What You Didn’t Know About Norwich (And Where to Find Out More)
What You Didn’t Know About Norwich (And Where to Find Out More)
by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a city with stories, history and fun facts aplenty. From a fantastic range of walking tours to fascinating museums, you’re sure to find out exciting titbits you’ll want to share. And that goes for Norwich’s incredible characters too.
And there’s no better time to discover something new in the City of Stories than English Tourism Week (13 – 22 March 2026). With our wonderful attractions on hand to share these intriguing tales, discover below what you didn’t know about Norwich- and then plan a visit to find out more!
There’s a Hidden Street Under Castle Meadow
Who knew there was hidden history right beneath our feet?
Where to Find Out More: The Shoebox Experiences
Did you know that Castle Meadow was originally much lower than the roads and paths we see today? Before the Victorians built over Norwich Castle’s ditches, this iconic city landmark would’ve been double the height from street level! Once a flourishing spot for businesses, houses and communities, not even locals are aware of the history they’re walking over.
With The Shoebox Experiences’ Hidden Street Tour (select dates, adults £16.50, children £8.50), you can take a trip below Castle Meadow, back in time to 15th century Norwich. Immerse yourself in our city’s hidden history. Here, you’ll discover tales of lost tunnels, eerie prison cells and life for medieval weaving families, all beneath your feet.
Julian of Norwich was the First Woman to Write a Book in English
Julian of Norwich was the first woman to write a book in English!
Where to Find Out More: Paul Dickson Tours and The Julian Shrine
Norwich isn’t short of some fantastic firsts. One of our city’s best claims to fame is Julian of Norwich. After receiving a series of extraordinary visions, she vowed to live her life as an anchoress at St Julian’s Church, noting down her Revelations of Divine Love– the first woman to write a book in English.
You can explore the site of Julian of Norwich’s anchoress cell, discover stories of her life and contemporaries and take a moment of contemplation at The Julian Shrine and visitor centre (free). Or join Paul Dickson’s ‘Julian’s Medieval Norwich’ tour (select dates, £12pp), exploring the life of this incredible woman and the Norwich she would have known.
The City Was (Briefly) Home to Peter the Wild Boy
Have you seen the Lanes post of Peter the Wild Boy?
Where to Find Out More: Museum of Norwich
Have you ever had a drink in The Wildman and wondered where its name comes from? Or perhaps you’ve come across the Norwich Lanes plaques and posts?
Peter the Wild Boy was found in Norwich after a fire at the Bridewell Prison. Originally discovered in the forests of northern Germany, he was brought to the attention of (German) King George I, who brought him to St James’ Palace in London in 1726. (His portrait still hangs from the walls of Kensington Palace.)
Eventually, Peter was put into the care of a family in Hertfordshire, where he lived a good life on their farm. After mysteriously disappearing one day, he was found on Mousehold Heath and imprisoned in Norwich. To this day no-one knows how he travelled on his own over 100 miles, with very limited speech and mobility.
At the Museum of Norwich (the former Bridewell), you can discover more about Peter the Wild Boy’s tale, including why he was there and what became of him after being found in Norwich in their dedicated gallery (Tuesday – Saturday, adults from £8.20, children from £6.90).
Norwich’s Own Wordsmith Was Only Second to Shakespeare
Discover fascinating tales with Norwich Story Walks, including that of Sir Thomas Browne!
Where to Find Out More: Norwich Story Walks
Observing Norwich’s comings and goings in Hay Hill is Sir Thomas Browne. This Grade II listed bronze statue is an homage to the city’s inventive wordsmith, who coined the second highest number of words and phrases after Shakespeare himself. With interests in science, medicine, religion and more Browne was a polymath and author who made Norwich his home from 1637 and lived here for the rest of his life.
From ‘ambidextrous’ to ‘locomotion’, ‘ferocious’ to ‘migrant’, one of the best ways to discover Sir Thomas Browne’s words (and the VERY mysterious circumstances of his burial) are with Norwich Story Walks’ Weird and Wonderful Story Walk (select dates, £10pp, under 17s FREE). See if you can decipher which are his and which are Shakespeare’s!
Plague Victims Haunt Tombland Alley
Behind the picturesque Tombland Alley hides a haunting history
Where to Find Out More: Norwich Ghost Walks
Strolling along the picturesque cobbles of Tombland, it’s easy to miss some of Norwich’s most haunting history. Like much of England, the city was plagued by the Black Death in the 1300s, with tens of thousands succumbing to this devastating disease. In Tombland Alley, the churchyard of St George’s church had to be raised to bury the number of bodies. When was the last time you saw a graveyard above ground level?
Another terrifying tale is that of a young girl and her family on the site of St Augustine Steward’s House in the very same alley. Today, it’s a charming Tudor building, but its beams hide a darker story- you might even spot a ghost or two. On Norwich Ghost Walks’ River route, you can unearth the full details of what occurred- if you’re brave enough (select dates, £12pp)!
The Maddermarket Theatre is Based on the Sistine Chapel
Did you know the Maddermarket Theatre was a former chapel?
Where to Find Out More: Go Quest Adventures and the Maddermarket Theatre
At the heart of the Maddermarket Theatre is a former Roman Catholic chapel, built in 1794. Before the addition of its Elizabethan-style exterior, it was used by priests living at Strangers’ Hall. Despite its small size, the chapel was praised for its amazing acoustics. Inspired by the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the chapel’s vaulted design amplifies voices from even the quietest whisper.
You can listen to these incredible acoustics for yourself- all you have to do is see a show at the Maddermarket Theatre, be it a drama, musical, comedy or dance. And if you spend an afternoon with Go Quest Adventures’ self-guided tour (£28.95 for up to 5 players), you’ll uncover this little-known fact and more as you explore Norwich’s city streets.
Norwich Used to Have a Pub for Every Day of the Year…
Norwich Pub Tours is full of interesting stories about our city’s many pubs
Where to Find Out More: Norwich Pub Tours
Thanks to its flourishing industries (and lack of clean water!), Norwich was known for its many pubs. So much so, the saying goes that Norwich used to have a pub for every day of the year! And today, that legacy still stands. Our fine city is home to long-standing locals and plenty of stories to go with them.
From the Adam and Eve, the oldest pub in Norwich, to the Lollard’s Pit, once a site of punishment for religious heretics, Norwich Pub Tours (select dates, £20pp, 18+ years) offers history with a pint (or two!). Take a seat at our most characterful, hearing stories of rebellions, witch trials and more and shining a light on the people and places that have shaped our city’s history.
…And a Church for Every Week
With so many churches, today they’re home to unique venues like Norwich Puppet Theatre
Where to Find Out More: Norwich Puppet Theatre
As England’s second city during medieval times, Norwich is home to an abundance of churches, too. In fact, it has more churches than any other city north of the Alps! Historically significant, breathtakingly beautiful, and still an important part of daily life, many of them take on a new lease of life. Think independent arts venues, cafes and even a skatepark!
One of our favourites is St James Pockthorpe. Today, it’s home to Norwich Puppet Theatre, one of only three building-based puppet theatres in the UK. Its nave is now the auditorium, its chancel the performance space. Historic beams still support the ceiling, while its flint walls embrace each show.
The City has a Naughtier Side
An evening on Cheryl Cade’s Naughty Norwich tour is guaranteed to be full of laughs, gossip and gasps!
Where to Find Out More: Cheryl Cade Tours
Norwich is a city packed with culture and heritage, independent businesses and undeniably good food and drink, but you might not have come across its naughtier (and racier) side!
Whilst every city is home to darker tales, like well-known local rebel Robert Kett, Cheryl Cade’s Naughty Norwich tour (select dates, £10pp, 18+ years) shines a light on the underworld of everyday people. Think crime, punishment, gossip and dirty secrets! Wait until you hear the original name of Opie Street…
James Stewart and Walter Matthau Were Stationed Here in WWII
Norwich is home to the UK’s only American Library, a public memorial to those who served from the US in Norfolk in WWII
Where to Find Out More: The American Library
The Forum is home to the UK’s only American Library (free), a public war memorial chronicling the lives of the 2nd Air Division and 8th United States Army Air Forces who were based in Norfolk during WWII. And believe it or not, they include Hollywood stars James Stewart and Walter Matthau.
With both members of the 453rd Bombardment Group, Stewart and Matthau were based at RAF Old Buckenham, just 17 miles from the city (did you know you can even visit the site?). Stewart took part in missions to Germany, while Matthau flew during the Battle of the Bulge. The American Library tells of the lives of those like these two film stars and everyday people like prolific letter writer Margie Fahey, exploring life in the air and on the ground and the impact of American culture on our fine city.
