We set out on our annual Sudbury History Society coach trip to Norwich on 24th November 2023. There was no guided tour so on arrival, we set off in different directions: some to the Cathedral, some to do Christmas shopping and others to explore the old part of town and cobbled streets such as Elm Hill.
As it was a bitterly cold day, many of us initially retreated to the warmth of a café. We had a look round the covered market in the main square and then visited the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. It was a fascinating museum telling the story of the history of Norwich, once larger and more prosperous than York. We learned about the influx of Flemish weavers in the 16th and 17th centuries and their contribution to the textile wealth of the town. They were called the “Strangers” but integrated well in the town. Ancient silk pattern books and a restored Jacquard loom were part of the exhibits.
There were displays about Norwich’s rich industrial heritage: heavy engineering, manufacturing aircraft, making mustard, chocolate and crackers. We saw a vast collection of shoes and boots showing the city’s history of manufacturing shoes with famous brands like Start-rite and Ballys. There was even the recreation of an old pharmacy shop from the early 20th century.
We rounded off a very enjoyable day with a visit to another Norwich café and arrived back in Sudbury by 6pm.