NOrWICH one of the best medieval cities in europe
The fact that at one time Norwich boasted a pub for every day of the year and a church for every week, gives you some idea of the city’s character. They may not number as many these days, but it still does both rather well, from its two cathedrals to its many thriving yet ancient pubs.
Norwich has a fascinating and sometimes tumultuous history and this is evident everywhere from the fascinating Norman Castle, standing proud over the city, to the perfectlypreserved medieval cobbled street of Elm Hill. The city grew out of various Saxon settlements along the Wensum river and in the Middle Ages was second only to London in its importance as a trading post. History is richly textured from the city’s great weaving supremacy and churchbuilding resulting from its prosperity, through the great rebellion led by Wymondham farmer robert Kett, and into the 16th century when ‘strangers’, weavers from the Netherlands, came to Norwich. They also introduced canary-breeding and the emblem is synonymous with Norwich City Football Club. Today Norwich remains one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe but it is also a top uK shopping destination with plenty to see and do. Tour the castle’s museum for a ride in a chariot similar to one used by East Anglia’s own Queen Boadicea and be spooked by the dungeons and centuries-old death-masks from public executions. Take a relaxing tour in a punt or a boat ride on the Wensum (around the city or head out to the Broads), or visit one of the 32 medieval churches, some of which have been put to new uses as art galleries and exciting new venues, hosting exhibitions, vintage fairs and even fashion shows. Other attractions include The Bridewell Museum, a fascinating museum of local history, Strangers’ Hall, a magnificent Tudor House; Dragon Hall, a medieval trading complex and the Plantation Garden, a secret late Victorian town garden. The words that greet the visitor to ‘Norwich: A Fine City’, are the perfect embodiment of what the city has to offer, stating the case exactly as it is: a fine history, a fine culture, a fine future and the city thrives today just as it has throughout the centuries.
84 the of Norfolk