Norwich Historical Interest |
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| Norwich is a wonderful city jam packed with history, with a castle, two cathedrals, Tudor cobbled streets, Tudor and Victorian museums through to the ultra modern Millenium Forum. Norwich is a superb place to visit. Here are just some of the historical interests you will find in Norwich. |
Norwich Castle
One of the City's most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. The castle was built in 1067 when William the Conqueror (c.1027 - 1087) ordered its construction in order to have a fortification in the city. Norwich Castle was built as an awe-inspiring symbol of the king's power and military might.
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The Normans embarked on earthworks on a huge scale to construct the largest castle mound (motte) in the country and a complex that originally covered 23 acres.
Although the keep was built as a royal palace, no Norman kings ever lived in it. From the 14th to the 19th century, the keep was used as the county jail with public executions held outside by the gatehouses until 1867. |
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The Castle became a museum in 1894. Now the County's principal museum, the Castle is packed with treasures to inspire and intrigue visitors of all ages. Its outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history are of national importance |
Norwich Cathedral
- One of Europe's finest Romanesque buildings that's complete can be found in the heart of Norwich City. The construction of Norwich Cathedral began in 1068 but wasn't finally consecrated til 1101, a mere 900 years ago with stone shipped from Caen in Normandy. There are more than 1000 bosses on the roof timbers. Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city. |
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The cathedral boasts the second tallest spire and second largest medieval cloisters in England. It also has the largest collection of decorative roof bosses in England and is the only church in the Northern Hemisphere to have its Saxon Bishop's Throne in its original position Norwich Cathedral Close is one of the largest in England and is a very tranquil place. It contains the Prior’s Hall and the Bishop’s Palace and many of the buildings form part of King Edward VI School, which is also known as Norwich School.
Houses in the Lower Close are mainly residential, while those in the Upper Close serve as offices. Inside, the Cathedral is simply magnificent and if you have never explored this wonderful building, you should make time during your visit to Norwich. There is so much to see including detailed stonework, beautiful stained glass, carved wood and all this set in a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Open daily from 7.30am to 6pm.
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Bridewell Museum
Bridewell Alley, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AQ, T +44 (0)1603 629127 - In 1585 the Bridewell Museum was a prison for women and beggars (a ‘Bridewell’). It became a museum in 1925 housing historic objects and machinery revealing how Norwich people earned their living. |
Shirehall - Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
Follow the story of Norfolk's soldiers and their families in shaping three centuries of global history and see a fascinating collection of equipment, souvenirs and memorabilia.
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Strangers Hall Museum
Charing Cross, Norwich NR2 4AL, T +44 (0)1603 667229 - Strangers Hall Museum can be found in one of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in Norwich. Strangers Hall is a perfect example of a wealthy merchant’s house and dates back to 1320. The museum plots a fascinating journey through time from Tudor to Victorian times with a series of linked rooms each an example of how the occupants lived at the time. This wonderfully restored and preserved house also has a collection of historic toys and a cellar full of colourful shop signs. |
Elm Hill
This is a lovely old cobbled street full of Art antique shops selling interesting things. Nice to potter around. there's a cafe there too. Great views. Close to cathedral. Elm Hill is a Tudor cobbled lane that was largely rebuilt after the great fire of 1507, and there are more Tudor Houses in this small Norwich street than in the City of London. Only 5 minutes walk from Norwich Cathedral |
The Mustard shop in the middle of Norwich is a fascinating place to go if you enjoy mustard or if you just want to go somewhere interesting in Norwich. The shop is full of merchandise to do with their product and the history of it. well worth a visit |
The ultra modern Forum
A landmark Millennium project for the East of England and is on the site of the former Central Library which was destroyed by fire in 1994. This £65 million project was funded by a £31 million grant from the Millennium Commission. The Forum houses a state-of-the-art public library and the American 2nd Air Division memorial library). The Forum is also home to BBC Look East and Radio Norfolk, as well as offering a library, coffee shop, pizza restaurant and tourist information
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St Andrew's & Blackfriars Halls
Were built over 600 years ago and were the home of the Dominican friars. Now fully restored, they are a magnificent city centre venue, ideal for weddings, conferences etc. |
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