History and heritage in Norfolk
where history comes to life...
Deep History Coast
Mammoth skeleton, flint axes and where the first tourists entered Britain - 850,000 years ago!
Neolithic flint mines
Discover a prehistoric underground world in the last open flint mine in the UK at Grime's Graves
What did the Romans give us?
Discover a Roman fort and town, walk on roads created by these early invaders
Outstanding Norman architecture
Discover our incredible Norman legacy, including castles and a magnificent cathedral
A proud maritime history
Find out how King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth were made prosperous by trading with the Continent
Horatio Nelson
'I am a Norfolk man and glory in being so,' said Britain's greatest naval commander. Walk in his footsteps
The Special Relationship
Discover how Norfolk helped shaped North America, through Thomas Paine, Abe Lincoln, George Vancouver and more
The Friendly Invasion
What was Hollywood star Jimmy Stewart's part in the biggest landscape and cultural event in Norfolk's history
From Romans and Normans to the Friendly Invasion
Remembering the past is crucial for our sense of identity. To know why we are confirms what we are. Norfolk's uniqueness is incredibly important and precious – and that's why the county has always taken pride in treasuring its heritage with a wide range of museums and historical sites.
From captivating castles and cathedrals, to splendid stately homes, myriad museums and medieval churches, there's an amazing heritage to discover here.
Retrace the footsteps of naval hero Horatio Nelson, Norfolk's greatest son, and discover how Queen Boadicca's Iceni tribe used to live.
We're proud that central London has magnificent statues to these two Norfolk heroes, as well as first world war nurse Edith Cavell, who sacrificed her life to help soldiers escape capture, and in Parliament Square is a statue of Abe Lincoln, whose family went to America from Hingham in Norfolk!
Plus, Thetford's Thomas Paine saved the American Revolution, and Heacham's John Rolfe whose marriage to Pocahontas created The Special Relationship and ensured Americans speak English - rather than Spanish, French or Dutch!
Find out about our many invaders, both friendly and otherwise, including the Romans, the Normans and, finally, the Americans whose presence was called 'The Friendly Invasion'.
Go underground to discover the country's first industrial site - the Neolithic flint mines of Grime's Graves in the Brecks.
Find out why maritime activity plays such an important role in Norfolk's history and why the county is fit not just for a queen… but The Queen and her Royal family. Norfolk is home to the second, third and fourth in line to the Throne.
