Your choice for the 2012 winter weekend was the beautiful East Anglian city of Norwich. Once the second largest city in England, it would become one of the richest cities in Europe and the legacy of these centuries is all around you. Norwich has a glorious Norman Cathedral and an impressive Norman castle; cobbled lanes and medieval buildings; elegant Georgian architecture and of course, the river. The solid defensive lookout, Cows Tower, built on a bend of the river indicates that this has not always been a peaceful area. At Wymondham Abbey and Mousehold Heath we will hear about the Rebellion led by Robert Kett and the battle of 1549.

The wealth of Norwich for many centuries depended on the wool trade, bolstered by skilled workers from Flanders and Huguenots, all fleeing religious persecution. There was a period of faction between Parliamentarians and Royalists; the cathedral was damaged and unused until the restoration. The divide extended into the politics of the 18th century, but the city continued to prosper, with a thriving market, fine public buildings and town houses.

By the time of the French Revolution Norwich's glory days were over, increasingly isolated as the industrial midland and northern factory towns flourished. Norwich became chiefly an administrative centre, a pleasant, quiet place to live. The mid 20th century would change that, as we will see when we visit the Aviation museum at Horsham St Faith, a major bomber base during World War two and later RAF station.

Along the way we will hear stories of exceptional people, including Nurse Edith Cavell whose grave we will visit outside the Cathedral. Norwich has many famous sons and daughters including Julian of Norwich, Elisabeth Fry, Harriett Martineau and Sir John Mills.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Friday): Meet at the Maid's Head Hotel, Norwich by 1330. 1400 depart for the wonderful Romanesque cathedral, within walking distance of the hotel. Welcome drink, dinner and Introductory talk by a local historian.
Day 2: The Aviation museum at Horsham St Faith, which has a fine collection of post war aircraft and many stories to tell. Lunch break in Norwich. Discover Norwich through the ages – a short escorted tour and time to explore.
Day 3: The story of Kett's Rebellion from Wymondham Abbey to Mousehold Heath. Group lunch in Norwich's Oldest Pub.