tales to be heard! It is regarded as the most complete medieval city in Britain and its amazing history will delight and enthral as you discover how the past has shaped the city many adore today.

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A town of great importance

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Norwich was one of the most important towns in Anglo Saxon Britain developed from a collection of small settlements along one of Norfolk’s rivers, the Wensum. Its position in rich agricultural land and close proximity to river and sea made it an excellent location for trade. From these relatively humble beginnings Norwich was to experience dramatic changes with the Norman invasion and settlement in 1066. In the following decades the Normans went about building a magnificent castle and cathedral, both of which remain intact today and are part of the rich historic tapestry of Norwich.

A bustling market

The Normans were involved in the development of Norwich Market. Begun in Saxon times and now a great tradition within the city, Norwich Market has been responsible for much of the city’s success. Initially situated in Tombland (meaning empty or open land and nothing to do with tombs fortunately!) the Saxon market sold everything, including vegetables, fish, livestock and textiles, all in the one place. It remained in this location until the Normans decided to move it and the traders to a site under the watchful eye of the castle. It was not until the 1700s that the market underwent any further changes when overcrowding forced the livestock to be moved elsewhere and then again in the 1930s to allow the building of City Hall and the Clock Tower, opened by King George VI in 1938. It was refurbished in 2006 and still retains its unique charm.

The power of religion

While trade was vital to survival in Medieval England, religion was also a powerful influence over all walks of life. Everyone was made to pay a tax or ‘tithe’ to the church, usually 10% of their earnings in either cash or goods. With beliefs so strong even the poorest people paid up – failure to do so would mean their souls would go to hell. Medieval Norwich had an incredible 57 churches - and the city could boast a church for every week of the year! Today over 30 medieval churches, along with some stunning non-conformist chapels, remain and many of these mingle happily with the modern architecture of the new century, a striking example being the St Peter Mancroft Church, the largest of the city’s churches situated very near the glass-fronted Forum. As you walk around Norwich be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these wonderful religious monuments including St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls, owned by the City since the dissolution of the monasteries and still providing the largest performance space in Norwich today!

History on the street and around every corner

Norwich has various historic buildings to surprise and enchant from the ancient flint Guildhall to the merchants and mayors home of the 1300s, Strangers’ Hall. Many of the streets also have a charm all of their own such as Elm Hill, which offers a glimpse into what Tudor Norwich would have looked like before a great fire in 1507 destroyed many of the city’s timber framed buildings. Elm Hill was restored in the early 20th Century and the cobbled street and leaning buildings give it a special appeal. Tombland is another ancient area while King’s Street is home to medieval and 17th Century buildings, along with the Dragon Hall, a magnificent example of a medieval trading hall built in the 1400s.

Why not try one of the Norwich Trails - a series of historic walking trail booklets covering various geographic areas and themes relating to the city‘s past, to help you explore Norwich‘s outstanding heritage by foot.

Visit the HEART (Heritage Economic & Regeneration Trust) website to download leaflets and maps for the Elm Hill and Timberhill areas, or pick up at the Norwich TIC in the Forum.

A fine city built to survive

Norwich was granted city status in 1194 with its market, an expanding textile industry and strong agricultural roots. The Normans were certainly not to be the last of the city’s troubles with numerous riots and rebellions, wars and bombings, all threatening the future of Norwich. Yet it has survived relatively untouched and is now the fine city, generally recognised as the capital of East Anglia, many visitors come to enjoy today.

Norwich under attack

During World War Two Norwich, like many other towns and cities in the UK, was heavily attacked causing severe damage to homes and public buildings. The worst bombings took place over two nights in late April 1942 during the Baedeker Blitz – a series of attacks that targeted charming historic English towns and cities. Incredibly, the Cathedral and St Peter Mancroft were completely untouched, but other buildings and streets were all but destroyed such St Julians church, which has been painstakingly restored. The department store, Bonds, now a part of John Lewis, was badly damaged yet its owner managed to get the business up and running again in just 3 days – trading out of buses in car parks!

More Information

Use the links below to help you navigate around our dedicated Norwich section.

Introduction

Shopping in Norwich

Places to visit in Norwich

Things to do in Norwich during the daytime

Things to do in Norwich during the evening

Eating out in Norwich

Arts and culture in Norwich

Getting around Norwich

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