Norwich was one of the five largest cities in England during the Norman times. Owing to its location on the "other" side of the fens or swamps, Norwich found it easier to trade with mainland Europe by sea than overland to London, and thusly enjoyed a more continental flare.

For East Anglia, Norwich is surprisingly hilly, lying along a bend in the river Wensum. Norwich offers the tourist a magnificent cathedral, who's tower rises 315 feet into the air. The cathedral was started in 1096, and tucked along its' sides is the cathedral close, a vast area fully 1/5th of the old walled city. The close today houses a number of religious and secular businesses, as well as public garden areas.

Norwich's other main features are its marketplace, and Norman castle. The marketplace is surrounded on three sides by the Guildhall (15th C.), the 1930's era City Hall, and St. Peter's Mancroft, a lovely parish church complete with tower. The Norman castle, originally of the motte and bailey style, was used in later centuries as a prison, and the current building reflects this latter usage.