Norwich a fine City

In the words of George Borrow - truly a fine City.

Norwich( United Kingdom) the capital of Norfolk, Nelsons County, was once the second only to London in importance, growing out of several small Saxon settlements at the lowest point along the River Wensum.

Before the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norwich was one of the largest towns in England. The Conquerors built a Castle and a Cathedral(Anglican) and established a new Market Place which is still in use today and was refurbished in 2005.

1404 Norwich was granted its seal was given by Richard 111, the citys seal is displayed in the City Hall, in this year Norwich was given the priveledge of appointing a Mayor, two Sheriffs and Alderman to run its affairs. All the names of the Mayors and Lord Mayors from 1403 are listed on the marble walls in the City Hall, the names of the Sheriffs are listed in the Guildhall where to this day still houses the Sheriffs office.

Norwich grew  in size and wealth during the Middle Ages. It was the principal market for one of the most densely propulated parts of England and by the last fourteenth century was the chief centre of worsted cloth manufacutring until the nineteenth century, Norwich was also famous for the manufacture of silk, boots and shoes, chocolate and the famous Colmans Mustard which is still made in Norwich and boasts the only Colmans Mustard Shop in England it also displays much of the Colman memorabilia.

Over the centuries Norwich has been the scene of many riots and has suffered attacks by rebels and fires. Perhaps the most famous incident was the 1549 Ketts Rebellion. Riobert Kett and his brother led a mob protesting against closures of land in Wymondham: they threw down the fences in the locality and then with growing confidence, marched on Norwich itself. Kett and his followers camped on Mousehold Heath about 2 miles from the City Centre. The Kings army eventually defeated the rebellion and the rebel leaders were hung, Robert Kett was hanged at Norwich Castle.

Despite the damage done to the City during this and other rebellions and heavy bombing during World War 11, Norwich has survived the ravages of time so well.

Fortunately the most important historic buildings escaped severe damage during the two World Wars and other incidents that took place from time to time and much historic interest remains within the boundaries of its ancient walls.

Cathedral (photograph top left) showing the statue of Lord Wellington. The founder was Herbert Losinga the first Bishop of Norwich who began the building in 1096 at the East end: this is the most important part of any Church at this is where the high altar is placed, stone was used from Barnack in Northants and from Caen in Normandy. The nave of the cathedral has over 250 roof bosses telling the Bible story from the Creation to the Last judgement, the present spire is the fourth that the cathedral has had, the first spire weas destroyed by riots in 1272, the second blew down in a storm in 1361 or 1362, the third fell down after it was struck by lightning in 1463, the present spire was built by Bishop Goldwell and stands at 96 metres is the second highest in England.Also in the grounds of the cathedral is the statue of Lord Nelson and the grave of Nurse Edith Cavell.

Guildhall (Photograph bottom right) Until 1938 the seat of city government and here presided 529 successive Mayors and Lord Mayors of Norwich, the building is a fine example of Norfolk flintwork was begun in 1407. Repaired in Tudor times when psart of the roof collapsed, and extensively restored in the nineteenth century. In the Guilhall is the Spanish Admirals sword which Lord Nelson presented to the city after the battle of Cape St. Vincent. Over its lifetime it has served many puposes both a courts, Council Chamber etc it is not generally open to the public.

Forum (photograph top right) opened in 2002 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, one of the City's more modern buildings which houses the Libary,BBC, Tourist Information and the American Museum, the Forum stands almost by the side of the City Hall.

City Hall (photograph bottom right) The building was designed by architects in a competition for the best design, the architects were C.H.James, A.R.A. F.R.I.B.A and S. Rowland Pierce, F.R.I.B.A, it took three years to build and opened by His Most Gracious Majesty King George V1 and Her Most Gracious Queen Elizabeth on 29th October 1938.The front doors are of bronze and depict the trades of Norwich. The City Hall is opened Monday to Friday. 

The City Hall is now a grade 11* listed - now a building of specific historical interest.