Timeline of Norwich facts for kids

Norwich is a historic city in Norfolk, England. It has a long and interesting past, with many important events shaping it over hundreds of years. This timeline will take you on a journey through Norwich's history, from its early days to more modern times, highlighting key moments and changes.

Early History of Norwich

• 924 AD: A market was already busy in Norwich, showing it was an important place for trade.
• 1004: Norwich was attacked and damaged by the Danes, a group of people from Scandinavia.
• 1067: The building of Norwich Castle began around this time. It was a strong fortress.
• 1094: The main church office for East Anglia moved to Norwich from Thetford, making Norwich a religious center.
• 1096: Norwich School, an important school, was started.

12th to 13th Centuries

• 1100: The Bishop's Palace, a grand home for the bishop, was built.
• 1101: Norwich Cathedral, a huge and beautiful church, was officially opened.
• 1106: A fair, where people could buy and sell goods, was active in Norwich.
• 1122: King Henry I visited the town, showing its growing importance.
• 1144: A young helper, William of Norwich, was sadly murdered.
• 1145: Norwich Cathedral was finally finished after many years of building.
• 1158: King Henry II of England gave the people of Norwich a special document called a charter, giving them more rights.
• 1190: A sad event occurred where some people were attacked because of their religion.
• 1194: King Richard I of England gave Norwich an even stronger charter, giving the town more power.
• 1216: Dauphin Louis, a French prince, took control of Norwich Castle.
• 1248: The Chapel and Hospice of St Mary's in the Field was founded to help people.
• 1249: St. Giles's Hospital was founded, providing care for the sick.
• 1266: A group called the "Disinherited Barons" attacked and damaged the city.
• 1272: A riot happened in Norwich, causing trouble in the city.
• 1295: Bishops Bridge was built, helping people cross the river.
• 1298: Norwich started sending two people to represent it in the English parliament.

14th to 15th Centuries

Norwich around the year 1300.

• 1341: The Norwich Market, a central place for trade, was given to the city to manage.
• 1342: Strong city walls were built around Norwich to protect it.
• 1348: The terrible Black Death plague reached Norwich, causing many deaths.
• 1383: Queen Anne of Bohemia visited Norwich.
• 1404: Norwich officially became an incorporated city, giving it more self-governance.
• 1411: The Market Cross, a special building in the market, was built.
• 1413: Norwich Guildhall, an important building for city meetings, was constructed.
• 1414: A large fire caused damage in the city.
• 1430: Great Hall, a grand building, was built.
• 1443: A local uprising known as Gladman's insurrection took place.
• 1455: St Peter Mancroft church, a significant church, was officially opened.
• 1472: St Laurence's Church was built.

16th Century

• 1505: Another fire occurred in Norwich.
• 1521: Coslany bridge was rebuilt.
• 1549: Kett's Rebellion, a major uprising against the government, happened near Norwich.
• 1565: Many Walloons, people from what is now Belgium, arrived in Norwich and set up a French Church.
• 1567: Anthony de Solempne started a printing press in Norwich, bringing new ways to share information.
• 1573: Fye bridge was rebuilt.
• 1578: Queen Elizabeth I visited the city, a very important event.
• 1586: Blackfriars Bridge was rebuilt.
• 1591: Whitefriars Bridge was rebuilt.

17th Century

• 1602: The plague returned to Norwich.
• 1608: The Norwich Public Library was started, giving people access to books.
• 1671: King Charles II of England visited the city.
• 1693: The population of Norwich was counted at 28,881 people.
• 1697: A new Mint was established in Norwich, where coins could be made.

18th Century

• 1701: The Norwich Post newspaper began publishing, sharing news with the city.
• 1727: The Norwich Mercury newspaper also started publication.
• 1754: The Assembly House, a place for social gatherings, was built.
• 1756: The Octagon Chapel, a unique church, was built.
• 1757: A new Theatre was built for plays and performances.
• 1761: The Norfolk Chronicle newspaper began publication.
• 1770: Gurney's Bank was established, an important financial institution.
• 1771: The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was founded to care for the sick.
• 1784: The Norfolk and Norwich Subscription Library was established.

19th Century

• 1803: The Norwich Society of Artists became active, a group of local artists.
• 1811: Foundry Bridge was built.
• 1819: Rosary Cemetery, a burial ground, was established.
• 1821: The population of Norwich grew to 50,288 people.
• 1823: J. & J. Colman, a famous company, started its business.
• 1824: The Norfolk and Norwich Festival, a celebration of arts and music, began.
• 1826: The Theatre was rebuilt.
• 1831: A canal and harbour opened, making it easier to transport goods by water.
• 1835: A Town Council was elected, giving local people more say in how the city was run.
• 1839: St James Mill was built.
• 1844: The railway line between Yarmouth and Norwich began operating, connecting the cities.
• 1845: The Norfolk News newspaper started publication.
• 1849: Norwich Victoria railway station opened, a new train station.
• 1857: A Free Library building opened, offering books to everyone.
• 1861: The population of Norwich reached 75,025.
• 1874: A train accident, the Thorpe rail accident, happened near the town.
• 1875: Norwich High School for Girls was founded.
• 1880: Chapelfield Gardens, a public park, opened.
• 1882: Norwich City railway station opened.
• 1887: HM Prison Norwich, a prison, was established.
• 1891: City College Norwich, a college for further education, was founded.
• 1900: Norwich Electric Tramways began operating, providing public transport.

20th Century

• 1901: The population of Norwich reached 111,733.
• 1902: Norwich City Football Club was founded, becoming the city's professional football team. They are known for their song "On the Ball, City".
• 1903: The Grand Opera House opened, a place for grand performances.
• 1909: Sewell Park opened as a public green space.
• 1910: St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church was built, which is now St John the Baptist Cathedral.
• 1911: The Picture House cinema opened, showing films.
• 1921: The Maddermarket Theatre was founded.
• 1923: Norwich had its first lady Lord Mayor, a significant step for women in leadership.
• 1925: Wensum Park opened.
• 1928: Eaton Park opened.
• 1938: City Hall, the main building for the city council, was built.
• 1942: In April, Norwich was bombed from the air by German forces during World War II, in what was known as the Baedeker Blitz.
• 1963: The University of East Anglia was established, a major university.
• 1973: Colman's Mustard Shop opened, celebrating the famous mustard company.
• 1974: Norfolk Tower was built.
• 1977: Norwich Arts Centre opened, a venue for music and arts.
• 1978: The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, an art gallery, and Norwich Cinema City, a cinema, opened.
• 1979: The Norwich Puppet Theatre was founded.
• 1982: The City of Norwich Aviation Museum became active.
• 1988: The terminal at Norwich Airport opened.
• 1992: Norwich Research Park was launched, a center for science and research.
• 1995: Norwich Playhouse opened, a theatre.

21st Century

• 2001: The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital was founded, a new large hospital.
• 2001: The Forum, a modern building with a library and BBC offices, was built.
• 2005: Famous chef Delia Smith made her iconic "Let's be 'avin' you!" speech at Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City Football Club.
• 2006: 99.9 Radio Norwich began broadcasting.
• 2007: The Theatre Royal building was updated and refurbished.
• 2009: The Norwich Film Festival began.
• 2018: Colman's announced that most of its mustard production would move away from Norwich.
• 2020: The Covid-19 pandemic affected Norwich, like the rest of the world.