A Timeline of Norwich

By Tim Lambert

10th Century

Norwich is a small town and inland port with its own mint

1004

The Danes sack and burn Norwich

1086

Norwich has a population of about 6,000

1094

The bishop moves his seat from Thetford to Norwich

1194

Norwich is given a charter (a document granting the people certain rights)

1294

Great Hospital is founded

1266

During a civil war, Norwich is sacked by rebel barons

1268

Norwich Cathedral is consecrated

1272

Riots in Norwich

1278

Cow Tower is built

1300

Norwich has a population of about 10,000. The main industry is making wool but there is also an important leather industry.

1370

The Bridewell is built

1381

During the Peasants Revolt, rebels capture Norwich

1404

Norwich is given a new charter

1407

A Guildhall is built

1420

Erpingham Gate is built

1463

A spire is added to Norwich Cathedral

1505

Norwich suffers a severe fire

1549

During Kett’s Rebellion, the rebels seize Norwich

1565 onwards

Weavers come to Norwich from Holland and Belgium

1579

An outbreak of plague kills about 1/3 of the population of Norwich

1625

Plague strikes Norwich

1648

Riots break out in Norwich

1665

Plague strikes Norwich again

1700

The population of Norwich is about 25,000

1714

Bethel Hospital is built

1721

The first newspaper in Norwich is published

1754

An Assembly House is built

1756

The first bank is founded in Norwich

1801

Norwich has a population of 36,000

1806

A body of men called the Improvement Commissioners is formed to pave, clean, and light the streets of Norwich

1819

Smallpox kills 530 people in Norwich

1844

The railway reaches Norwich

1857

The first public library opens

1877

Slum clearance begins in Norwich

1884

The Roman Catholic Cathedral is built in Norwich

1886

Mousehold Heath opens as a park

1894

Castle Museum opens

1899

Royal Arcade is built

1900

Electric trams run in Norwich

1912

The first cinema opens

1922

James Stuart Garden opens

1927

Woodrow Piling Park opens

1935

Electric trams cease running in Norwich

1938

City Hall is built

1963

Norwich University is founded

1970

Anglia Square Shopping Centre opens

1977

The Arts Centre opens

1993

Castle Quarter opens

1999

Riverside Leisure Complex opens

2002

The Forum opens

2005

Chantry Shopping Centre opens