History and heritage in Norfolk
where history comes to life...
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.