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Norwich Cathedral from the cloisters
Norwich is a medieval city and the capital of Norfolk
and has always been the main commercial centre of the
county. Originally its wealth was built on wool and
weaving but today it has many modern industries
- particularly in the financial services sector.
Traditionally Norwich has always been slightly cut off
from the rest of England - largely due to poor transport
links - and, as a result, has developed close links with
the continent instead. During the 16th Century Flemish refugees
- known locally as the 'Strangers' - moved to Norwich to
avoid religious persecution and helped to expand the
wool and cloth trade. However, with the advent of the
Industrial Revolution the city's influence declined. The Norwich School
painters were the first artistic group to form outside
London and created an outstanding body of work. Chief
among these artists were John Crome and John Sell Cotman.
Many of their works can be seen at the Castle Museum.
Norwich has long possessed a reputation as a
non-conformist, radical city where Norfolk's motto 'do
different' has always been enthusiastically embraced.
Many talented writers have been born or lived in Norwich
and today the city is still regarded as a centre of
excellence for writing. The University of East Anglia's
MA course in Creative Writing was the first of its kind
in the country and is still thriving today.
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Supported
by Norfolk Tourism