By the time of the Norman invasion Norwich was already in the ‘top five’ cities of the country. An important market centre, the city commenced building their great castle in 1066, which is now the best preserved example in the country. In 1096 work on the cities great cathedral had started and while much of it was constructed with Norfolk flint, a significant amount of Caen stone was imported from Normandy for the brilliant white exterior.
The city and church did not always enjoy an easy relationship and in 1272 there was a riot between the people and the monks, who were trying to tax the annual fair. Just over 100 years later there was another peasant’s revolt, the Mayor was killed and the city captured for a time. Bishop Henry le Despenser who was as much a military figure as an ecclesiastical one, quelled the violence and a screen behind the cathedral altar celebrates his achievement. In 1549 there was yet more unrest, this time led by the Early of Warwick and Robert Kett of Wynmondham who had rallied a contingent of farmers, protesting about the loss of common land.
By the late 16th century Norwich had received a large number of people from the Netherlands, who had come to work in the burgeoning wool trade. The city lies beyond the Fens and so was geographically isolated from the rest of England to the point it was easier to get to and from the low Countries than London. This influx of people was commemorated in the building of Strangers’ Hall, which is now a museum featuring exhibits on the social history of the area.
Norwich flourished and by 1700 was second only to London in terms of wealth. The city’s wealth and isolation mean that Norwich’s grand, ancient buildings and streets are largely in tact, which makes it an extremely pleasant place to visit. Highlight’s of a trip to the city include the cathedral with its Norman nave and tower, roof beams and 15th century, 315 ft spire, which is the second tallest in the country. The Castle is also a must. Attached to the Castle are two museums; the Castle Museum features a wonderful collection of art by the Norwich School (founded by John Crome and John Sell Cotman), the world’s largest collection of teapots, as well as any number of exhibits detailing aspects of local life. The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum gives a detailed history of the regiment, unsurprisingly enough. The old Bridewell (prison) is now a museum and concerns itself with the history of Norwich’s trade and industry.
Norwich can claim a number of famous sons & daughters; Edith Cavell was executed in 1915 for helping allied prisoners to escape from German occupied Brussels. She is buried in the cathedral and a bust of her stands in the town centre. Lord Nelson also has connections with the city as he attended King Edward VI school, which is otherwise known as Norwich School.
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