City of Stories - A Walking Tour of Norwich (4K)

[@Joshyboy1928]

Norwich is such a beautiful place. I went to study there 20 years ago and never wanted to leave. Now I am lucky enough to call it home. One important place you missed is Elm Hill, an intact medieval street that looks the same as it did in Henry VIII’s day. A must for your next visit. Thanks for giving Norwich such a good showcase, we look forward to having you back.

[@chrislambert9435]

They missed The Old Meeting House in Colegate

[@andidrew]

They also missed the Roman Catholic Cathedral being the first one in Norwich

[@chrislambert9435]

@@andidrew The RC Cathedral is a Fairly new Building ! !

[@stephanietaylor8003]

Born there. Left to emigrate to Australia in 1963 when i was 6 and I've never been back. Hopeful of visiting this year. Thank you, some of these places were familiar: castle of course and Cathedral, market, Guildhall and town hall where my mother went to pay bills while i waited outside and talked to the lion statues. I'm still confident that if i was plonked outside the town hall, I'd remember my way home to Melrose Road where we lived 61 years ago.

[@jharchery4117]

I'm from the US. My daughter attended NUA. We've visited the city several times and love it very much. Hoping one day to return. Thank you for this video. It brought back many good memories.

[@theupsetter1969]

Naaarch is a town I spent many an happy and unhappy hour in. Many memories, I can't believe how much has changed and how much is still recognisable from the dark ages (1980's). Wandering drunk down Magdalen street and accidentally joining the army. Being disappointed in the job centre and wandering into HMV next door to lift my mood. Standing next my dad's car in the multi-storey car park and smelling the Rowntree's factory. Trying to convince my friends to start a band and call ourselves the Anglia square heroes.

[@spaceskipster4412]

My brother had a Norwich band in the 1980’s. Martin Aston and the DB5’s… 🎸🎷🥁😂

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

I really liked the “student touch” to this video ❤️

[@RedStickLouisiana]

Those young folks are so lucky to go to university in such a beautiful and historic town. I suspect the full appreciation of the town will come as they grow older and look back on their college days. Thanks for sharing this town with us.

[@reggiebosanquet1525]

It's actually a City not a town. A very important distinction as city status is only granted by the Sovereign. Except of course in the case of a small number of cities which are designated with city status from 'time immemorial', a good example being the City of London.

[@richardsinger01]

You are no doubt correct. I was a student there in the 1980s. Frequented many of the pubs these modern students mentioned. Therewasnothing of note in Prince of Wales Rd back then.

[@sallypassmore8748]

A lovely walk in a lovely city. Nice to see Tombland as featured in CJ Sansom's book of the same name. Thank you John (and the gang) for a great walk through Norwich.

[@mariannemoggridge742]

Been my home for nearly a decade. Elm Hill the famous street was omitted, shame you also missed vital information about the Viking history including Fye Bridge and what is buried under The Anglia TV building. One of Norwich's most beautiful secrets is The Plantation Garden as well as our wonderful Parks especially Chaplefield Park and the bandstand. Anglia Square an iconic relic politically bound up and the Brutalist architectural buildings of Norwich. But you can be forgiven, Norwich is so multi-layered, and knee deep in history from all era's oh the Shoe Industry ! I could go on. From my dwelling in one of the old yard sites in the medieval district I bid you farewell, did you see any ghosts ? The Maids Head Hotel ? Oh hang on I 'm still going on- Brilliant film, loved it.

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Your 'native guides' did a wonderful job! A bit of ethnography of student life is a nice addition to your usual mix of content. Love it! Also, the churches are stunners!!

[@philroberts7238]

I agree that the student perspective added an extra dimension. And, yes, the churches are absolutely stunning - as was that Pre-Raphaelite hair! (PS I was very taken by the latest Joolz Guides' tour of Ealing today and suggested, for the second time, that a joint walk from the two of you including history, waterways, performance art, music and pubs would, I feel sure, be very entertaining for all concerned.)

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Norwich! ❤… Centre of the Universe 👌✌️

[@damedavidfrith55]

Nah that’s Ipswich 🎉

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

@@damedavidfrith55 😁

[@emilyr3451]

13:07 "...this is like the Brandenburg Gate of Norwich." I love Oliver's descriptions! 😂

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Emily, Ollie has a great way with words

[@mctasty6094]

Nice to to see the young stars, decorating your video, they remind me of myself 30 years ago.

[@itfc1959]

No Elm Hill? The finest preserved medieval street in England? Pah! But I’m glad your like our beautiful city

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Good lord! We were there, don’t say I didn’t film it?

[@itfc1959]

@@JohnRogersWalks Fraid so, John

[@getuptogetdown918]

I love Norwich. It’s so majestic.

[@MSavageEsq]

Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Lived in Norfolk for six years or so, prior to migrating. Visited Norwich last year to see friends and re-acquaint myself with a wonderful city. It is the one city in this world that I have any particular affection for as I usually prefer the countryside. You showed it well in this film.

[@stuartwray6175]

Respect to Ellie for her contribution to this video. In the late 90's a college friend/acquaintance of mine, from Matlock Derbyshire, went there to study Art History. Aside from the quality of the course, he was drawn to the beauty and history of the place.

[@patsie1888]

Thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Pat

[@leslielutz6140]

This was lovely. Beautiful place. Polite and helpful young people. I love it when you swooned over the "street we're not walking down." LOL. Next time.

[@gparry42]

How nice that was John, much enjoyed and the young people were delightful ! Thankyou.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Gareth

[@JohnLvideos]

What a great video of an interesting city. Shame that you didn't visit Elm Hill as it has so many interesting old buildings , Maybe next time.

[@BarryAllenMagic]

Such an absolutely fascinating City! Many thanks, John - I think that 'she who must be obeyed' and myself have just watched a location to spend a long weekend break in the coming months. Many thanks also to Ollie and the girls and guys who supported this production with their local insight and knowledge. They truly gave it an additional entertaining dimension.

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Mmmm, well, as a traditional Catholic convert, it does feel painful for me when people make fun of Catholicism as in this video sadly and I don't think Olly would dare make fun of Islam to camera as he does about my Catholic faith but I forgive him because I've been there and made fun of Catholicism myself. I'm guilty of that in the past. 😳🙂🙏

[@johnmiller5630]

I'm a big fan of yours John - if only I'd have known you were visiting Norwich I would have come and said hello. I came to Norwich for work 20 years ago and stayed. It's a wonderful place to live and bring up a family. Good to see the 'youngsters' embracing what Norwich has to offer, they did you and the fine city proud with their musings. Even after all the years I'm still in awe of the history and architecture. You covered a lot but there's plenty left for you to discover on the next visit, whenever that may be!

[@janettedewar6617]

When I lived in Norfolk I visited Norwich as often as possible. Great Millenium library. Norwich in Autumn with all the leaves underfoot is beautiful.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Wow - what an amazing place, the streets and buildings are definitely beguiling! I love your guides so much! Agreed, nothing like local knowledge. I feel like I went along on a family day out. Thanks for the video.

[@R4TF4NGS]

A year late but I love this video! Lived in and around Norwich my whole life. Will be 22 this year and only just started to appreciate the beauty of it, the historic streets and corners espescially - even moreso as a film student, it's great! It's such a diverse city; people and buildings; and there's so much to explore. Can't wait for the castle to fully re-open!

[@steveallen1635]

Living in Norfolk, I visit Norwich quite often, it seriously is one of Europe's great cities! It is so overlooked as a UK holiday location! I think you should also read up on and visit Great Yarmouth - walk the route of the medieval Wall and down some of the remaining "Rows"!

[@diddlyempress]

Great to see you made your way to Norwich. May also be worth connecting with the chap from 'Lost Norwich' on here. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of this fine city.

[@kathrynhall4775]

Agreed 😊

[@ianstephens2223]

Got to love a man that can bring us the hidden rivers of London, the back streets of Paris & Berlin and a decent kebab shop in Norwich! 😎

[@MA-hw7nl]

This place is beautiful… I never knew such historical beauty existed!

[@CheapoCardCompany]

Top stuff, John. At 20:28 (on Farmers Avenue) in the background (up & behind the railings) is where John Cleese sat at a table, with a big BBC microphone, to says “And now for something completely different.” for the Monty Python TV series. If there’s a follow-up video at some point, I’d suggest Elm Hill is a ‘must’ (again, in Monty Python’s TV show), with all its Tudor buildings (seen in lots of films & TV shows)... and perhaps the city-wide view from the prison, high up on Mousehold Heath. Last time I visited Anglia TV, the silver knight on horseback, used as the logo, was still on display in reception.

[@michaelwalker6266]

Norwich definitely on the cards to visit sometime.

[@GavinMorris1]

Great to see you in my favourite city. A couple of river things if I may. Yare is pronounced to rhyme with pear - except in the name Yarmouth. The Wensum is a chalk stream and all the rarer for being in the East. Finally you missed out a lovely little walked link between the cathedral and the railway station - if you'd kept going through Cathedral Close you'd have come to the river and the lovely Pull's Ferry building (in which you can sometimes find Girl Guides selling cakes and squash) and a walk to the trains along the bank of the Wensum passing the yacht sttation - èxiting literally through the grounds of the Compleat Angler pub. Lovely video, the kids are alright!

[@ElaineGrout]

Leeds is a good place to visit lots of interesting history…….and a river to delight your interest. Love your filming you do.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great idea Elaine - thanks

[@elainegrout2673]

@@JohnRogersWalks there is a lot of statues new and old bit like a mini london I thought. There is also a old work house. There is an old victoran theater where I suffered a vertigo experience in the cheep seats at the very top I felt I was hanging off Mount Everest. There are also the victorain arcades. Thanks for your reply

[@wadeslea]

The great thing about the Linton Travel Tavern is its situation. It’s equidistant between London and Norwich. That’s the genius of its location. Even though I do hate it and I don’t live here.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

How anyone can say North Norfolk ever again is beyond me

[@heleneburgess7674]

That was a lovely video as per....and fun to walk around with your son and his friends...never been to Norwich, maybe I'll have a visit sometime 😊

[@armaturistas]

Very interesting video, Norwich always will have special place in my heart, because it was first place where I lived first time abroad and it welcomed me nicely. Those narrow old streets will remind me a taste of discovery in my young days.

[@puddinggeek4623]

A great walk around a great city. I work out that way some times and always enjoy a wander. Some of the best pubs in the city are The Fat Cat pubs (The Fat Cat, The Fat Cat & Canary and The Fat Cat Brewery Tap). Keep up the good work.

[@ianmaddams9577]

So many beautiful churches You could spend a week looking around inside them . Lovely walk John 👍🏻

[@elizabethdarley8646]

They'd be packed churches if people loved God as much as He wants them to love Him. God is love. I told that to a Muslim pupil age 16 and it pleasantly blew him away.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ian

[@samuelbutler4973]

​​@@elizabethdarley8646 no thanks, Norwich is the least religious city in the UK and we would much prefer the churches as skate shops and antique markets! (As long as their historic parts are maintained)

[@biffa1234100]

LOVELY tour John I was their age when i enjoyed Norwich (watched the 1st Batman movie there) Im now 10 yrs your senior but I still appreciate both sides o the city.

[@michaelmiller641]

That was great, John, and the students added another aspect to it , some of the best years of their lives, I remember Norwich from the early sixties when my grandparents lived in Norfolk, it wasn't pedestrianised then. I didn't realise what a gem it was and is!

[@davidbutcher5295]

Back in the day, approximately 57 years ago, I can see myself standing on London street waiting for a no.90 bus to take me back to Cringleford. It's difficult to imagine how it got there, but I'm guessing left up Exchange st. and up Gentlemans walk. One thing I can tell you is it certainly didn't go up the 'Back of the Inns' because they're barely 5 yards wide. Heady days

[@kayuk74]

The clip of Lower Goat Lane with nothing but chatter of the locals & the chimes of the church bells was beautiful. You can close your eyes, imagine the street a hundred years ago & beyond, with our ancestors of the day going about their day with the exact same church bells ✌🏻🧡

[@stevebradley704]

From Newcastle but lived in Norwich for a few years in the 90s. I haven't been back so it's nice to see this.

[@kskssxoxskskss2189]

Love the youth perspective! I'm old, but good pubs and good music-- at good prices -- never age.

[@garymcguire8529]

Only been there once, must go back soon.

[@robertyoung9611]

Having lived in East London for 20 years or so, I have always enjoyed your videos in that area and around the Lea Valley. Doubly pleasing to now see you walking around my newly adopted home of Norwich, especially as I was in the Bell and around Castle Quarter this morning. Keep up the good work.

[@robertyoung9611]

​​@@BritbecSmall world, I used to live in Walthamstow, and thank you yes I am enjoying Norwich.

[@kerricalvert3171]

Loved it! The ‘young folk’ were absolutely charming!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kerri

[@TracyPicabia]

I feel terrible now. Been meaning to get to Norwich for about 40 years and still haven't. What a beautiful city. Great ramble. Many thanks once again. Apropos of nothing, could I suggest a videoed pub/church crawl of the lovely old town of Rye? Old pub heaven. No? oh well

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tracy. I’ve been meaning to visit Rye for about 10 years

[@wasATsea]

@@JohnRogersWalks I'm seriously considering moving there

[@richardswinson4381]

The secondhand book shops are fantastic

[@johndixon3631]

I've had Norwich on a list of UK cities to visit for a while, so this video has whetted my appetite - and I know where to grab a kebab too! I think Edith Cavell is buried in the cathedral grounds. Great video John.

[@alexluck4420]

Thank you, John- what gently curious souls you and your crew are. I wonder if you have any idea how soothing your videos are?! All the best!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Alex

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Very interesting student-eyed tour of parts of a beautiful city, which in my very limited experience, is rivalled by London and very few others, in the extent and variety of its historic buildings. Certainly worth another explore, I think.

[@Slycockney]

This struck many a chord with me John as I lived in Norwich for quite a few years, now live 25 miles away on the North Norfolk coast. Norwich is indeed a fine City and well worth visiting, and one of the safest. For people over a certain age Prince of Wales Road is best avoided at night especially at weekends. Definitely one of my favourite Cities in the UK along with York which I'd love you to visit and video. Thanks once again for great content, much appreciated.

[@ashleysgaze]

Tremendous John. It felt very Banhamesque, a mix of both high and low culture! Cheers!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ashley

[@geourgiou]

I went once to Norwich a few years ago on a day trip, really nice place, took the train from Liverpool Street station.

[@CthulhuInc]

ha! that was a lot of fun, john - letting other's noses be your guide, rather than your own! and you got as far as i did with the castle, but that cathedral is a marvel, isn't it? just a short comment today - thanks once again for taking us along! love from canada!

[@junayeduccswash9400]

great to see the subway i manage in your first clip ❤

[@catieoates1726]

What a great walk. Loved the arcade. Used to visit Norwich as my bother was a UEA many moons ago

[@shane19959]

Very enjoyable, John. Brought back happy memories of my time there in the 90's. I would have liked a plug for George Borrow - a luminous figure in the history of great walks. Plus Julian of Norwich too. A unique woman. But I digress; it was wonderful of you to make this vid. All the best.

[@recall2880]

Love Norwich. I even joined their union

[@julieblackstock8650]

I do love Norwich and it has elements that remind me of both Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds if you have been to either of those recently. Lots of Historic buildings, old churches, famous people etc

[@greg9871]

🎉😊 Fantastic place. My son just finished his three years at Norwich University. Also my brother lives there in a place called Hellesdon just 3 miles out 😊 We love it there. 😊 Cheers!😊

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Excellent video, thanks so much to you, family and friends for a great and varied walk full of charm, humour and interest!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Lois

[@rain_down_]

Always a city I've wanted to visit but haven't yet, so thanks for the tour. I've always thought it would be similar to York but without the tourist throng.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I was thinking York might be similar Richie

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Thank you.I will certainly visit Norwich on my next trip to the UK.

[@EricaNernie]

Coming to London in 2 weeks. Will definitely be buying your book.

[@leastone9600]

Norwich cathedral is one of the finest in England, and the city is steeped in history - really nice to see Jarrold's department store is still going! I would love to see you do a walk around Winchester, John, as it's equally beautiful 👌

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great idea Lea - I've been wanting to make a Last Kingdom walk in Winchester

[@davidhumphrey1558]

Norwich is where my surname heirs from. Interesting to see in the church the old resting couple. In Dalston at St. Lukes at Hackney wick rests Lady Lucy Neville Somerset, My 14th great grandmother. Norwich looks beautiful, And I hope we meet one day in London town. Cheers to Ollie and the gang, And good day to you!

[@jamiemorris5177]

A lot of tales of the unexpected was filmed in Norwich Stayed at dunston hall plenty of times Maybe retire out that way

[@davegalvin1322]

Thanks John another great video. Shame you missed Elm Hill in Tomblands and the grim history of Lollards pit pub. Hopefully another Norwich video in the future.

[@minkwells8434]

That was a lovely thing to watch with my cuppa on a Sunday evening. I seriously wouldn't mind living near there.

[@sonicfactory-uk]

This was fantastic, thanks students!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Chris

[@heidismit5261]

John! You lucky so and so. Great people Great Town Great Walk. Love it

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Great video John. Both my daughters studied at the Arts Uni at Norwich. It really is a special city. And dont you miss being young???

[@grimulkin7111]

I've never really stopped and looked at the finer details of my own city before, loved the video mate :)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ah great- many thanks

[@johnstephens649]

Always enjoyed Norwich. So much to the place and so clean. Guess because no major industry in its history?

[@paulsee2037]

Thank you John such a delightful and uplifting film watching it certainly filled my heart with joy, and as your made reference to many watching having connections to Norwich and East London our family included. Can I just add what lovely bunch of young people all credit to them in a time where social media commentators often refer to the young in such disparaging ways.

[@Mouxbar]

I think your lad has his cathedrals mixed up John. He needs the one up the hill, not down 🤣 Glad you finally made it to our fine city!

[@tomgirldouble3249]

It's a great tour, beautiful city, thanks to you all for the grand tour😊❤

[@markriley4665]

Nice to reminisce about Norwich. I visited a number of times in the early 2000’s so many memories brought back. Thank you John.

[@maggiemitchell4359]

Lovely city loved the arcade,thank you.😍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Maggie

[@carolineskipper6976]

Having lived in Norwich while studying at UEA from 19080-84 it was such a pleasure to walk around with you all via this video. So much has changed, but equally so much is still the same!

[@markjones327]

Wonderful thank you John 😊

[@JTTW1455]

What a fun tour. Norwich is very scenic and seems a good place to study. Thank you for inviting your family for another great walk.

[@Andyjzr]

Lived in Norwich for years and learnt so much watching this! Terrific stuff sir.

[@suesands9024]

Aaw, my beautiful home city. Thank you and all your young team. So much more to see, but then your followers need to have something new to find when they come here! 😊

[@AndrewRobinson-b8y]

Lovely to see you’re group of young helpers thanks for an introduction into Norwich. I love the Harley Davidson garage and BBC studios

[@leosmoonfish2849]

Great film as usual John . Just moved up to Sheringham , a small town on the coast about 30 miles north of Norwich . After 33 years in London ,coming down from Glasgow in 1990 ,life has certainly taken on a new pace. Only seen a few streets around Norwich station , so this was really interesting . Thanks.

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Oh, how amazing! Moving to Sheringham ☺️

[@leosmoonfish2849]

Thanks 8 million people to 6 thousand takes a bit of getting used to. Very pretty place , we’re less than 2 mins walk from the beach.Found a three bed detached house for the same price as a 1 bed flat in London. Going to Norwich on Saturday for our first real visit. Cheers.

[@ajc7166]

I have watched a number of you walking tours around London and there you are in my home city.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

and what a great city ajc

[@kevincross9206]

Great walk round, and from a different perspective!

[@Parawingdelta2]

There's been a family connection with Norwich since before the war (WW2). As a boy in the fifties and sixties, I frequently stayed there with relatives. In the mid-sixties we were living at RAF Coltishall just outside Norwich. During that time I studied at Norwich City College before spending the last two years living in Norwich working at FW Woolworths in Rampant Horse St (Now M&S) and finally at Norwich Motors (no longer there) in Recorder Rd near Thorpe Station. I live in Australia now but returned on seven occasions and in the last couple of visits I caught up with some old college friends in some of the many pubs. Great video. Thanks for sharing. Brings back a lot of memories.

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

We are going to Norwich for our wedding anniversary so this was opportune 😀 Cheers Kev

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Have a great honeymoon Kev

[@denismichaeljames]

Adorable city. So desperate to go now, have always heard how beautiful it is. There’s many book shops too perhaps? Lovely seeing your gang and family. As always Great walk. Thanks so much. I visit Durham often and it reminds me of the city.

[@paulhunter6178]

Lovely to see my neck of the woods appear on your channel - and yes, you are right in that I was constantly saying "what about this? / you're going the wrong way!" There are so many parallels you could do with Norwich and your usual walks around London. How about a River walk along the Wensum? There are plenty of old city wall ruins throughout the centre - you could set yourself the challenge to do a circuit of the old city. Not forgetting Timberhall (so close geographically in this video).

[@borntraveller007]

You missed a blue plaque on Prince of wales rd next to the Kwik Fit, the Beetles played at Grosvenor House On Friday, May 17, 1963. Norwich is amazing, there are too many cool places round there for one video👍

[@TheAlienInterview]

Probably my favourite city. I spend a day there every summer. Looking forward to going there again in a few weeks time. Around five years ago, my parents and I got chatting to the manageress of the Trespass shop in Norwich and it turned out she used to live in our hometown of Lewisham, London. Another time, we spoke to two members of staff in Marks & Spencer and one used to live right near us in our part of Lewisham and the other had a daughter living just around the corner from us. We couldn't believe it. We find it strange that when we speak to young people in Norwich, they often say they're planning to movie to London (especially the New Cross part of Lewisham) for some reason. We don't really get it, unless they're planning to study at Goldsmith's University.

[@TomJ79518]

I know I'm a year late to this, but it did make me smile @16.15 when, just as you were saying you'd usually leave all this bit out, you were walking beside Dragon Hall built in 1430. A medieval trading hall and now the National Centre for Writing 😀 Norwich is a beautiful City & I genuinely think one of Britain's best kept secrets

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha, I laughed at that myself when I went to an event at Dragon Hall earlier in the summer

[@paulreynolds976]

Another connection between Norfolk and East London is the Ingleby Family - they owned the Valentines Estate, and have portraits in Valentines Mansion in Gants Hill, and the family were also owners of Sedgford Hall Estate in (West) Norfolk

[@brianbates4514]

Hi just a casual walk with the young ones, it’s nice to see them enjoy life, nice one 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Brian

[@pmckinney1971]

Great video John! One of my distant forebears, the famous Daniel Defoe, wrote in detail about Norwich. In fact, Daniel Defoe's son Benjamin was married in Norwich at the church St Helen in 1718 ... which (if I am right) is still there on Bishopgate to the North of where most of your walk traversed.

[@4thEyeVision]

Norwich is such a great City thank you so much for the tour So many Churchs

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks 4thEyeVision

[@4thEyeVision]

@@JohnRogersWalks Thank you