Anyone who loves books and travelling might be interested to know about Norwich, a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Norwich has a medieval centre and a long literary history which it keeps alive today. It’s also packed full of bookshops.
Read on for more information about Norwich’s place in the literary world, and details of how to get there from London.
About Norwich
Nowadays Norwich is a small city, rather out on a limb in the middle of East Anglia. But believe it or not, it used to be England’s second largest city after London. This is because for centuries it was at the forefront of the booming wool trade, with easy links across the sea to modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands.
Norwich’s architecture reflects this former prominence. It has two cathedrals, a castle and a large number of medieval churches. So even if you’re not into books, there’s still a lot to see in Norwich!
If you are into books though, read on for some literary information about Norwich.
Why is Norwich a UNESCO Creative City of Literature?
Long history of literary connections
Norwich’s literary history stretches back hundreds of years. Julian of Norwich was the first woman to write a book in English: her Revelations of Divine Love in 1395. Two centuries later, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, wrote the first poem in blank verse whilst in Norwich. With a literary legacy stretching that far back, it’s no surprise that Norwich continues to be a literary hotspot.
Home to famous authors and publishers
Authors seemingly flock to Norwich. It has been home to a variety of authors including Ian McEwan (best known for Atonement), Kazuo Ishiguro (best known for Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day) and Emma Healey (best known for Elizabeth is Missing).
Academic legacy of creative writing
The University of East Anglia in Norwich ran the UK’s first Creative Writing masters degree in 1970. This course is still known as one of the most prestigious creative writing qualifications in the UK.
Literary and arts festivals
Norwich hosts the UK’s oldest city arts festival: the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. The inaugural Festival took place in 1824 although it was officially founded off the back of fundraisers dating back to 1772. The Festival now takes place each year in May.
Numerous bookshops
Most importantly for anybody visiting Norwich, Norwich also has numerous bookshops! Spend a few hours wandering in and out of some of the bookshops listed below.
Bookshops you should visit in Norwich
Call in at some of these bookshops to browse a mixture of new and second-hand books.
The Dormouse
The Dormouse is on Elm Hill which is probably Norwich’s most famous street: cobbled, medieval and like travelling back in time. The Dormouse’s shelves are packed haphazardly with books of all genres, including a huge array of orange and green Penguin classics.
JR & RK Ellis Booksellers
JR & RK Ellis Booksellers is a family-run bookshop tucked into a corner between Willow Lane and St Giles Street. Although it looks small from the outside, just enter through its painted red door and you’ll find stacks of books here.
City Bookshop
City Bookshop is another family-run bookshop just two streets away from Norwich Castle. As well as offering a wide selection of books, City Bookshop hosts regular exhibitions showcasing local history.
Tombland Bookshop
Tombland is in a lovely yellow timbered building just next to the gate to Norwich Cathedral. Again it is crammed with books. It’s a cosy experience browsing the shelves under the thick wooden beams lining the ceiling.
Waterstones
Finally, visit Norwich’s Waterstones for everything from centuries-old classics to the newest releases. It’s a huge branch so you can be fairly sure you’ll find the book you’re looking for. This Waterstones also has a café upstairs where you can have a comfortable rest from browsing for books!
How to get to Norwich from London
Has this inspired you to make a trip to Norwich? If so, and if you’re travelling there from London, you can take a direct train there from London Liverpool Street. The train journey takes just under two hours.
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