The rising sun illuminates Norwich's two Cathedrals, starting points of the Walsingham Way. Photograph: Norwich Cathedral/Bill Smith

Norwich Cathedral, Norwich

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One of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Europe and the most complete Norman Cathedral in England, Norwich Cathedral has welcomed visitors and pilgrims for more than 900 years. The Cathedral houses a renowned collection of over 1,000 medieval roof boss sculptures depicting various characters and themes. It has the highest Norman tower, as well as the largest monastic cloisters in England. An array of other attractions are on offer to visitors.

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Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk's easterly position jutting out into the North Sea facilitated aerial missions in occupied Europe during the Second World War. Its flat terrain was ideal for airfields, particularly bomber stations. This predominantly rural county saw the building of thirty airfields on its land and a huge influx of allied servicemen into its midst by way of the 'Friendly Invasion'. Norfolk's proximity to occupied Europe brought with it a risk of invasion and in 1940 the East Anglian coast was declared a Defence Area which resulted in strict restrictions on movement in and out. A series of defences was constructed and many pillboxes can still be seen dotted across the landscape. Airfields were attacked by German bombers and, whilst they were well defended and the raids did not cause serious damage, these attacks struck fear into the local communities. In addition, Norwich was targeted in the 'Baedeker' bombing raids of 1942 and King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth also suffered, with the latter losing St Nicholas' Church (now Great Yarmouth Minster). The Royal Norfolk Regiment fought with great distinction in the Second World War and five members were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest number of any British regiment in the conflict. The Regiment saw action at Dunkirk and in Normandy, North Africa and the Far East. Key events which greatly affected Norfolk families include the Le Paradis Massacre in 1940, and the surrender of Singapore in 1942 in which three battalions of the Royal Norfolk Regiment were captured and held prisoner by the Japanese until September 1945. Several battalions were used in home defence roles and as reinforcements for the overseas battalions. Norfolk's churches once again became quiet witnesses to the sorrow of war and a focus for mourning and commemoration. Some were permanently destroyed but others rose from the ashes.

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Over 11,000 Norfolk men left to fight in the First World War and lost their lives. The term Thankful Villages is given to the 53 parishes nationwide which were lucky enough to welcome all of their servicemen home. There are no such villages in Norfolk. The unsurpassed wave of public remembrance generated more than 100,000 war memorials in the UK. These took the form of plaques, monuments, gardens, memorial halls and, of course, village memorials featuring the Cross of Sacrifice complete with the downturned sword indicating peace. Churches provided an outlet for the nation's grief, becoming a focal point for commemoration with the installation of memorials but also by way of the service held every Remembrance Sunday in which the names of the fallen are read out. The following Norfolk churches each have particularly poignant and interesting links to the First World War.

Medieval Churches of Norwich

Visitors to Norwich are usually struck by how many church buildings there are. Indeed, at its peak there were 57 churches within the city walls. Not all have survived to this day: war and weather have taken their toll.

Norwich Cathedral, Norwich

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Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Medieval Churches of Norwich

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Norwich Cathedral, Norwich

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As featured in

Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Medieval Churches of Norwich

Explore Churches in Your Local Area

Explore by Location & Feature