Norwich, Norfolk
Norwich local area guide
Picture shown above: Riverside Norwich.
Norwich is the vibrant county city of Norfolk and has a population of over 367,000. The city is the most complete medieval city in Britain and its historic past is evident through the local architecture, with 12 individual outstanding heritage buildings open to the public including Norwich Castle, Cathedral, Guildhall and Great Hospital. Modern life thrives around the historic surroundings, with popular shopping destinations attracting visitors from across the UK, including The Mall Norwich, which has been resourcefully built largely underground on a hillside, allowing it to nestle seamlessly next to the 11th century city castle.
Local architecture was boosted in the 18th century through the work of Thomas Ivory, who created the Assembly Rooms and Octagon Chapel. In the 19th century, Norwich expanded rapidly, with the erection of many of the city’s current commercial and residential buildings taking place throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Modern architecture includes the Sainsbury Centre Art Gallery at the University of East Anglia, which was designed by Norman Foster in 1977.
There is a strong arts culture in the city, celebrated each year through the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, an outdoor event including a mix of performances from theatre groups, artist and musicians from across East Anglia.
History of Norwich
The ancient city of Norwich was a thriving centre for trade and commerce, due to the proximity of trading routes through the River Yare and Great Yarmouth. By the time of the Norman conquest, Norwich was one of the largest cities in England and home to up to 10,000 people. Revenue generated by wool trade in the city financed an abundance of medieval churches. Over 30 of the 57 churches built at this time are still standing in the city today.
Economy
Norwich has been a well-known manufacturing city since the 20th century, at the time producing shoes, clothing, joinery and structural engineering. It also has a history of food production and is the home of Caley’s chocolate and Coleman’s mustard. Today, Norwich also has a strong leisure and tourism economy, with vibrant restaurants, bars, shopping centres attracting visitors as well as the Norwich City Football Club.
In 1797, the Norwich Union Society was founded by wine merchant and banker, Thomas Bignold. This company started to offer insurance for stock and houses against fire, and was the prelim for Norwich Union, the insurance giant which still dominates the city’s economy today.
Transport
Norwich is linked to London Liverpool Street, Great Yarmouth and Cambridge by rail. There are many bus operators running services locally and also external services to Stansted Airport, Birmingham and London. Norwich International airport feeds into Schiphol in Amsterdam and has connections to popular holiday destinations through a number of commercial operators.
Education in Norwich
The University of East Anglia is centred in Norwich and offers high standard facilities to over 13,000 students. The University Campus is surrounded by over 300 acres of parkland but still only about two miles from the city centre offering a tranquil, yet convenient location for students.
There are over 50 schools in the city, including nursery, primary and secondary schools. A number of business school and adult learning centres are also running.
Property in Norwich
There is a very good selection of property for sale in Norwich to suit first time buyers through to those looking for a family home. Many of the properties in Norwich are Edwardian and Victorian, as well as a large number of modern flats and apartments near the city centre. Visit our Norwich property page to view a selection of two, three and four bedroom houses at Annington Fields.
Do you live in Norwich?
We would love to hear from you. Please email us your comments to norwich@annington.co.uk.
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