Norwich is situated on the South East of England in the East Anglia region. This is typically the flattest area of the British Isles and is flooded with history. East Anglia or East Angles as it was known then, was originally believed to be founded by north and south folk coming together around 520AD.By the time of the battle of Hastings in 1066, Norwich had become one of the largest towns in Britain, now occupied by Saxons, Scandinavians and Normans, it was so important, it even had its own mint. However soon after, Anglo-saxon homes were being destroyed to make way for a fortress that would tower above the town, the intial wood version was finished in 1075AD.1096 saw the work beginning on what now is the famous Norwich Cathedral and by 1194, Norwich was granted the status of a city by Richard 1st.

By the early 1300s a wall was now encircling the town with twelve gates, which was a good way to collect tolls as people entered and left. As time moved on, about 30 thousand people were now living within these flint walls. By the middle 1300s the castle was starting to be neglected and so became a jail, where prisoners lived in appalling conditions.In 1349 the "Black Death" reached Norwich city where its though 2 fifths of the population died, including a lot of clergymen.

Churches suffered from the lack of these priests.One of the most important trades for centuries within this area was weaving and by the 1600s many different yarns and wools were being used and transported from different parts of the country to satisfy demand. It was now being exported all over the world, and as farm workers moved into the city, to escape low agricultural wages, Norwich then became what is believed to be the largest town in the British Isles.

The population grew massively during the 1800s and so more and more people started to move out side the walls. As transport improved throughout the country, the train network arrived at Norwich. By this time the textile industry has expanded into leather goods but was also being forced to adapt to outside forces such as relevant wars the fashion industry and improved transport threw pressure on the weavers.

New industries now also started to appear including soap manufacturers, iron foundries and a brewery.By 1901 Norwich had a population of 111,773 and then a building boom between the wars saw over 1000 houses a year being built. During the Second World War, Norwich was selected for bombing because of its history and historic buildings and was bomber over 40 times.

Today much of Norwich city history still stands with its castles, churches and the now famous cathedral is still there for you to enjoy. There are also many museums showing exhibits and representing how the people of Norwich used to live,.If you are interested in the history of the British Isles, Norwich must be a consideration for you to study as it played such a large part of the English culture and foundations.

By: Mark Flanighan