10 facts about Norwich you didn't know

Norwich's Hidden Wonders: 10 Surprising Facts About England's Most Enchanting City You Must Discover

Buckle up, fellow history buffs and curious minds! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the hidden gems of Norwich, one of England's most surprising cities. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, this charming medieval city is bursting with stories just waiting to be uncovered. From ancient undercrofts to sky-high spires, Norwich has it all – and we're here to shed light on some of its most fascinating facts.

Picture cobblestone streets lined with timber-framed houses, a majestic castle perched atop a hill, and a stunning cathedral that pierces the skyline. But don't be fooled by its quaint appearance – Norwich is a city of firsts, bests, and onlys that may surprise even seasoned travellers. Did you know, for example, that it was home to one of the earliest female voices in English literature? Or that it boasts the largest permanent undercover market in Europe? And what if we told you that Norwich Castle witnessed one of the most dramatic chapters of rebellion in Tudor England?

Get ready to dive into 10 remarkable facts about Norwich that reveal why this city is anything but ordinary.

1. The City of Literature That Broke the Mold

Norwich isn't just any historic city – it's England's first UNESCO City of Literature. This designation reflects a literary tradition that stretches back centuries. One of the city's most influential figures was Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century mystic whose writings are among the earliest known works in English by a woman. Centuries later, Norwich was also home to Amelia Opie, a novelist and poet who was among the first women in England to earn a living through her writing. Far from being a relic of the past, Norwich’s literary culture is still very much alive today, supported by a thriving writing community and an unusually high number of bookshops for a city of its size.

2. The Hidden World Beneath the Streets

While Norwich has no network of underground tunnels, what lies beneath the city is no less fascinating. Norwich is home to the largest collection of medieval undercrofts in England. These stone-vaulted chambers, often hidden beneath shops and houses, were used for storage, trade, and sometimes as places of refuge. Many date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and reflect the city’s importance as a medieval trading hub. Walk through areas like Elm Hill, and you may be standing above centuries of commercial and social history, quietly preserved below ground.

3. The Mustard Capital of the World

Norwich has long been synonymous with mustard, thanks to Colman’s, founded in 1814. The company became world-famous for its distinctive yellow mustard and played a major role in the city’s industrial history. The Colman family established Carrow Works, a large factory complex that also included housing and amenities for workers. Today, Colman’s remains one of Norwich’s most recognisable global exports and a lasting symbol of the city’s manufacturing heritage.

4. The Castle That Was Both Palace and Fortress

Norwich Castle is very much a real castle. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, it functioned both as a royal palace and a military stronghold, designed to dominate the city and assert Norman power. Over time, its role evolved, and from the 14th century it was primarily used as a prison. One of the most famous figures associated with the castle is Robert Kett, leader of Kett’s Rebellion in 1549. Contrary to popular myth, Kett did not escape. He was executed and his body was hung from the castle walls as a warning to others. Today, the castle serves as a museum, but its layered history as fortress, palace, and prison remains central to Norwich’s identity.

5. The Church Capital of Medieval England

Norwich boasts an extraordinary concentration of medieval churches, with 32 still standing within the historic city walls. This density reflects the city’s wealth and importance during the Middle Ages. Norwich is also home to two cathedrals: the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, a striking neo-Gothic building from the late 19th century. Norwich Cathedral’s spire rises to 315 feet, making it one of the tallest in England, while its cathedral close is the largest in the country.

6. The Market That Has Endured for Centuries

Norwich Market is the largest permanent undercover market in Europe and has been trading on the same site for over 900 years. With nearly 200 stalls, it offers everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing and specialist goods. Despite centuries of change, the market remains a vital part of city life and continues to adapt, proving that tradition and modern commerce can thrive side by side.

7. A City Shaped by Rebellion and Dissent

Norwich has a long history of political and religious nonconformity. Kett’s Rebellion in 1549 saw thousands of rebels seize control of the city in protest against land enclosures, briefly defeating royal forces. The city was also a centre of religious dissent and was home to England’s first Congregationalist church. This independent spirit has persisted, shaping Norwich’s reputation as a city willing to challenge authority and think differently.

8. Pioneers of Mail Order Shopping

Norwich was home to Jarrold & Sons, one of the world’s earliest mail order businesses. Founded in 1770, the company expanded from a local shop into a national enterprise by publishing catalogues that allowed customers to order goods remotely. Jarrold’s remains a prominent name in the city today, a reminder that Norwich has long been a place of commercial innovation.

9. A Sweet Chapter in Chocolate History

Norwich played an important role in Britain’s chocolate industry, notably through Caley’s, a major chocolate manufacturer whose factory became a local landmark. While the first solid chocolate bar was developed elsewhere, Caley’s helped establish Norwich as a centre of chocolate production for generations, leaving a lasting impression on the city’s industrial past.

10. The City of Dragons

The dragon is a powerful symbol in Norwich, appearing on the city’s coat of arms and throughout its architecture. In recent years, this heritage has been celebrated through public art trails featuring dragon sculptures across the city. Norwich Castle even has its own dragon in the form of a historic weathervane, reinforcing the creature’s enduring association with the city.

Norwich is a city shaped by layers of history, creativity, and resilience. From medieval undercrofts and literary pioneers to markets, rebels, and dragons, it offers far more than first impressions suggest. For those willing to look a little closer, Norwich reveals itself as a city where the past is not just preserved, but still very much alive.