10 facts about Norwich you didn't know

Norwich's Hidden Wonders: 10 Surprising Facts About England's Most Enchanting City You Must Discover

Buckle up, fellow history buffs and curious minds! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the hidden gems of Norwich, England's most surprising city. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, this charming medieval town is bursting with secrets just waiting to be uncovered. From underground tunnels to sky-high spires, Norwich has it all - and we're here to spill the beans on its most fascinating facts.

Picture cobblestone streets lined with timber-framed houses, a majestic castle perched atop a hill, and a stunning cathedral that pierces the skyline. But don't be fooled by its quaint appearance - Norwich is a city of firsts, bests, and onlys that will blow your mind. Did you know, for example, that it was home to the first female writer to make a living from her pen? Or that it boasts the largest permanent undercover market in Europe? And what if we told you that Norwich was the site of a daring prison break involving a notorious highwayman?

Get ready to have your socks knocked off as we dive into 10 mind-boggling facts about Norwich that you never knew existed. Trust us, by the end of this list, you'll be booking your tickets to this hidden gem faster than you can say "Alan Partridge"!

1. The City of Literature That Broke the Mold

Hold onto your hats, book lovers! Norwich isn't just any old city - it's England's first UNESCO City of Literature. But wait, there's more! This literary powerhouse was home to the first woman to publish a book in English, Julian of Norwich, way back in the 14th century. Talk about girl power! And if that's not enough to make your inner bookworm swoon, how about this: Norwich was also the stomping ground of the first woman to earn a living through writing, Amelia Opie. So next time someone tells you that women in literature are a modern phenomenon, hit them with these fun facts about Norwich's trailblazing female authors. Best part? The city's literary legacy is still going strong, with a thriving writing scene and more bookshops per capita than anywhere else in England. Time to dust off those reading glasses and dive into Norwich's literary wonderland!

2. The Underground Labyrinth You Never Knew Existed

Prepare to have your mind blown, urban explorers! Beneath the bustling streets of Norwich lies a hidden world that would make even Indiana Jones jealous. We're talking about a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, some dating back to medieval times. These secret passageways were used for everything from smuggling to escape routes during times of siege. But here's the kicker - some of these tunnels are still accessible today! Imagine strolling through Elm Hill, one of the most picturesque streets in England, knowing that right beneath your feet lies a labyrinth of history just waiting to be discovered. And get this - there are even rumors of a secret tunnel connecting Norwich Castle to the cathedral. Talk about a royal escape route! So next time you're in Norwich, keep your eyes peeled for hidden entrances - you never know what subterranean secrets you might uncover!

3. The Mustard Capital of the World

Get ready to spice up your life, foodies! Did you know that Norwich is the mustard capital of the world? That's right, this unassuming city is home to the world-famous Colman's Mustard, which has been tantalizing taste buds since 1814. But here's the real zinger - the Colman family didn't just make mustard, they built an entire village for their workers! Carrow Works, as it was known, had its own school, chapel, and even a shoe-mending service. Talk about employee perks! And if you think that's impressive, wait till you hear this - the Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum in Norwich is the only one of its kind in the world. It's a mustard lover's paradise, with over 40 varieties of mustard to sample and vintage advertisements that'll transport you back in time. So next time you're slathering that yellow goodness on your hot dog, remember - you're tasting a piece of Norwich history!

4. The Castle That's Not Really a Castle

Hold onto your crowns, history buffs! Norwich Castle might look like your typical medieval fortress, but it's got a secret that'll knock your socks off. Despite its imposing appearance, it was never actually used as a castle! That's right, this Norman "keep" was built as a royal palace, but the monarchs of the time preferred their London digs and never moved in. Talk about a royal snub! But here's where it gets really interesting - the castle was converted into a prison in the 14th century and remained one until 1887. Imagine being locked up in what was supposed to be a king's bedroom! And if that's not enough to blow your mind, get this - the castle was the site of one of the most daring prison breaks in history. In 1549, rebel leader Robert Kett was imprisoned here, only to escape by using knotted bedsheets to climb down the walls. Now that's what we call a royal exit! Today, the castle is a museum, but its fascinating history as a palace-turned-prison-turned-tourist-attraction makes it one of Norwich's most unique landmarks.

5. The Church Capital of Europe

Prepare to have your faith in architecture restored! Norwich isn't just any old city - it's the church capital of Europe. That's right, this medieval marvel boasts a staggering 32 medieval churches within its city walls, more than any other city north of the Alps. But wait, it gets better! Norwich is home to not one, but two cathedrals. The Norman Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity (try saying that five times fast) is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, while the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a neo-Gothic masterpiece. And here's a fun fact that'll make your head spin - Norwich Cathedral's spire is the second tallest in England, standing at a whopping 315 feet. That's taller than the Statue of Liberty! But the real cherry on top? The cathedral close is the largest in England, covering 44 acres. That's bigger than some villages! So next time you're in Norwich, don't forget to look up - you might just see a piece of history reaching for the heavens.

6. The Market That Never Sleeps

Get ready to shop 'til you drop, bargain hunters! Norwich Market isn't just any old marketplace - it's the largest permanent undercover market in Europe. That's right, this bustling bazaar has been serving up everything from fresh produce to vintage treasures for over 900 years. But here's the real kicker - it's open six days a week, rain or shine. Talk about dedication! And if you think that's impressive, wait till you hear this - the market has 189 stalls, each with its own unique charm. From the famous "Mushy Pea Stall" (a local delicacy) to a stall selling nothing but buttons, there's something for everyone. But the best part? The market is still going strong in the 21st century, with new stalls popping up all the time. So whether you're after some fresh local cheese or a one-of-a-kind vintage find, Norwich Market has got you covered. Just make sure you bring a big shopping bag - you're gonna need it!

7. The City of Rebels and Radicals

Buckle up, history lovers! Norwich isn't just a pretty face - it's got a rebellious streak a mile wide. This city has been the site of not one, but two major rebellions that shook England to its core. First up, we've got Kett's Rebellion of 1549, where thousands of angry peasants took over the city in protest against land enclosures. But here's the real shocker - they actually managed to defeat a royal army before finally being crushed. Talk about David versus Goliath! And if that's not enough to make your inner rebel yell, how about this - Norwich was also a hotbed of religious dissent. It was home to the first Congregationalist church in England, founded in 1581. But the best part? The city's radical tradition continues to this day. Norwich was the first UK city to join the nuclear-free movement in the 1980s, and it's still known for its progressive politics. So next time you're in Norwich, raise a glass to the rebels and radicals who shaped this city's fiery spirit!

8. The Birthplace of the World's First Mail Order Business

Hold onto your catalogs, shopping enthusiasts! Norwich isn't just a city of history - it's a city of innovation. Did you know that it's the birthplace of the world's first mail order business? That's right, long before Amazon and eBay, there was Jarrold & Sons. Founded in 1770, this family-run business started out as a small grocery and drapery shop. But here's where it gets really interesting - in 1823, they published their first mail order catalog, allowing customers to order goods from the comfort of their own homes. Talk about ahead of their time! And if that's not enough to make your jaw drop, get this - Jarrold's is still going strong today, with a department store in the heart of Norwich that's been called the "Harrods of the East". But the best part? The original Jarrold's building is now home to the John Jarrold Printing Museum, where you can see vintage printing presses in action. So next time you're clicking "add to cart" online, remember - you've got Norwich to thank for that!

9. The City That Gave Us Chocolate

Get ready for a sweet surprise, chocoholics! Norwich might not be the first place you think of when it comes to chocolate, but it should be. Why? Because it's the birthplace of the chocolate bar as we know it today. That's right, in 1847, Joseph Fry of J.S. Fry & Sons (based in Norwich) created the first solid chocolate bar for eating. Before that, chocolate was mainly consumed as a drink. Can you imagine a world without chocolate bars? We can't either! But wait, there's more! Norwich was also home to Caley's, another famous chocolate maker. Their factory, known as the "Chocolate Castle" because of its distinctive architecture, was a landmark in the city for over a century. And here's a fun fact that'll make your taste buds tingle - Caley's invented the chocolate-covered marshmallow treat known as "Marvin's Magic". So next time you're biting into a chocolate bar, remember - you're tasting a piece of Norwich history!

10. The City of Dragons

Hold onto your mythical creature guidebooks, fantasy fans! Norwich isn't just any old city - it's a city of dragons. No, we're not talking about "Game of Thrones" here. Norwich has a long-standing association with dragons that dates back centuries. But here's the real fire-breather - there are 79 dragon sculptures scattered throughout the city! These colorful creatures are part of the "GoGoDragons!" art trail, which was created to celebrate the city's heritage. But wait, it gets even more magical! The dragon is actually the symbol of Norwich, appearing on the city's coat of arms. Legend has it that the dragon represents the Devil, who was defeated by St. George (the patron saint of England) right here in Norwich. And if that's not enough to make your inner dragon tamer swoon, how about this - Norwich Castle even has its own dragon, a weathervane that's been keeping watch over the city for centuries. So next time you're in Norwich, keep your eyes peeled - you never know where you might spot a dragon!

And there you have it, folks - 10 mind-blowing facts about Norwich that you probably never knew. From literary firsts to underground labyrinths, from mustard empires to dragon trails, this city is a treasure trove of surprises just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the hidden wonders of Norwich. Trust us, this is one city that'll keep you coming back for more. After all, with so many secrets to uncover, one visit is never enough. See you in Norwich - where history meets mystery, and every corner holds a new surprise!