Place:


Norwich  Norfolk

 

In 1887, John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles described Norwich like this:

Norwich, parl. and mun. bor., city, co. town of Norfolk, and co. in itself, on river Wensum, 20 miles W. of Yarmouth and 114 NE. of London by rail, 7472 ac., pop. 87,842; 4 Banks, 9 newspapers. Market-days, Wednesday and Saturday. Norwich is a city commanding especial interest on account of its ecclesiastical associations and its singularly picturesque appearance, the latter having gained for it the designation of "The city in an orchard." It is supposed to have been the Caer Gwent of the British, and the Venta Icenorum of the Romans. ...


Nord-wic (i.e., North-town) first appears as its name in the Saxon Chronicle. The cathedral, in which the greater portion of the historical interest and importance of the town is centred, was founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga, or Lorraine, and is one of the most perfect examples of Norman architecture which can be found in England. The cloisters are especially beautiful. Beyond the cathedral, however, Norwich abounds with interesting architectural remains, among which the ancient castle, with its splendid Norman keep, deserves especial notice; as also do St Andrew's Hall (a fine Gothic edifice), the Bishop's palace (1318), the Guildhall (15th century), &C. St Andrew's Hall is the scene of the great triennial musical festival which has given Norwich an enviable fame in art circles. The new Roman Catholic Church (St John the Baptist), built by the Duke of Norfolk, is one of the largest erected in England since the Reformation. Industrially and commercially Norwich may be considered a prosperous town, for although its textile mfrs., which dated from the 14th century, have declined to some extent, other trades flourish vigorously; they embrace mustard and starch mfrs., brewing, iron-working, and boot and shoe making. Agricultural implements are made in large quantities. Norwich returns 2 members to Parliament.

Norwich through time

Click here for graphs and data of how Norwich has changed over two centuries. For statistics for historical units named after Norwich go to Units and Statistics.

How to reference this page:

GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Norwich in Norfolk | Map and description, A Vision of Britain through Time.

URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/21

Date accessed: 29th March 2024


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